BFW

Dear Harley Rider - I had my gb out by lap in 12/06 for dysfunction / disease - no stones.  I have the same exact horrorible pain and circumstances you do. under rib and through to back.  Sometimes a nagging five on a 1 to 10 scale and sometimes a 9.   I am scared that I have a pancreatitis.  I have had my enzymes tested and everything fine.  On prevacid daily.  Have Levsin - Hycosamine on an as needed basis.  It helps some.  Any alcohol, even socially and in moderation sets me off so I have cut that out.  Coffee or caffiene seems to make it worse.  My surgeon sent me to a GI in Feb of 07.  GI has done nothing other than prescribe the prevacid and levsin.  I am going back to surgeon next week to demand answers.  Wish there was a place we could all talk.  If you know of an online support group let me know.    

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You can consider Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, which can present in patients after a cholecystectomy.  An ERCP can be done with Sphincter of Oddi manometry to rule this out.  

If pancreatitis is a concern, obtaining blood tests to evaluate the amylase and lipase levels can be done, as well as a CT scan to image the pancreas.  

If negative, you can consider an upper endoscopy to evaluate the upper digestive tract for an ulcer or inflammation.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[lizziecee]

There is a support group on this forum. Just go to the top left hand corner of the screen where it says "Related Forums, Medical Communities" and click on Gastroenterology. Some of us have Crohn's, as I do, but a number of posters have gall bladder and/or pancreas problems and may be able to help you.
Liz.