What is this test?

Since having my gallbladder removed last year I've had chronic severe diarrhoea. The specialist thinks it is caused by bile as a result of the operation. I'm waiting to have a test to confirm this.

I'll have to drink a cup of bile in the outpatients' clinic, then return the following week for (I think) an xray which will see how much of the bile is still in my body. If it's all gone, then the problem has been caused by having my gallbladder removed.

So, I have 2 questions: (a) what is this test called - so I can get more information about it, and (b) if it proves the problem is caused by the absence of my gallbladder, what can be done to help?

Any information will be gratefully received. The doctor did explain the test, but I've forgotten most of what he said - hospital appointments make me nervous.

Pentre

[Jaybay]

I'm not sure myself what this test is, but you can certainly speak to your doctor or someone else in his office for more information.  They may even hae an informational flyer to give you about it.  Don't be embarrassed to call them.  That's what they're there for!  :-)

When the gallbladder is removed, the body's one "braking system" for bile is removed, and it goes straight through from the liver to the small intestine.  Most patients' bodies become used to the increased bile flow over time and the bile salt diarrhea goes away on its own.  Other people end up with your problem - chronic D.  One treatment protocol I've heard has some success is adding a cholesterol medication like Questran.  It thickens up the bile and slows down its passage through the body, thus calming down the diarrhea.  Other people have had success by adding calcium supplements or probiotic digestive enzymes such as those found in yogurts like Dan Active.