post gall bladder removal

[wokman]

sir  i had my gall bladder removed two year ago, two days ago i had another attack although not quite the same
it was still very painfull and the pain and burning sensation was in the same places as before, i had to stay in hospital for two days ( i was in china on business and it was not a good expierience !)
...when i originaly had my gall bladder removed i was told that i would have no more problems of this kind .... do you have any idea what could have happened ? and what is the chance of another attack?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Looking for a surgical complication, like a bile duct leak, can be considered.  An ultrasound can be done to exclude this possibility.

Otherwise, I'd evaluate the biliary tree to see if there are any duct stones.  This can be done with an MRCP or ERCP.  

These options can be discussed with your surgeon or personal physician.

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.
www.kevinmd.com

[Banned1]

Hi Wokman:

How are you doing?  It's been quite some time since your post and I'm curious to know if your symptoms have recurred.  

As you probably know, there are a number of conditions relating to your symptoms, primarily Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome and Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.  There is a great write-up called, "ERCP and Sphincter of Oddi Manometry" at http://www.borland-groover.com/printing/sphincter.pdf.  If you have the ERCP with SOD-M, make sure you go to a hospital where they do it all the time.  Post-ERCP pancreatitis is vicious!

There is a fantastic research resource that I've found very helpful called "The First Principles of Gastroenterology": http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/Default.htm.   You can either search the whole book or select individual chapters on the left.  Learn as much as you can so you can ask intelligent questions when you do see your Primary Care Physician, Gastroenterologist or Surgeon.  

It's exceptionally useful to keep a journal or a blog and your welcome to read mine if you want.  Our situations are similar.  Everyone who is registered on medhelp has a journal on their home page.  It's a great way to review your situation objectively and identify patterns in your symptoms, medications and pain level.  Hindsight is 20/20 and keeping a log might help you look at things more objectively over the longer term.

You are not alone!  Try to stay positive and reach out for support when you need it.  Talk to your Doctor, family, friends, co-workers, church or social service volunteers or anyone you feel safe with.  Reach out to members of this forum.  Remember though, that no one should give you medical advice or instruction except your health care team.  

When you do find answers, it would be wonderful if you could let us know the root cause(s) and how you got rid of your pain.  It gives people on this site hope to hear success stories.

Take care of yourself.  Good luck and Godspeed.  All the best,

Sam

[Ryansmom17]

I do not know if you are still having these problems because this is an old thread. I knwo that happened to me for yrs after I had my gallbladder out. On and off it would become unbearable the pain and nausea. I found out die to other health problems that I have chronic pancreatitus (pancreatitis). Altho they say it is due to my liver not functioning well, I later found out this is VERY common if you have your GB removed. So, if you see this and are still having that pain after you eat, I would see a Dr and ask about your pancreas. I have to take stomach enzymes when I eat to help digest my food. It was becoming so painful too eat, I just didn't want to eat anymore.........Well maybe this will help someone because i know for yrs I wondered why I was still having the same GB pain after it was removed! Kind of was freaky, as if I never had it removed.

Peace
Jenn