Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Gallbladder Concern
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Gallbladder Concern
by bswarts, Aug 22, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 34 year old male and have been experiencing spasms under my sternum towards the right side for 3-4 months on and off. Pain is moderate to minimal but more of a nuisance. Recently it has begun to radiate to the back right side shoulder blade. To date I have had an ultrasound of my gallblader (negative for stones), endoscope which showed mild hiatal hernia otherwise normal findings (biopsy was normal and negative for H pylori). I am scheduled to have a HIDA scan w/CCK later this week. My question is how long can you live with a dysfunctional gallbladder? My primary care physician suspects sludge or dysfunctional gallbladder. Is this a life-threatening condition? Are there certain symptoms which warrant immediate action? My stools appear to be normal in color and I do not have any signs of jaundice. All other blood tests have come back normal for liver and pancreatic function. Is there a special diet I should follow until I can confirm the gallbladder dysfunction? Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Aug 23, 2006 12:00AM
, Aug 23, 2006 12:00AM
Normally, a dysfuncational gallbladder without the evidence of stones is not a life-threatening condition. There are some small studies that suggest that removing the gallbladder can help with the discomfort in cases of low-gallbladder ejection fractions.
If the tests continue to be negative, more specialized testing can be considered. This can include a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan. An MRCP can be considered to evaluate the biliary ducts.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
If the tests continue to be negative, more specialized testing can be considered. This can include a 24-hr pH study or gastric emptying scan. An MRCP can be considered to evaluate the biliary ducts.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments (1)
by happy7_75, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
I was wondering does ultra sound of gallbladder show if your gallbladder is produsing to much bile.My test showed to be good as far as liver check and pancreas check but still having yellow stool that burns like acid.Doc said it was gallbladder making to much acid so if the ultrasound that the er done looked good how do they know i have to much bile from gallbladder?
by happy7_75, Aug 26, 2006 12:00AM
I also for got to mention I have been taking nexium for 1 year now and when I eat with in 15 mins my stomach starts burning,and i start having cramps and gas and then burning stool that is yellow .The doc put me on cholestramine powder it is suppose to help with to much bile,then she put me on sucralfate 4 times a day to help coat my stomach.
