Gallbladder?

[yikes123]

I'm a 31 year old male, 6'2" 170 lbs (skinny), in otherwise good health as of my physical a year ago.

For about 8 weeks now I have been having a lot of rumbling and a feeling of gas in my large intestines, mostly on the right side.  I've been having a lot more frequent bowel movements than usual, sometimes normal in consistency, sometimes "looser," and sometimes small and stringy or diarreah.  I have noticed tiny white dots in my stool every so often, they almost look like grains of salt.  It's hard to tell if there is a pattern to all of this, but a few weeks ago I switched to a much more bland diet and these symptoms seemed to go completely away, but are back now.  At times it has felt as though a gas bubble was slowly moving from my upper right abdomen around and out, following my GI track.  I have not had any pain at all, just discomfort/gassy feeling.  I did some reading on the internet and suspected either gallbladder, or possibly a parasite because sushi/raw fish is one of my favorite foods.  Also, I should note that nearly all of my family members have had their gallbladder or appendix removed.

I went to the doctor about two weeks ago, she pushed and prodded on me with no effect, but said that my symptoms sounded like early gallbladder dysfunction to her.  I am planning on getting an ultrasound and HITA (sp?) scan in the near future.

Now for the questions.  1.  The main question is, do these symptoms sound like gallbladder to you?  Should I persue the gallbladder tests?  Just curious because every report I have heard was one of extreme pain, which I am not having.

2.  What do you think the white dots in my stool are?

3.  The doctor said it would be up to me as to when/if I want to get my gallbladder removed if it turns out to be that.  I'm not in any pain... so the obvious question is, why should I go through surgery?  If this is gallbladder dysfunction, will I eventually start having the "attacks" that others on this forum have described?

4.  Does lathoroscopy leave noticable scars?  Is there anything I can do to minimize the scarring?

Thanks a bunch, I appreciate it!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) The gallbladder can cause these symptoms.  An ultrasound should be done, and I agree with the HIDA scan.  

2) Not sure.  Sending the stool off for analysis and culture can be done to ensure this is not a parasite or other infection.  

3) Surgery is typically considered if the you have bothersome symptoms.  Also, imaging studies can be done to see if there is gallbladder disease in the first place.  After the ultrasound and HIDA scan, a clearer picture can be made as to whether surgery is needed.

4) A laparoscopic procedure would leave some scarring, however significantly less than an open procedure.

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_

[sky101]

I had gallbladder surgery three weeks ago and have persistant pain on the right side that is exacerbated when taking a deep breath.  I cannot sleep on my right side. The nurse says it could take 3 months to heal but everyone I know that has had surgery did not experience these symptoms.  Has anyone else been through this?

[Roger1959]

My wife had surgery on May 4th for GB removal. Also now having pain in upper chest and rib area and upper back that feels very tight when breathing along with a burning sensation. Surgeon said to give it more time since some patients more sensitive than others. Will wait before going for more test to see it is SOd (Sphincter of Oddi). Seems like procedure to correct that issue is just is worse for for women. Let me know what your doctor says.

[AllWoman]

Does sound like the gallbladder, i had the grainy substance also....and it DOES take time to heal, its been 5 wks since my surgery and i can still feel a little discomfort. I had alot of the symptoms youve described, so get that scan done ASAP!!!! then you'll be on your way to recovery...

[jennieja]

Hello Everyone,
Have been reading your comments with great interest. I had Gall Bladder removal last August (keyhole surgery).  Everything went well though contracted MRSA (well it is London). 8 weeks after surgery I had severe pain in stomach area which felt the same as Gall Bladder pain and really bad heartburn.  Had an ultrasound scan which came back OK. Had further episodes whilst waitng to see my consultant. Pain so bad that an ambulance was called on serveral occasions. Each time they arrived I was doing much better. Finally News Years Eve I was taken to casualty (A & E). They said my stomach was going into cramps and gave me Buscopan to ease the pain as regualr pain relief did not releive the symptoms.  Saw consultant who said your stomach mucus lining is missing and thats whats causing the pain.  He gave me PPI's and Buscopan to manage while I waited for camera into stomach to confirm problem.  Just had camera and they found gastritis and duodenitis.  They are testing for H.pylori.  After researching I think its bile reflux.  Have to wait ten days to get results from my G.P.  I think H. Pylori will be negative.  Even with Bucopan and PPI I still get episodes of pain though they are not as intense as before though still very painful.  Have to pant my way through them.  I will let you know the results.

[Harmar]

I had my gall bladder removed May 8 after a hida scan indicated it was not contracting properly.  About 2 weeks after my surgery I began experiencing pain under my ribs, right side.  I am also running to the bathroom more often than I was before the surgery.  Needless to say, I am getting weaker and losing weight.  My boss suggested I look into Celiac disease.  Bingo.  Look it up on the net.  Gall bladder misfunction is a symptom of Celiac.  I have about 10 of the other symptoms of Celiac, which, by the way can be mistaken for a number of other illnesses because the symptoms are varied from person to person.  I have had the blood work done to test for this (takes 3 to 6 weeks for results!! -- don't have them yet) but I'm sure it's what I have.  I have been going to a GI specialist for over 3 years and have been told everything from IBS to stress.  Finally they decided it was my gall bladder.  It is so frustrating to have to diagnose yourself.  And for the record, I wish I had my gall bladder back.  Apparently, once going on a gluten free diet (which is the only cure for Celiac), the gall bladder function will be restored.  Seriously, research Celiac and gall bladder misfunction on the net, it's all there.

[sand1975]

Can anybody shed some light on complications that may follow after the Whipple (unsure of spelling) procedure, for removing a tumour from the pancreas head, has been perfomed? Thanks.