Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

spasm of the sphinter of oddi

I had my gall bladder out about 10 years ago. I was told that it was full of sludge after it's removal I suffered for several months approx 3 times a week of severe abdo pain. I had several tests and it was discovered several months later  that I suffered with spasm of the sphincter of oddi. The specialist at the time told me there was nothing he could do for me and I would just have to manage the pain but assured me that it would reduce over time. 10 years down the track I still have episodes about 3 times a year they come in clusters I will have 2to 3 episodes over a week at a time I need pethideine at these times. I have discovered that over time I have been able to acurately know when my stomach is going to go into spasm as my stomach bloats and I look like I am 9 months pregnant I have discvered that it is affected by certain foods and certain alchol, avoidance of these foods has helped to reduce the episodes

However the foods that seem to affect me the most are good foods such as fruit and vegetables especially apples. My delima is that I cannot loose weight because as soon as I start to eat well, this flares up the situation, I also cannot take things such as vitamin B  and I find it frustrating as I am constantly tired and bloated My question is do you know of any diets that are specifically designed for sphinter of oddi pain and is there ant furthur break throughs in the treatment of this dabilitating condition.


This discussion is related to after gallbladder removal pain is back with added symptoms.
4 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1651127 tn?1301620473
Good Evening, I am speaking on behalf of my Mother, who has been displaying these symptons for the last 4 years.. She developed them after GB removal, she has since lost over 100 pounds and is in a emotional and financial hole. I have been following this very conversation for 2 weeks while tending and helping my mother through her attacks. She has made 26 Emergency room visits in three years, 22 at one hospital, to finally have a ER Dr tell me his diagnosis is opiate withdrawals after 2 IV doses of morphine in 90mins prior to seeing the Dr.. Opiate withdrawals from 10mg Narcos, 20mg Opana and 15mg Morphine that our family Dr prescribed, in addition to Dyclemine and Lorazepan.. Sounds like a contradiction if it's SOD, but anyways after the Er Dr said withdrawals my Mom quit opiates cold turkey and suffered horrible withdrawals for four days until it partially subsided, it is day  14 now, still some discomfort. What I really need is to talk to Michell221 or whomever is willing to communicate via email with me and help save my Moms life.. I am at my wits end, I appreciate everyones time and help.

Jessie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I haven't had this operation.
Here is a lot of discussion about SOD:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/search/68?query=sphincter+of+oddi&camp=

There are risks with this procedure, even deaths were reported, it's hard to be smart on this, it's you who will decide.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
thanks for that could you tell ne if you have had the operation and what the outcome was as I was told there was a serious risk with this operation I am from Australia and the only surgeon that does this op is in Sydney and I live in Melbourne, So I would have a very lenghthy trip, Fortunately for me we have medicare here which means I will not have to pay for the medical care just the gap fees but I may have to wait a long time for the surgery but it would be worth it if there is hope

I have tried repeatedly to go on a low fat diet and it has resulted in my condition worsening where I would have it every day and I am only a ;ittle bit overwieght so I tend to not want to go through that if I can avoid it
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Spincter of Oddi dysfunction may be treated with meds (ones which lower the pressure of sph. of Oddi, and ones which dilute the bile). Surgery, or a  procedure done during upper endoscopy is a permanent solution though.

http://intmed.muhealth.org/gast/patient_resource/commondisorders/sphincteroddi.html

Sludge means more dense bile, probably containing more cholesterol. General advice about diet is to avoid as much fat as possible, avoiding any estrogen pills or steroid drugs - anything what results in higher cholesterol excretion from the liver and building up the sludge.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Gastroenterology Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn which OTC medications can help relieve your digestive troubles.
Is a gluten-free diet right for you?
Discover common causes of and remedies for heartburn.
This common yet mysterious bowel condition plagues millions of Americans
Don't get burned again. Banish nighttime heartburn with these quick tips
Get answers to your top questions about this pervasive digestive problem