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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
very sick mother update
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
very sick mother update
by kerriw, Jun 14, 2006 12:00AM
Please refer to my previous post a couple of weeks ago 'very sick mother'. My mother had the radioactive gallbladder scan, and I guess a normal reading is 35 or higher. Her reading was ZERO, meaning her gallbladder isn't working at all?
I thought this would be good news because maybe it could explain her symptoms (vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea for over 2 months now) and something could be done about it. The GI doctor sent her to see a surgeon for a consultation to get the gallbladder removed. She does not have classic severe gallbladder pain and never did. She does have gallstones but they haven't caused problems.
Well, the surgeon was pretty negative and said that he didn't think that the gallbladder reading was the problem. He was willing to take it out 'if she wanted him to' but it didn't seem like he thought it would do any good. What kind of thing is that to say? How is she supposed to know what to do? Are we back to square one? My mother is quite upset and so am I. My questions are: does this 'zero' scan result explain her symptoms or not? If not, why did she have the scan in the first place? Is removing the gallbladder something useful to do or not?
Even if she has the surgery she was told she will have to wait another week for it. Please, I don't know if she can last that long. I don't know if I can last that long. She is going to talk to the original GI and to her primary care Dr. tomorrow, I hope. Can you please give me some guidance?
I thought this would be good news because maybe it could explain her symptoms (vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea for over 2 months now) and something could be done about it. The GI doctor sent her to see a surgeon for a consultation to get the gallbladder removed. She does not have classic severe gallbladder pain and never did. She does have gallstones but they haven't caused problems.
Well, the surgeon was pretty negative and said that he didn't think that the gallbladder reading was the problem. He was willing to take it out 'if she wanted him to' but it didn't seem like he thought it would do any good. What kind of thing is that to say? How is she supposed to know what to do? Are we back to square one? My mother is quite upset and so am I. My questions are: does this 'zero' scan result explain her symptoms or not? If not, why did she have the scan in the first place? Is removing the gallbladder something useful to do or not?
Even if she has the surgery she was told she will have to wait another week for it. Please, I don't know if she can last that long. I don't know if I can last that long. She is going to talk to the original GI and to her primary care Dr. tomorrow, I hope. Can you please give me some guidance?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 15, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 15, 2006 12:00AM
By a zero reading, I would assume that this is referring to the gallbladder ejection fraction. There are some small studies that suggest that gallbladder-like symptoms can occur in those with a low gallbladder ejection fraction. These studies also suggest that removing the gallbladder can help in some cases.
So, I guess the answer is that it may be possible that the gallbladder is responsible for her symptoms. However, there is no guarantee that this can work. Obtaining another GI or surgical opinion is recommended to fully explore this option.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
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.
kevinmd_
So, I guess the answer is that it may be possible that the gallbladder is responsible for her symptoms. However, there is no guarantee that this can work. Obtaining another GI or surgical opinion is recommended to fully explore this option.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
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.
kevinmd_
