Pain 5 yrs after gallbladder surgery

[AndreaLaroche]

I had my gallbladder out approximately 5 years ago.  I also had a large stone blocking my bile duct which had to be removed prior to my gall bladder being removed.  The past month, I have been experiencing slight bloating and pain/tenderness right at the exact site of where my gallbladder was removed. There is a half inch incision on my upper chest in the center between my breast bones.  I have been experiencing heartburn frequently again, and the urge to "burp" to feel relief from the pressure that is building.  (Almost exactly as before I had to have my gallbladder out).  It appears everyone on this website has had months of suffering, with either pancreatic problems, bile duct problems from having their gallbladder out.  I am scared and do not want to self diagnose, but I want to be sure that my new dr does not put me through tons of unecessary testing, since my insurance does not cover a lot of testing in full.  It is sad that I cannot afford to go for tests I may need due to my out of pocket costs.  Can someone help explain why it is almost as if I am having the beginning stages of when I first fell ill with gallbladder problems.  No where as painful, but enough to cause concern...

[restless23]

I had my gallbladder out in 1997, but did not have real trouble until 2008. You need to have a Comprehensive Metabolic test done. This is a blood test. It will tell you what elevated levels you have. The Bilirubin is what is most important I believe. Make sure you call around to different labs to see if they accept your insurance. I found that my doctor charges more than a lab. The lab accepted my insurance and all I paid was $25.00 It is worth checking into. I would start with the lab tests first, you can rule out alot. I hope you can find some answers soon. Good luck to you.

[michell221]

It may be spincter of oddi dysfunction and this test is one they may consider but it does carry a risk or pancreitis.