Cholesterolosis or a Strawberry Gallbladder

[Reruho]

Has anyone been diagnosed with a strawberry gallbladder or cholesterolosis? I had my follow up with the surgeon that removed my GB 3 weeks ago.

I got a copy of the biopsy report and found out that I had chronic cholecystitis (chronic infection) and something called cholesterolosis. Cholesterolosis is an abnormal condition, found in about 5% of patients with chronic cholecystitis, in which deposits of cholesterol occur within large macrophages in the submucosa of the gallbladder. This produces a spotty appearance, sometimes referred to as a strawberry gallbladder (red with gold flecks). Cholesterolosis is often associated with gallstones and may be asymptomatic or accompanied by biliary colic. It is not dependent on your cholesterol levels, high cholesterol does not cause this condition.

My gallbladder was described as having gold fleck-like excrescences. (Excrescences are a projection or protuberance, especially an outgrowth from an organ or part of the body. They use a wart as example.)

I am glad it is all over and I feel vindicated. I have been telling them something was wrong for years (almost 23) and no one acted like they really believed me. For 20 years they called it IBS. Then 2+ years ago, after a HIDA scan, the doctors added Biliary dyskinesia to the list. They wouldnot remove the IBS diagnosis.

I have an appointment with the primary next week, the same one that had reservations about sending me to the surgeon.

Reta

[Markcha]

Is this strawberry gallbladder a cancer? what was the risk? need ur answer asap,thanks for the info.

[jasellers]

Angelday,
CHOLESTEROLOSIS/ AUTOIMMUNE ATROPHIC GASTRITIS/ SJOGREN'S/ MALT LYMPHOMA
I am replying to an old post about Cholesterolosis of gall bladder. I recently had my gallbladder removed due to it functioning at 13% and symptoms of pain mid-back starting about 30 minutes eating.
I have long lists of chronic illnesses, but this mid-back pain was not very well explained by the other illnesses. I had an upper GI scope finding that I have rare autoimmune disease of my stomach. Called atrophic gastritis (I have it chronically). (IT IS NOT KNOWN TO CAUSE PAIN). The mucosa lining of my stomach is being attacked by my body. During the biopsy of gallbladder it was found that I have the Cholesterolosis. this too involves the mucosa of the gallbladder. THIS IS WHAT IS BELIEVED TO BE CAUSING MY MID BACK PAIN. This was the most important message I wanted to get out to anyone suffering with unexplained back pain after eating.
In addition to the illnesses listed above...I have also had a biopsy to find out if I have Sjogren's. Another autoimmune disease of the saliva glands (these also have mucosa). I have not received an answer yet about the Sjogren's. I would not doubt that will also come back positive due to symptoms.
While I am not positive all these are related (but pretty sure it is possible) I am cautiously waiting the dreaded words now it has turned into MALT Lymphoma. (Mucosa Associated Lymphoid tissue).
WE will see! Thanks for reading and hope this may help you! Sincerely, jasellers

[angelday]

This is an old post but I too had same diagnoses after gallbladder removal and also suffered for 10 years. All tests prior were normal and I also got the old IBS diagnoses.
My symptoms were not "classic gallbladder attack"
I had mid back pain and rib pain and sometimes chest pain. I never threw up at all.
I researched for years and was convinced it was my gallbladder but try telling that to a doctor when all your tests are normal. I had two HIDA scans, MRI's, CT's, bloodwork, and was sent to a supposed GI specialist for endosopic ultrasound and sludge was found but I was told that was normal too. I was honestly ready to end my life, I couldnt take the suffering anymore.
The specialist said I had visceral hyperalgesia and said to go home and take an antidepressant.
It was so hard to face my family, I felt like they all thought I was nuts.

I was considering taking a whole bottle of Lunesta and just going to sleep. It is no way to live.
For some crazy reason I decided to go to urgent care a few days after the trip to the specialist. Doc said no way sludge was normal, and referred to surgeon for gallbladder removal.
Imagine the tough decision I was faced with, do I believe the specialist or do I believe the urgent care doc.
At appt with surgeon he asked to see paper with sludge mentioned and after that surgery was scheduled on 9/6.2012

Post surgery I feel great, can eat and dont feel the pain. im still sore but surgeon said it is from the years of chronic inflammation and it will take a few to heal from that.

Biopsy report said Chronic cholecystitis and cholesterol polyps
I knew all along what was wrong, just took finding the right doctor to actually listen to me.
If you too are searching for answers I am posting this for you. Do not doubt yourself and dont let doctors make you doubt yourself like I did. Keep pressing for answers. I am so glad I didnt take my life, but Im sure some can relate to the total loss of hope that I felt.

I had tried for years to get help and when I finally saw a specialist I thought I was going to get answers. He only spent 5 mins with me after the procedure and not once asked me any questions about how I hurt or where I hurt or when I hurt. He was very dismissive and didn't seem interested at all in helping me.

Hope this helps anyone searching for answers. If you need more info or help feel free to email me: angelandbrian @ sbcglobal . net

[Reruho]

I forgot to add, they told me to eat a low fat diet after surgery. I went back to my normal food without any problems. 5 days ago I went on a lowfat diet to try and lose some weight and the low fat diet gave me diarrhea. Go figure.

Reta