Gallbladder Polyp

  Toward the end of withdrawel from Neurontin taken for post-herpetic neuralgia(max dosage:1500mg, 3xdaily) I began to have diarrhea,accompanied w/nausea&vomitting (5-7x daily), abdominal swelling with pain like I was kicked in the gut plus sharper spasms of pain fm the gallbladder area.  I was first told I had a spastic colon & given Bentyl; then that I had IBS and given Paxil; the anti-depressant was terrible & quit it(nor was that the problem -seemed to be related to Neurontin)Problems continued for 1.5months in spite of meds.,improved diet, Metamucil & plenty of stress reduction techniques. Then, I went to a GI & had an ultrasound & barium enema. Results were slightly thickened gallbladder wall with a small polyp and diverticuli on left side of colon wall.
  It has been three months since 1st symptoms and while I am better, I do get pain a lot in the RUQ and am considering gallbladder surgery.  I don't want to live my life with this type of pain nor do I want to have another spell like before but I am concerned about surgery, though not afraid of it.
  I would appreciate your input on any aspects I should look at that may have been missed.
Dear LisaC,
Your symptoms are not necessarily typical for biliary pain. Gallbladder polyps are usually asymptomatic and are not an indication for surgery. It is important to realize that a number of patients who undergo cholecystectomy have recurrent pain several months after surgery. This is especially true in patients who do not have gallstones with evidence of biliary obstruction or pancreatitis, or in patients without cholecystitis. Diarrhea is not usually a sign of gallbladder disease. You mentioned some thickening of the gallbladder wall. This may be a non-specific finding or a sign of gallbladder inflammation or liver disease. You may benefit from a HIDA scan to look for cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)or a CT scan to evaluate the area more thoroughly. You did not mention whether you have blood tests for liver enzymes. Furthermore, it may also be important to exclude other colonic causes for your pain such as inflammatory bowel disease or infection and acid peptic esophageal and stomach disorders. I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
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