Gallstone attack two years after gallbladder out.

I had gallbladder surgery in 11/04 with no major complications.  All symptoms resolved with no resulting problems post-surgery.  On 12/3/06, I had to be rushed to the ER while on vacation for a severe attack identical to all of my pre-surgery gallstone attacks.  After vomiting, the severe pain subsided.  All blood and urine tests came back normal in the ER.  The ER physician said that it could be a stone in the duct, gave me pain meds in case it happened again on the trip, and told me to follow up with my gastro doctor when I returned home.  I have an appt. with him on 2/7/07 even though this was the one and only attack I had.  

However, I am concerned about two symptoms that have been occuring since the attack.  The first is that my lower left leg has been swelling on and off.  On one occasion, it was red, throbbing, hot and VERY much larger than my right leg.  However, most of the time it is just slightly swollen, not hot, slight throbbing, and more worrying than anything.

The other symptom is constant hunger.  Please note that I have had varying states of eating disorder since I was 13, so it is difficult to know what is my ED and what is a biological symptom.  However, this really does feel different.  It feels like a gnawing, burning hunger rather than the mind/taste nagging when I am wanting to binge/purge.  I am, of course, worried that my years of eating disorders are catching up to me.

I am a 31 year old female and have been regularly tested since my gallbladder surgery for diabetes, liver problems, etc. and everything has always come back normal.  I guess I am just very nervous about why this would suddenly happen after two years of nothing and wondering what the leg swelling and the hunger could mean for diagnosis when I go to see my gastroenterologist.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Regarding the leg, you may want to consider a skin infection (cellulitis), or a blood clot.  An ultrasound of the leg can help.

You can have continued RUQ pain even after gallbladder removal.  A gallstone in the bile duct, as well as Sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction can be the cause.

Repeating the abdominal ultrasound can be an initial test.  Further testing can be considered with an MRCP, or an ERCP with SO manometry.

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_

[scaredlily]

Could the extreme hunger be related to the possibilities that you mentioned?