Diarrhea after eating, cramps if not eating, all following a gallbadder removal

[lifesnoteasy]

Three years ago, after having my first child, I developed gallbladder problems and had to have it removed. But ever since, I get bad cramps if I don't eat and become too hungery and soon after, when I do eat, I have diarrhea. The doctor did not make me aware of this side effect. At this time , I don't have any medical insurance, and don't know what to do. It is a big problem, espically when I go out to dinner, or over somebody house. Is this common. What can I do about it.

[Christopher R Watters, MD]

This is thought to result from bile being delivered to an empty GI tract. The bile salts are the components of bile that irritate the colon in particular and increase the rate that the colon pushes stuff through. This leads to secretory diarrhea. Generally, the best treatment has been cholestyramine and fiber. The cholestyramine is a resin that the bile salts stick to somthey can't irritate the intestine. In your situation, this could be used on an "as needed" basis when the problem flairs.

[CalGal]

Idd, have you had any tests run that resulted in your doc saying nothing is wrong? Have you tried following a low fat diet to see if that helps? Many find it does even if it's started months to years later. What have you tried on your own? Is the cramping mostly abdominal, or?

[ldd1960]

I had my gallbladder removed 2.5 years ago, and now i'm experiencing diarrhea and cramps.  This comes and goes -- my doctor says nothing is wrong, but  I fill something is not right.  The diarrhea comes for about two weeks and then goes away for a few months and then comes back.  Any suggestions on how to deal with this.

[AndrewNYC]

I got on the website by accident and I'm GLAD I did!!!!
I had NO idea that the pain and (loose bowel movement) was from my gall bladder removal!!! The pains I get in the morning if I do not eat are excruciating! It felt like I was getting punched in the solaplex area.
Diarrhea after eating if I do not eat within 15 minutes of getting up in the morning. I thought it was just a weird body function of mine.
Thanks for the information. WOW

[LINDA FAIRCHILD]

hello, i had my gallbladder removed in feb 1987 , after i finished chemo for breat cancer, i had ultrasounds which shows nothing and it was a hyda scan that revealed i did not have stones,i had a diseased gallbaldder.
i was not told of the side effects. i thought i was going to be veyr normal, ad i was up workingout with richards simmons a week later.
what a shock, its been almost 10 yrs. and it gets no better. i had a colonoscopy about month agoand it was ok. i have a egd sceduled for dec 26. they had me on cholestramine powder and it was not working, but they have placed me on whelchol a pill and it is a miracle.
i have had abdominal suregies and im just not so sure that adhesions are not my problem. its getting someone to listen to me. the pain is getting worse. at time sim unable to control the bowels.  how do they check for these adhesions?
i am going to talk with the dr. he is very nice and has great bedside manners. i hate all of you have this same problem, but im glad im not alone. thanks for listening,linda f.

[mermaid26]

Do you take any fiber supplements.  I have read this is supposed to help.  My mother had the diarrhea problem after gallbladder surgery and took prescription Questran (?spelling) powder for years to bulk up her stools.  I believe she no longer has to take it.  Check out www.indiana.edu/~engs/hints/oddi.html for diet recommendations.

[mermaid26]

The antispasmodic I take is Hyoscyamine (generic), Brandname Nulev.  I read your other post about adhesions.  I believe this is a big part of my problem too.  The surgeon who took out my gallbladder doesn't believe in adhesion pain.  Prior to surgery I felt pain under rib bending forward and had to sit reclining to be comfortable.  When he did surgery he found "massive adhesions" surrounding my liver and had to have another surgeon assist him with removal.  He asked my husband if I had been in car wreck or somthing.  My husband and I both told him I had peritonitis with a ruptured teratoma on my ovary eight years ago.  Two c-section as well.  He still never acknowledged this as my records from him read "massive adhesions, etiology unknown."  Needless to say my opinion of him isn't all that warm and fuzzy.  You suffering sounds much greater than mine and I hope and pray you find the right doctor.  Do you have a teaching hospital on your insurance plan?  My family doctor/internist who also lives 3 doors from me told me my sphincter of oddi was taken out with my gallbladder.  I told him I don't think so.  He checked and apologized to me before I left the office.  My husband's brother is a PA & SA and he said go right to a teaching hospital where they see this more often.
I'll let you know what happens.  Many have knowledge, few have wisdom.  Keep up your persistence and thank you for sharing your wisdom.

[semmaf]

I,too, eat nothing but low-fat foods. I can't even eat raw vegetables or fruits or anything spicy. My pain begins in the right side, but it radiates throughout my whole abdomen. It takes my breathe, as if everything is swelling and pushing up on my lungs. Also, the last CBC I had showed elevated WBC. I have called four gastros this morning and all of them say Sphincter of What?. When my pain starts I usually end up walking the floor until it stops. This makes for one tired puppy! My doctor prescribed Loratabs, but after taking one or two they seem to make the pain worse and then I sure can't sleep. I think if we could give them our pain for a week they would be SO much more understanding. Wouldn't that be great? I hope that Emery Hospital will be able to help you. Come back and post and let me know what happens.

[mermaid26]

I had my gallbladder out in June 06, due to poor function score of 20 on Hidascan w/CCK test.  I continue to have "spasms' right and left sided.  I have been eating very low fat which has helped a little but the antispasmodic I take before meals doesn't take away "that feeling" that comes when my abdomen swells, etc...  I'm curious if you ever feel pain left side/ pancreas region.  I believe I had a minor attack of pancreatitis over a month ago but I waited til my appt. with gastro to tell him about it.  Of course the blood tests only showed slight elevation.  I share your frustation with having to articulate the pain without tangible test results.  My gastro suggests possible IBS with me and this infuriates me.  My "gut feeling" is SOD and even if it's Type 111, I'd like a doctor who is knowledgeable and compassionate.  I have an appointment Oct 26th with the head Gastro at Emory teaching hospital and I'm praying he is the one who can ease my frustration.  I'm curious how you manage your discomfort.

[semmaf]

I, too, have had the same issue following a gallbladder removal. I have had every test except an ERCP with Sphinter of Oddi manometry. It is very hard to get a doctor to understand just how much pain is involved and they act like you are faking the pain when nothing shows up on routine tests. You just have to keep pushing them. If you do not have insurance, go to your local Family and Children's Service and apply for Medicaid. There are income limits, but if you qualify it will allow you to get the help you need. Good luck! I hope you find an understanding doctor, they are hard to find.