Could I have sphincter of oddi dysfunction?

I had my gallbladder removed over 10 years ago.  I still have severe pains in my stomach, which feel just like a gallbladder attack.  I read an article in my local newspaper about sphincter oddi dysfuntion.  I have had several tests done and have been told there is nothing wrong.  My doctor more or less told me that its all in my head.  When I have an attack it lasts for hours, the pain is unbearable.  However over the last few years I discovered that if I dont get hungry my stomach doesnt hurt, but if I wait to long to eat or drink milk there is no stopping the pain.  It starts for feel better when I vomit.  Is it possible that I could have this?  It makes life very difficult, especially when I have to eat as soon as I feel it starting and sometimes thats just not possible.

[CalGal]

Have you had an MRCP done? And were your liver and pancreatic enzyme levels measured WHILE you were having pain? If it's done more than 24 hours afterward, the results could be incorrect.

It's possible that it could be SOD, but the only definitive way to tell is via and ERCP with manometry.

[caper87]

Hi There, i read your post and have found very similar sympotoms formyself i had my gallbladder removed about 7years ago when i was only 15,and shortly after i still felt like i was having attacks (some people would say it was phantom pains) however still after 7years i ahve them if i dont eat if my stomach starts feeling empty i kno im in for an attack it starts off mild but becomes worse quite quickly and i find myself becoming tired and weak and starting to hunch over and pain starts radiating all over (through my back adn shoulders etc... the one thing i have found to relieve it quickly if i can get to it is COOLD WATER,(weird) i will even race to a water cooler or wherever to chug down a glass of cold water and then i will sit and relax for a few mins to let the pain subside(which usually happens quickly) and get my energy back... then its usally time to eat something whether its jsut a granola bar, or water i have on hand to get something into my stomach until lunch so my stomac is not empty.. just an idea, i know it may not work for everyone, hope it helps!!

[penny277]

I had my gallbladder removed in 2008. Since then I am still having unbearable pain in my rib cage radiating to my back. Also pain just below the rib cage. I've had CT scan, MRI and a liver panel done along with numerous other tests. The pain is stil there everyday and I am now scheduled for a ultrasound of my liver and SOD. Sometimes it feels like there is a tennis ball wedged up in my chest, having so much pain and pressure, I can't believe all the people having the same problem and having to go years without relief. I'm hoping they find something soon. I am not enjoying life, just existing.

[trice125]

I had sphincter of oddi disfunction and they were able to fix it using tools during an ERCP. Having an ERCP is my suggestion to you as it is the only way you will know for sure what is going on.

[Van2010]

Hi, what were your symptoms before ERCP and were they relieved after the procedure?