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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Gallbladder removed still have bouts of pain attacks
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 removed still have bouts of pain attacks
by silversissy, Jul 04, 2009 12:43PM
Dear Kevin Pho,
I had my gallbladder removed mid 2007 and while I was recovering in the hospital bed 12 hours later after surgery, I had a severe upper abdominal pain attack. The nurses gave me a pain shot and set up a morphine machine so that I could inject myself if I felt the pain again. I didn't, but did notice for about two months during my recovery suddle pain off and on through out the day where I would find most relief by bending over. Nothing was ever said to me by the nurses or doctors of that pain attack.
Since then I have had a total of 6 severe upper abdominal attacks radiating into my back. When I feel an attack coming on I guzzle down a tall glass of whole milk and croutch over trying to catch my breath by taking short breaths. The pain lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes and goes away. I don't know if the milk helps me but it's like I wait for the milk to take affect and the pain will leave. Like taking a medication for a headache and wait for the medication to kick in and the headache goes away. I normally do not drink milk accept for a bowl of cereal once a week.
I had GI ultrasound done, but nothing was seen. I now see a homeopathist who wants to do a liver and paneratic enzyme level test within 12 hours of my next attack. I asked him if the milk is helping me and he believes maybe because he says the milk is fatty and fatty opens the sphincter. I do believe I have SOD with no test done for it, and can't see any relief for others who have the ERCP done. The last attack, last Friday, really got my attention that something is wrong that's how I got the information of SOD and your internet website. I thought I was going to have to call 911.It was also my first bout with diarrea (diarrhea) the next day, color normal. I don't have insurance but I also don't want any surgery if at all possible.Could you please give me any information that you might have?
Thank you so much! silversissy
I had my gallbladder removed mid 2007 and while I was recovering in the hospital bed 12 hours later after surgery, I had a severe upper abdominal pain attack. The nurses gave me a pain shot and set up a morphine machine so that I could inject myself if I felt the pain again. I didn't, but did notice for about two months during my recovery suddle pain off and on through out the day where I would find most relief by bending over. Nothing was ever said to me by the nurses or doctors of that pain attack.
Since then I have had a total of 6 severe upper abdominal attacks radiating into my back. When I feel an attack coming on I guzzle down a tall glass of whole milk and croutch over trying to catch my breath by taking short breaths. The pain lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes and goes away. I don't know if the milk helps me but it's like I wait for the milk to take affect and the pain will leave. Like taking a medication for a headache and wait for the medication to kick in and the headache goes away. I normally do not drink milk accept for a bowl of cereal once a week.
I had GI ultrasound done, but nothing was seen. I now see a homeopathist who wants to do a liver and paneratic enzyme level test within 12 hours of my next attack. I asked him if the milk is helping me and he believes maybe because he says the milk is fatty and fatty opens the sphincter. I do believe I have SOD with no test done for it, and can't see any relief for others who have the ERCP done. The last attack, last Friday, really got my attention that something is wrong that's how I got the information of SOD and your internet website. I thought I was going to have to call 911.It was also my first bout with diarrea (diarrhea) the next day, color normal. I don't have insurance but I also don't want any surgery if at all possible.Could you please give me any information that you might have?
Thank you so much! silversissy
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 10, 2009 08:10PM
, Jul 10, 2009 08:10PM
Apologies for the delay in responding, I was on vacation.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is certainly a possibility, and can present itself after gallbladder surgery.
An ERCP with SO manometry would be the test of choice to exclude this possibility.
An MRCP can also be considered to determine if there are any blockages within the biliary tree.
These options can be discussed with your personal GI physician, preferably at a major academic medical center.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is certainly a possibility, and can present itself after gallbladder surgery.
An ERCP with SO manometry would be the test of choice to exclude this possibility.
An MRCP can also be considered to determine if there are any blockages within the biliary tree.
These options can be discussed with your personal GI physician, preferably at a major academic medical center.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd
