Aftereffects of removal surgery

[DaveCampbe]

I had my gall bladder removed in July of this year after suffering an episode of severe stomach cramping and discomfort  while vacationing in Las Vegas. The doctors told me there was evidence of stone formation in the bladder and that it was not functioning properly (the episode was attributed to fatty buffet meals while vacationing).

Since the surgery, I have recurring problems with acid reflux, occasional dehydration and occasional spells of lethargy and weakness. I am considering taking Prilosec OTC for the acid reflux and am wondering if there is any reason a gall bladder patient should not use the medication.

Also, an odd sympton I had immediately after my stomach episode in July was an odd, almost numb sensation in each of my wrists (feels like I'm wearing a tight watch around them) This wrist sensation occurred immediately after my gall bladder episode but before the surgery and went away several days after it appeared. Two weeks ago, the same wrist sensations returned (more pronounced in the left wrist) and brought with it the lethargic spells and dehydration, and I have had them more often than not ever since. I am wondering if the sensations might be related to the gall bladder surgery, or to bile production or some other change in body chemistry caused by a malfunctioning, then absent, gall bladder, or some other aspect of digestion.
,
Thank you in advance for your reply.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Surgeon has kindly addressed your question in his comments below and I agree with his assessment.

If there is a numb wrist sensation, you may want to consider a referral to a neurologist.  Electrodiagnostic testing can be considered to further evaluate these sensations.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

I'm not sure what you mean by dehydration: was it diagnosed as such by your doctors, or was it a sensation you had. If you truly were dehydrated, then it would not be related to gallbladder unless you have significant diarrhea postop, and aren't taking in enough fluid. The ways one gets dehydrated are related to too little intake compared to loss. If the loss isn't in the gut, then it would likely be the kidney. There are some kidney diseases that could lead to dehydration and mineral loss that could cause lethargy and other sensations -- but the sensations are typically in the fingertips or lips, not the wrist. Such things can be tested by blood tests. These are things you should address with your doctor.