spherocytosis and gallbladder

  I went to the the HMO Dr 4 years ago when I first
  developed extreme gas, pain, and bloating in
  relationship to the amount of fatty foods that
  I eat.  He said that it could either be fat intolerance
  or gallbladder disease.  Due to the fact that I
  was only 25 he said that I was too young to have
  gallbladder disease and chose the "fat intolerance"
  diagnosis.  I also seem to have a week immune system.  
  I recently had my hormones checked and my DHEA was way way
  too low for my age (29).  From what I have read, low DHEA
  corresponds with low immune system and is an indicator of a
  chronic condition.  I have been suffering from a vaginal
  yeast infection for over a year and most likely digestive
  yeast.  (I have tested negative for HIV and diabetes if
  that is what you are thinking.)  I have found that low
  DHEA can be related to chronic viral or bacterial infections
  but haven't seen anything on it being related to chronic
  yeast infections.
  Hereditary spherocytosis (requiring removal of spleen)
  is heavily in my family.  I was checked at age 2 or
  3 and found to be negative.  My mother has heard that
  spherocytosis can also cause gallbladder problems.
  1.  Is it possible that I had a false negative for this
      at age 2 or 3?
  2.  Is it possible that I have it so mild that I tested
      negative but it can cause me gallbladder problems?
  3.  What kind of problems can spherocytosis cause in
      relationship to the gallbladder? (I know about the spleen.)
  One brother has this extremely severe and had his spleen
  removed at age 5.  Another brother tested "borderline"
  and has no symptoms.  My 1 year old nephew is moderate/severe.
  Thanks,
  Beth
  
_____
Dear Beth,
Spherocytosis is an inherited disorder in whcih the red cells have an abnormal shape leading to shortened survival.  As a consequence of the more rapid breakdown of red cells, patients may have slight anemia and can developp gall stones (bilirubin stones).
If you are concerned that you might have spherocytosis, ask your physician to do the blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Patients can develop gall bladder stones/problems who do not have spherocytosis.  In fact, frequently we see young women have gall bladder symptoms.
This information i spresented for educational purposesonly.  Always ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
8keywords: spherocytosis, gall stones
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