Severe Pain Attacks -

[minooka]

I am a 65 year old female.  I had my gall blader removed over 15 years ago.  Several weeks ago I started having attacks identical to the attacks that led to having my gall blader removed - no gall blader disease, just one fairly large stone that kept lodging in the bile duct.  The pain is on the back upper right side (just under the shoulder blade) and radiates around the rib cage to directly under the right breast.  The attacks are quite painful, last about 1 hour and are followed the next morning by diarreah ending with yellow stools.  I have had a CT scan which did not show any stones.  But it sure feels like there's one hiding in there somewhere!  Is it possible it would not show up on a CT scan and is there some other test I can try?  I can't continue to live this way, not knowing when I will have another attack.  Thank you for any help you can provide...  

[CalGal]

Minooka, go to your doc and get your liver and pancreatic enzyme levels checked. In addition, ask the doc about doing an MRCP to have a closer look at just your biliary system. There are many people who have gallbladder-like pain many years after GB removal. It is possible to form stones and sludge with the GB being present, so that possibility has to be ruled out.

Stay any from any meds that are narcotic-based as they can raise the pressures in the duct and increase pain levels.

[marymagdeline]

People with gall bladder problems always seem to have the same problems after their gall bladders are out.  What I mean is...greasy foods (like french fries) deep fried food (even deep fried vegetables) and saturated fat (all meat...cow, bison, poultry, turkey - but not fish - and all dairy products have saturated fat) cause attacks.  Cut these foods out of your diet and see if you don't get any more attacks.  Start eating whole, natural, foods.  Get the book, "What Would Jesus Eat" by Dr. Don Colbert, and start following it.  You may get rid of your attacks forever.  By the way, I'm a nutritionist.  Good Luck!