Post Gall Bladder Surgery issues

[nervousva]

Hi, I am a 40 year old male that has had my gall bladder removed 1 week ago today via laproscopy.  Initially recovery went ok, and by the 4th day i was feeling well enough to do things outside.  I kept to a mild soft diet of toast, scrambled eggs, yogurt, crackers, and the cottage cheese primarily.  2 days ago, my symptoms started to worsen.  I had been on hydrocodone for the pain right after the surgery, but weaned myself off that a couple of days ago.  My real problem and questions are twofold:

1) i am having severe panic attacks and anxiety.  I haven't had those in about 5 years since i was diagonsed with panic disorder and have been taking Paxil ever since.  4 weeks ago, when i first started having biliary colic due to some high fat meals (one of which forced me to have a CT scan which discovered the gall bladder issue), i noticed that i would have an attack, but it would fade once the pain stopped (after a few hours).  Now they are fairly constant and terrible.  My doctor increased my Paxil dose from 10mg to 20mg daily 4 weeks ago when i first noticed the short attacks.  Now they are worse.  I went to the doctor today and had my dose increased to 30mg of Paxil.  I have also been taking Xanax to help calm down, and that helps a little, but this condition is really disabling, and has gotten worse the last two days.  Q: Have there been instances of PCS that actually cause panic disorder to reappear or intensify?  Could this be activated by the Vagus nerve being irritated post surgery by the left over gas, etc...?  Am i on the right course by increasing my Paxil to address this?  

2) since my gall bladder removal, i have felt bloated, have a lack of appetite (lost 25 lbs since initial symptoms 4 wks ago), diarreha is bad, and gas feels like it is everywhere in my belly.  I take Prevacid (30mg) and have for last 2 months, no effect for this though. Q: what could be causing these intense gas/bloating/fullness/diareaha feelings?  Doctors says i should wait another week, but my stomach feels so tender, i am concerned. Could this be Gastroparsis?  Pancreatis? or another PCS issue like Sphinter of Oddi Disfunction?  Or an Enzyme issue that is causing my system to not digest right?

additional data:

A) My doctor, when she initially discovered the CT scan showed mild swelling of the gall bladder and some fluid around it, had me take flagil and cipro for about 10 days while my gall bladder surgery was scheduled (that took three weeks to schedule, and other than watching my food, was ok during that period).

B) My surgeon indicated that my gall bladder was 2x normal, and while no stones, had lots of cholesterol cyrstal 'sludge'.

B) I am seeing my surgeon tommorrow for a follow up, and want to be prepared to have him address my questions.  What else should i ask about?

Please help me.  I am switching jobs next week, and need to get my body back to normal!  THANK YOU!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
By PCS, I am assuming you are talking about post-cholecystectomy syndrome.

1) Althought possible, I am not aware of PCS directly leading to anxiety or panic disorders.  If the symptoms are due to anxiety, increasing the Paxil is not an unreasonable option.  Note that the increased dose may take several weeks to take effect.

2) Being only one week post-op, you may want to discuss with your surgeon whether these symptoms are associated with the surgery.  If they continue, an ultrasound can be considered to evaluate for any bile duct leak.  Chronic symptoms may warrant further evaluation into Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction - which can manifest with greater frequency post-cholecystectomy.  An upper endoscopy can also be considered if the symptoms continue.

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_

[nervousva]

Thanks doctor.  I'll be seeing my surgeon today and inquire.

So, you think that Gastroparesis or Pancreatis are likely not causing the systems in #2 above?  would i feel other things if that were the case?

[SnowToad]

God, I am so glad to know that this isn't just me!!!
I am just barely 2 weeks post-op and having a horrible time with pain and diarrhea within minutes of a meal in addition to making several bathroom runs throughout the course of a day (and night).  I don't leave the house as when I'm hit with a 'screaming urge' to use the bathroom, it doesn't leave me time to hunt one down.  I have yet to find the right diet for me as everything runs right through me.
My post-op appointment was yesterday.  I was crying in my doctor's exam room.  I was so embarrassed telling him that I had 'soiled' myself on multiple occasions since surgery.  I cannot recall having ever been so humiliated.  My doctor seems to be very empathetic.  He suggested taking Metamucil or Citricel (or any other type of fiber supplement) twice a day as well as taking Immodium in the morning, before each meal and one at night, but cautioned me not to take more than 8 tablets daily.  I'll see him again in 2 weeks (unless it worsens) to follow up on this treatment.  If I'm still having problems, he said there are prescription meds he could give me at that time.
He also decided not to release me to go back to work for another 2 weeks (I am utilizing the FMLA).  I am so very fearful of soiling myself at work and the pain nearly doubles me over.  I am grateful for my doctor's decision, however, I feel my employer is giving me a hard time and questions the necessity for this extended recovery period.  I feel badly enough with the pain and diarrhea and leaving my co-workers left doing my work, and now I feel as though I have to justify this extended recovery to my employer.  Have any of you had this issue come up and how have you handled it?

Thanks!
Andrea

[sabrinalynn23]

I am a 27 year old female who started having abdominal pains during my last pregnancy almost 1 year ago.  My obgyn performed a sonogram that showed I had some mild sludge build up and to followup after my pregnancy.  Two months ago I started having severe abdominal pain that literally took my breath away.  It was so bad that I thought I was having a heart attack despite my young age and went to the ER.  There they told me that I had developed gallstones and that I had a high white blood count that showed signs of infection.  They also noticed I had an elevated liver count that they said could be caused from the infection.  I was put on an antibiotic and scheduled surgery (laproscopic chol) 6 wks later.

My surgery was exactly one week ago.  Recovery wasn't that bad, despite the soreness and fatigue that I knew would be a part of the recovery.  My diet consisted of the foods I loved (cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, even tacos) because I experienced no ill effects of consuming them.  Last night about 2 hours after having 1/2 a cup of spaghetti and 2 bites of a hot dog I started to get the SAME pain that landed me in the ER prior to my surgery.  I took the last vicadin I had and the pain was dulled for only 40 minutes when it came back full strength!  More severe than any pain I have EVER had .. and being a mother of two (one labor 21 hours.. the other 7 hours) with no pain meds... I KNOW what pain is!  Only 20 minutes after entering the ER my pain all of a sudden disappeared.  The ER dr. ran some blood work (which all came back fine) and summed it up as either me eating the wrong thing.. or a post surgery pain.  Today I saw the dr. who performed my surgery who told me that I may have had a gallstone still lodged in my bile duct and that it prolly passed which is why my pain just disappeared.  He did add however.. that although possible.. my bloodwork and the fact that the pain had not been persistent since the operation.. that it is unlikely.  He told me to grab a bottle of tums and hope for the best.. that he would see me in another week to run more bloodwork and hope that everything comes back good again.  I asked him "meanwhile, if this pain returns what am I to do??? I can not deal with that pain!  I am scared to eat anything"  He told me to wait it out!  ???? WHAT??? He also noted to me today that I had an elevated blood count on my liver (showing signs of distress) but added that it was most likely due to the surgery and should be okay in a few more days... UNTIL I mentioned that I had an elevated level BEFORE my surgery as well.  He looked a little puzzled.. turned around  to read my chart for a few minutes before changing the subject and never mentioning it again! All day today I have felt nautious and have this sore burning pain in and around my belly.  I tried eating a 1/2 a turkey sub today  and it went right through me like everything does.  I have to use the toilet at least every 1/2 hour and experience all the symptoms usually associated with diarrhea (gas, cramping, naseau, hot flashes, cold sweats..etc)  It IS NOT FUN!  

It is VERY depressing to me that these side effects, possible complications, etc weren't even bothered to be mentioned to me by my dr.  I REALLY wish I wouldve seen this post before I had the operation.  I have read that your liver actually swells in size to make up for the bile that your gall bladder once produced.  I am scared that my already "distressed" liver is going to be even more distressed!  Also, they claim we don't need our gall bladder.. I say that yeah.. most "older" patients prolly dont because they only need to survive on their liver working over time for their remainder of their lives.  I am younger and feel that my liver will not last the years I tend to live with it having to make up for a lost gall bladder.. that I truly believe wasn't the problem to begin with.  If it were, why did I experience the same.. only stronger pain only one week post op.  

Sorry so long.

[scrunchie]

Hi there,
I had my infected gall bladder removed last week. A few months ago, I had been very ill and hospitalised. Ten months after diagnosis, I was allowed surgery with the NHS in England U.K.
The largest stone was the size of a tennis ball and therefore key hole surgery could not be performed.
I now have a scar running from the centre of my chest, curving down to my lower right rib. Above the scar, I have normal sensation when touching the skin, however, below the scar is numb and this numbness continues down towards my navel, gradually increasing to normal sensitivity.

I am perplexed by this as it feels all wrong and quite uncomfortable. Do you think the surgeon has severed nerve endings during the cutting of my skin, or is this normal after surgery?

Also, now, I have no sensation of hunger but every single thing I do try to drink or eat, I find myself having to burp several times, afterwards.
For example, this morning for breakfast I ate a plain fresh banana and I burped at least 4 times, then after that I had a cup of coffee and I started burping again. 3 hours later I am still burping and havent had anything else to eat since.

I have never had to burp anything like this before in my life. I realise, that now life without my gall bladder will be a little bit different, but really did not expect to feel this constant sensation of burpy gas feeling in my stomach, nor a numb skin under my scar.
Is there any hope of all this gradually going away or will I have to just put up with it forever?
I am quite down about it, to be honest.
Scrunchie

[nervousva]

Guys,

thanks for the responses.  I feel for all of you, and truly understand the frustration you are having.

Since i posted my initial response, i saw the surgeon who assured me that NOTHING was wrong with the operation, and if i were having any of the items i mentioned in my initial response (ie, pancreatis, bile duct leak, etc...) that i would have checked myself into the ER the pain would have been so bad.  He thinks that the surgery could have an effect on my panic disorder situation, but i should see my internist for that.  This is very frustrating.  I have continued to stay on a diet of soft/liquid foods (ensure, yogurt, etc...) and have found my apetite has all but disappeared.  There are times when i feel ok, actually almost normal, then a panic attack will grip me, and my guts go back to feeling awful.

The conclusion i am reaching on my own is this:

a) the surgery, despite being 'just' a laproscopic surgery is still a major thing.  Going under, having an organ removed, and being cut in 4 places is a significant trauma to your system.

b) the trauma, in my case, has kicked my panic disorder back into effect.  I am hopeful the increased Paxil dose (now to 30mg/day) will bring my aniety/panic attacks into check.

c) Surgeons conducting this operation, need to do a much better job of looking at your history, and explaining what possibilities exist, and actually realize that many patients are going to take a longer time to heal.  Sure some folks might be up and around in 4 days, back at working eating what they used to, etc..., but everyone is different.

d) on that last point: I am gathering that 2-3 weeks, possibly more, is something that the doctors should help their patients understand is actually a better 'recovery' period, particularly for the adjustment of your stomach, liver, pancreas, and intestines to work again now that your gall bladder is gone.  I have cramping, bloating, and gas that continues and moves around in my guts.  I think this is all due to my system recouperating and learning how to digest properly again.

e) I have taken an extra week off (next week) and delayed the start of my new job.  They tried to convince me to start on Monday, and just take some time where i needed to, but i pushed back and said, i just can't given my condition.

Bottom line:  Push your doctors to get you answers!  Understand that the 1 week rule of thumb for recovery is bullshit, and that people are different and need different recovery periods.

I am scared, but determined to beat this, and hope you all take heart in trusting that you are all going to get well once you reach the answers you need.

god bless,

Erik

[Lookingforamiracle]

11years ago, I too had my gallbladder removed...and then out of the blue almost 2 years ago I suffered the most hideous pain(as I still do)My first year of this was in 2004, and I would have attacks almost daily.  I thought it was a gallbladder attack, pain in the middle of my shoulders, felt as if someone had punched my in the sternum area. Stomach feels as though it just stops, closes up. Major burping, and extremities (hands and feet) go ice cold. The pain has been so severe that I have actually fainted. I know when the attack is ending, because the left side of my stomach will start to gurgle, and then ALOT of gas follows.  Life stops as we know it. I have had every test done, as it sounds you all have done too. To no avail. My doctor has even had the nerve to say "are you sure it's the same pain?????"ugh!(when I was on a trip this Christmas with no pain meds avail!!!!) I have discovered 3 other people that I personally know that have all had their gallbladder removed years ago, now suffer the same symtoms as I. And we all get the same response from our Doctors..."duh, don't know, don't care"!!!!! I have discovered that we all have foods that will trigger the attacks as well as stress. (lasting anywhere from 1 hour to many hours and then exhausted for the rest of the day).I totally understand the Panic attack feeling, cause it's totally the fear of an attack happening.  I will even have an attack if I bend over to pick things up or exercise! The only thing that I have found to help is an antispasm pill and major pain pills and a heating pad.  I lay down, if I can, asap. My poor family has suffered right along with me, for I'm the momma, and I have more homemade get well cards than any mother would care to keep. I even have a friend who has had exploratory surgery to no avail.  Something no doctor has mentioned yet to me (until last week when I went to a new Chiropractor) he said "I'm just drawing at straws, but what about the Vagus Nerve?" More leads from that comment then 2 years of Medical nonsense!!!! Anyone have similar pain? After an attack my stomach is soooo tender. Also, with my last pregnancy  I suffered a thing called PUPPPS Disease. It is completely a mysterious disease as well, but I believe it has to do with the liver malfunctioning. I just wonder if there is any corralation? Please email me if you want to share info, I am trying to compile statistics, there has to be a common thread.  ***@****

[nervousva]

Thanks for the email.  I feel horrible for you, and can relate even though i have only been suffering for about 2 weeks now.

You mentioned a stomach relaxor, and i am wondering if it is NuLev.  After my ER visit on Sunday, i went to my Gastro guy and explained to him what was happening.  He looked at the bloodwork and X-rays they took during my ER visit, and concluded that this was not an 'organic' problem (ie, not pancreatitis, bile duct leak, etc...), but rather he thought a 'functional' issue.  I was told there is about 25 feet of stuff between your esophagus and your rectum and that different parts are spasming and different times, but consistently.  He thinks that my PCS is a result of my body trying to get back in sync.  He perscribed the NuLev, which you absorb under your tongue.  I have found that it has helped some with the heaving cramping and bloating, but is no panacea.

Lastly my other doctor perscribed my Trazodone, to take at night.  This might help as well.

I hope this info helps folks you might be reading.  I would definitely recommend asking your doctor about the NuLev.  You can take a bunch during the day, and apparently it is a common drug now for IBS.  Again, its not perfect, but every bit helps in my opinion.

BTW, i have noticed that my panic and anxiety attacks are occurring mostly in the AM, and tend to ease up a bit by 1 or 2pm.  I think there is a correlation between lingering General Anethesia and waking up in general.  I am convinced that if you are prone to panic attacks, that General Anethesia does something to kick it back in gear, and that waking up in the AM produces a flashback effect to surgery.  Just a theory of mine based on my experience....

god bless,

[helpren]

Try Cholestyramine for your post-cholecystectomy bowel issues.  Here is a website and some info on the drug:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202137.html

The drug has been very successful in cases such as yours.  I work with a research medical professional who researched medications after she experienced severe, uncontrollable diarrhea following her gall bladder removal.  Her doctors were of no help and the medications they were trying gave minimal relief. She has been on it for more than a decade and swears by it.

[Lookingforamiracle]

Thanks for your insight...the relaxor that I take (under the tongue as well is,Hyoscyamine.125 mg. I usually take 2 at a time.  Also..for the pain...Hydroco/APAP 5-500M. I have no idea what all of that means. Anyway, as for foods that trigger mine, eggs and apples!!! (so far) My folks came for a visit this weekend, (my dad has suffered as well, his gallbladder was removed about 8 years ago) anyway, he had an attack too, this weekend...his is triggered by dairy.  What a weird problem. Anyway, the more I find out about this Nerve, I will share with you all.

[helpren]

Your panic attacks came to mind when I read the following web site that I came across while researching my daughter's symptoms: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec13/ch164/ch164f.html

Here is an excerpt:
The most prominent symptom of a pheochromocytoma is high blood pressure, which may be very severe. Other symptoms include a fast and pounding heart rate, excessive sweating, light-headedness when standing, rapid breathing, cold and clammy skin, severe headaches, chest and stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, tingling fingers, constipation, and an odd sense of impending doom. When these symptoms appear suddenly and forcefully, they can feel like a panic attack. In half of the people, symptoms come and go, sometimes triggered by pressure on the tumor, massage, drugs (especially anesthesia and beta-blocking drugs), emotional trauma, and, on rare occasions, the simple act of urination. However, many people may have these symptoms as manifestations of an anxiety state, not a glandular disorder.

Diagnosis

A doctor may not suspect a pheochromocytoma, because almost half of the people have no symptoms other than persistent high blood pressure. However, when high blood pressure occurs in a young person, comes and goes, or accompanies other symptoms of pheochromocytoma, the doctor may request certain laboratory tests. For example, the level of certain catecholamines may be measured in blood or urine samples. Because of high blood pressure and other symptoms, a doctor may prescribe a beta-blocker before knowing that the cause is a pheochromocytoma. Beta-blockers can make high blood pressure worse in people with pheochromocytoma. This paradoxical reaction often makes the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma clear.

[Lookingforamiracle]

thank you too, for your input.  These attacks are so similar to gallbladder attacks, except after the attack, there is tremendous gas.  The anxiety of not knowing when the next attack will strike is sometimes overwhelming. I do believe that this web site may be an answer to some of my prayers...if nothing else, to realize I am not alone in my very lonely sickness.

[wildflower4ever1961]

I had my gallbladder removed (laproscopic (sp?)) several years ago. My experience:

There was NO pain whatsuever. I went right back to work the very next week ... and I had a job where I had to move around a lot. Actually, I remember telling a co-worker that the most pain I had experienced was when I removed the bandage that had stuck to my skin! There was no tenderness - - not even from day one. The incisions healed very quickly.

Now, as to the bowel problems and weight gain issues ... WHEW! I have never visited the bathroom so much inmy life! To this day ... 6 years later, I have to RUN RUN RUN to the bathroom with diarhhea every morning immediately after I take my first sip/bite of anything ... water, tea, toast, it don't matter: it comes out faster than it went in! My stomach cramps severely whenever I eat or drink anything. This continues until about 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon ... at which time I am free to eat or drink whatever I like (which is good, because I can pour down some spicy stuff!) In the evenings, I seem to have a cast iron stomach! Weird, huh???

I have been gaining weight since I had the surgery. I am now at somewhere around 230-240. What's really strange is that because of the diarrhea, I hardly eat a thing. My stomach has shrunk to the point where a kids burger fills me to the point where I feel like I will explode. I hardly consume any calories every day... but I am blowing up like a whale! I have never been able to get a doctor to listen to me ... I don't think they believe I hardly eat, even when my husband tells them! I have gotten to where I have no energy whatsoever and do not even feel like taking a short walk, much less excercise! I started out a size 10 at surgery, now I am a 20!

Some people may not think this gallbladder surgery is to blame, but through the years I haved met several women who have had the same exact problems as me. Both the diarrhea and the wieght. To be exact, I personaly know four other women who had the surgery, and three of them are just like me. Coincidence? Maybe, but I don't think so. I just wish I could get a doctor to listen/help!

Teresa

[helpren]

With all of the research that I've done on post-cholecystectomy issues for my 12-year old, I haven't come across weight gain yet, but it isn't surprising that the medical community would blame the patient for that. If I do find something, I'll post.  Your weight and fatigue issues sound like hypothyroidism.  You may want to have your thyroid checked if you haven't already.  Seriously, try the Cholestyramine for bowel issues.  It is normally prescribed as a cholestorel reducing drug, but the drug actually reduces the bile that your liver produces, thereby, reducing the bowel problems that you are experiencing because your bile is no longer regulated properly by a gallbladder.  The Professor that I work with found that it worked wonders for her bathroom problems after her gall bladder removal and she has been on it for a decade. (There are published studies to back up using Cholestyramine for this purpose.)  Best of luck.

[nervousva]

First, let me thank those of you who have posted to this thread.

Here is my status.  Last week i thought i had licked this thing.  Stomach issues abating, and little panic at all.  Then i started my new job this past Monday.  First day went well, a little tired at the end of the day but overall ok.  Tuesday through today things have gotten progressively worse.  Panic attacks have returned and appetite lost. It's a nightmare.  I've increased my Paxil as of 2 weeks ago to 40mg a day.  Still taking around .5mg of xanax about 4 times a day.  Attacks are worse in the morning.  I find myself 2nd guessing if the 40mg is too much or i just need to be patient to let the full dose take affect.  Anyone know how long additional Paxil dosage will take to kick in?  Paxil worked for me 5 years ago and up to the gall bladder debacle, so i am convinced it has to be the right drug.  I know these things take time to kick and am trying to be patient.

RE: pheochromocytoma - thanks for that, i had almost forgotten about that from a Merck Manual i have that is a few years old.  Thing is i don't have high blood pressure and the blood test did not reveal anything to indicate that condition.  

RE: Vagus Nerve - I think there is something here, although not exactly sure.  Again, the more i think of this, the more i think that General Anthesia does some strange things to certain people, and that not a lot is known in this department.  I would love to read or find something about what conditions the vagus nerve might have that cause panic disorder and stomach issues.  Clearly it is 'the nerve' that works this function, but does General Anethesia affect the vagus nerve?  Can a surgeon accidentally move, cut or otherwise mess with this during the Gall bladder removal surgery?

As for me, i am sticking with the Xanax, Paxil (40mg), and Nu-Lev (aka Hyoscyamine in generic form) for now.  The Trazadone put me in a total daze the next day, so i cut the dosage back and i still say it is strong and keeps me groggy.  I removed that one from my arsenal.

For Wildflower:  I agree with Helprin, Like Nu-Lev there are drugs that can help basically slow down your digestive system and help with the diahrea.

Cheers,

[wildflower4ever1961]

Guys, I would like to thank you so much for your input.  I have new insurance that starts June 1 ... and until then I am arming myself with every single bit of info I can find ..... AND I won't let my new doctors rest until they check it ALL out to find the problem (especially with the weight issue because I am sick and tired of gaining and gaining when I honestly do nothing to gain.)  I will have a list longer than my arm by the time I am done!  

Teresa

[helpren]

Have you ever thought to be checked for Porphyria.  It would be good to rule out.  It is considered rare, but also under-diagnosed.

[CSectionPro]

"I am perplexed by this as it feels all wrong and quite uncomfortable. Do you think the surgeon has severed nerve endings during the cutting of my skin, or is this normal after surgery?"

After 4 Sections I have learned that you will have a loss of feeling/numbness near and on the incision itself. During my first CSection I would say it was about 2 years before I had complete feeling back. In addition, this is 10 years after the 1st incision and 3 after that in the exact same spot and I am just now have feeling after almost 4 years. It will still feel odd when you touch directly on the incision years later. It certainly shouldn't hurt though. Good luck and my best advice to all of you will gas problems after abdom. surgery in which is worth a million dollars (Raspberry Tea) found in any grocery store (don't add anything to it) just drink it warm or cold 2x a day and problems solved I promise you (almost instantly after the first couple of cups).

[nervousva]

All,

Just wanted to post an update.  After realizing that i moved up way too fast on my Paxil for the anxiety attacks i experienced after the Gall Bladder Surgery, i rebaselined at 30mg Paxil/day + 2-3mg/Xanax a day for 1 week.  The first few days were hell, but by yesterday i started feeling normal again.  Today was great, no real issues.

I cannot stress enough that if anyone has had Panic Disorder in the past, please do some planning before getting your gall bladder removed.  This surgery is traumatic, and even though i had not had a panic attack in 5 years, and was on a dose of 10mg Paxil a day maintenance, the surgery rocked my work, and drew me down a spiral.

First, i am convinced it takes a good 4-5 weeks post surgery before your stomach and system are working in some reasonable fashion (and thats if nothing was screwed up).  I insulted my surgeon, my gastro and others by insisting on them answering questions they felt were 'not possible'.  F*** them, and remember, YOU are the only person who in the end is going to really solve the pieces, and if you do not push, your doctors will simply point you to someone else to avoid the possibility that they may have missed something.  Fortunately for me (knock on wood) my stomach and digestive system are coming back on line finally (5-6 weeks later).  Bottom line, it takes time.

Second, if you are someone who has been stricken with Panic Disorder or Anxiety attacks, plan on experiencing them again after this surgery.  Get Xanax, Paxil (or whatever worked for you in the past for anxiety) increases, but work them up slowly (my mistake was moving it along too quickly) and treat your symptoms.  My doctors found it 'so odd' that this sort of connection was possible.  Another example of how stovepiped medicine is in our current health care system, and how little each specialist really knows about the interconnections between these things.

I'm glad we have posts like this one, and hope that other continue to share their experiences.  I've lost 5 weeks of work, and finally am on the road to recover.

Cheers,

[PA-S]

Hello all. I am not a doctor but I am posting this in hopes those of you with post-diarrhea to any type of abdominal surgery. My symptoms initially: diarrhea with sweating, tiredness = like a low blood sugar or diabetic attack but with diarrhea.

Note: if you don't want to read this long post, please perform a search on "dumping syndrome" or follow the link near the bottom of this post.

In August of 2003 I had a procedure called Nissen Fundoplication performed for my acid reflux on the stomach. Afterwards the diarrhea was horrible and I lost 15 lbs. That was good think for me :).  The diarrhea continued but not everyday and the sweating wasn’t as bad nor was the feeling of tiredness.  

During this course I saw a few docs with no answers except that the natural flora (natural bacteria in our gut that kills off unwanted bacteria) in my GI tract was probably not normal due to the antibiotics that I was given post-surgery.  I followed that diagnosis by visiting a health food store. They suggested "white pearls." I tried this for a good 2 months with no relief.  In the mean time, I had doing my own research on the net and felt that I had "dumping syndrome." Went to the GI and he finally agreed after all of this time!

This website taught me that I was already listening to body and not drinking liquids during meals or downing a yogurt shake, eating less white carbs like potatoes and white rice, etc.  Please scroll down and read treatment/dietary changes.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00715.html

When I was beginning this research in Jan of 04 I did not find one site that was relating dumping syndrome to my type of surgery but instead to the stomach stapling surgery.  More recently many sites are relating it many types of abdominal surgery.  Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is not listed yet, but I feel that there is a chance that this could be related and beneficial.

The excerpt below is from this website:

Dumping syndrome can be a debilitating problem after gastric surgery. There are two aspects to the problem. In early dumping syndrome (approx 1 hr after eating), there is rapid emptying of gastric contents into the duodenum. Fluid is pulled from the blood to the intestine causing the symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, sweating and even fainting. The late dumping syndrome (approx 2-3 hours after eating)is due to a low blood glucose level. This website under:  HFHSM.D.-Gastro-RF
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/gastro/messages/30039.html

Good luck and I’ll keep you posted for my post-choly.

[Heidi719]

Hello,

I just had my gallbladder removed on May 25, 2006 and since then I have not been able to hold anything down other than soup and crackers, I have tried eating a plain bake potato and jello get deathly ill, (vomitting, and severe pains) that last anywhere from 8-10 hours. I am returning to the doctor on Thursday for my post-op but would like to know if anyone else has expirenced these problems and how long will this last until I can eat something else.

Thanks

[peachick]

This is a new term for me addressing my problem.  I had my gallbladder removed in the early '90s.  The past several years I have problems with diarrhea about 30 to 60 minutes after a full meal.  If I am not near a bathroom, I lose it.  I can't take the chance.  I am going to be 60 years old this year, and I am concerned about 10 years from now, with this problem.  I would like to get it under control if I can.

This forum has been very educating to me.  I have had yearly upper and lower scopes done, since my mother died of stomach cancer.  Nothing showed other than a small bit of acid reflux.  I was told to eat a high fiber diet but given no medication.

I notice "dumping" after a meal in a resturant or foods with a higher fat content.

[thirstydragon]

If you have pain under your right ribs and all tests come back normal then you are not alone!

I am putting together a support group. If you want to call me I will take your name and number and your conditions. I will let you know if someone else with the same symptoms finds any answers. You can email me at ***@**** or call me, Ricky, at 601-657-4587. We can get through this if we work together.

[weez]

Hi, I had my gall bladder removed a couple months ago. I was one
of the unfortunate ones, however; I did live to tell my story. I don't want to scare anyone, but I do want to let others know so they know symptoms to look for after their surgery.
I went in outpatient surgery, and went home. About 5 hours later, I was crying and was very very scared because of the pain and thought I was losing it. I was laying on the couch, and all of the sudden, the pain was just getting so intense, I tried to stand up, and I doubled over.  I couldn't sit, lay down, or anything. If that happens to you, call 911. My husband called 911, and went to the ER...I was septic and vomited profusely the bile and gastric whatever....the Dr. knicked my small intestine twice. I had then undergone the next day, a triple disection of my bowel.I had an NG tube for 3 weeks, a TPN and I also had 2 leaks after disection. One week later, had a blood transfusion and was in the hospital for one month.  I was very very lucky to survive, however; I have a horrible issue with diarrhea.  Besides losing 40 lbs, which I needed to anyway, the diarrhea alone is killing me.  I am currently taking paregoric tincture, which is somewhat helping, but not enough.  I have tried the Cholestermine, but I can't stand the gritty taste unless there is another way anyone can recommend to me.  Thanks alot....

[GallFreeGal]

Wow, I thought I was the only one! Today is 2 weeks since my gall bladder surgery and I've been experiencing some really annoying anxiety. I quit anti-depressants about a year ago and keep a bottle of .5 Clonazapan in my purse for panic/anxiety. If I take one once a month it's alot.

Since surgery, I've been mildly anxious alot. I've been taking the Clonapin quite a bit. Sometimes it helps, sometimes not.

I'm also experiencing chills and sweats at night and first thing in the morning, then I feel better later in the day. Anyone have this weird side effect?

Still on a mild diet - thought I'd be ready for the new KFC mashed potato bowl!! Does this ever get better?

I'm sorry for your discomfort, nervousva, and hope you feel better and better. But it's good to know I'm not crazy (at least about the post-gall bladder anxiety!). Best wishes, Arla.

[DFCRM]

Hi, I'm 26 and had my Gall Bladder removed Jan 16 2007 . After surgery I Immediately started having back pain in my lower back all the way up to my shoulder blades, along with the normal diarhea (diarrhea). I'm doing alot better now, the diarhea (diarrhea) subsided about two months after surgery and only comes back if I eat too much or eat to fast.  But I still have dull pain in my back, groin area, my right side and feel very bloated ussually in the morning when I wake up and at certain times throughout the day. The pain used to be more persistant occuring every day all day, but now comes and goes every other week. The pain ussually alieviates after I expell gas or "go to the Bathroom." Am I suffering from a mild form of PCS? ( Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome).  And if so does it go away about a year or two after surgery like the rumors I've been hearing suggest. Or will I have this the rest of my life?

[Lucy1226]

I had gallbladder surgery in Jan. of 2007. I have since gained almost 20 lbs without changing my diet, basically all around my mid section and the scale keeps getting higher and higher. I have also had a recurring pain, just like my gallbladder pain on right side, and it can get quite annoying at times. I have had since my surgery, a  cat scan, sonogram, colonscopy and the gastroenterologist cannot find anything. I don't know what to do.