gallbladder polyps

I was diagnosed w/ polyps in Feb 2007.  Took anti-spasm meds for 2 weeks and felt better.  My symptoms returned the past four months.  Experiencing some weight loss, pain upper right abdomen and back pain.  Help please...

[CalGal]

A doc will have to evaluate the size and the placement of the polyps to see if they're a cause for concern. If they're blocking the outlet from the gallbladder, which should be checked via testing such as ultrasound and HIDA scan with CCK injection, to see what's going on. Call your doc.

[marc716]

Thanks for the reply.  I had ultrasound, CT scan , and HIDA scan last Feb.  Ultrasound showed gravel/polyps and confirmed by CT scan.  HIDA scan was normal.  I guess if polyps move or grow like you are saying they can cause my problem.  I will see doc soon.

[CalGal]

In addition, the 'gravel' you mentioned, if sludge' can exit the GB via the cystic duct irritating the duct, the common bile duct and the sphincter of Oddi as well. The irritation can produce spasma and other discomfort. If the spasms are severe enough, the sphincter can 'spasm shut' and cause a back up of bile and pancreatic juices causing a lot of problems.

Have you been following a low fat diet?

[marc716]

I have not changed my diet, but eat generally healthy.  I take a "green" drink in the morning and have vegetable soup for lunch and fresh veggies for dinner.  I rarely eat red meat.  I do indulge in ice cream at times.  I don't notice a direct link to my diet and pain, but I know GB pain can occur several hours after meals.
- One odd fact is that I tend to have a lot of pain around 11 am each day.

By the way you seem to have a lot of knowledge in this area.  Do you have a medical
background?

[CalGal]

My background is in clinical research and teaching a variety of components of this 'stuff' to those who want to be docs.