Sever spasm right side before and after gall bladder surgery

[mssamjan]

I had my gall bladder removed 1/04 for sludge and stones.  The way I knew I had a problem was by experiencing a sudden excruciating spasm only on the right side..like having your intestines go into spasm..like a charley horse.  I could actually see my right front abdominal area moving in and out from the spasms.  This is still occurring 2 years after surgery.  Incredibly painful when it happens--totally debilatating.  It's like someone drew a line down the middle--left side not affected.  Occurs in the gall bladder area down to lower abdomen just above pelvic bone.  

Very sore internally the next day or so.  If I take Bentyl when it happens, it will resolve in 7-10 minutes.  Have also tried Nulev..not as effective as Bentyl.  Can come on without warning.  

Have been told it could be IBS...or a gall stone even after surgery...could it be from bile discharge?  Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS is certainly possible.  This should be considered if the diagnostic testing remains negative.  

You can consider Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction - which can manifest in similar symptoms after gallbladder surgery.  A bile duct stone can also be considered.

Tests like an MRCP or ERCP with Sphincter of Oddi manometry can be considered to evaluate for these causes.

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_b

[myproblem]

You could have stones in the biliary duct. You prboably notice the pain when your liver tries to put out more bile than usual, like if you've been eating more fat over a period of days. The reason bentyl probably works better than nulev for you is that bentyl reduces stomach acid production in addition to being a smooth muscle relaxant. You should get an abdominal ultrasound just to be sure.

[mssamjan]

Thank you.

[9kas]

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[MeMeJanet]

I had my gall bladder removed on March 22, 2006. I was getting along good until a few days ago. Now everytime I eat anything I get severe pains in the area where my gall bladder used to be. As long as I just drink water or diet sodas, coffee, etc. I am okay.  I have also developed diarrhea in the past few days.  Any suggestions as to what this could be?  Thanks.

[charbabe]

I had my gall bladder removed 10/04, I also suffer pains on my right side and my back occassionally.  My internist prescribed Zelnorm for irritable bowel syndrome and also did an ERCP and said I had some stomach irritation.  
The meds don't seem to alleviate the pain in the side, will I have this for the rest of my life? Is IBS caused from having the gallbladder removed? Because I never had problems prior to my surgery.
Thanks any input is appreciated.

[angeleyes4458]

HELLO I HAD MY GALLBLADDER REMOVED TWO AND A HALF YEARS AGO. IN STLL FEEL REALLY TENDER WHERE THE MADE THE INCISION RIGHT BELOW BETWEEN MY BREAST. ITS SORE TO TOUCH. ANYONE ELSE HAVE THIS? ALSO THE GAS PAINS ETC. THANKS CHERYL