Gallbladder and MVP

[Donna]

I need to have gallbladder surgery but I am trying to wait until after the first of the year.  I have a few questions that I hope that you can answer.

1.  Someone told me that my gallbladder can get infection in it and turn into gangrene, is this true and if so can the infection effect my MVP?

2.  Is there any other alternate in treating gallbladder disease besides surgery? What is the best doctor to see who can removed the gallbladder and know alot about mvp(I have alot of Mvp symptoms)?  

I don't have stones, at least none have shown up on the scans but it only has an ejections at 14 percent, but I heard someone say that they don't usually take them out unless it falls below 10.  I do have alot of pain and I have terrible pressure feeling under my ribs feels like one of my ribs is going to be forced out thru my skin.  This comes and goes, usually something I will eat will cause the symptoms to get worst.  I noticed that when my stomach is upset my mvp borthers me more by fluttering, I contributed that to a gassy stomach.  

Any info on the subject would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for response and anyone else who responds:)

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

1. Someone told me that my gallbladder can get infection in it and turn into gangrene, is this true and if so can the infection effect my MVP?
A: While technically true this is more of a horror story than real medical concern.

     2. Is there any other alternate in treating gallbladder disease besides surgery? What is the best doctor to see who can removed the gallbladder and know alot about mvp(I have alot of Mvp symptoms)?
A: Surgery is the best option.  An internist should be able to manage all your medical problems.

[ChrisMcG]

I am the person you are looking for:  I too have MVP (mild regurgitation, lots of PVCs -- I occasionaly take atenolol for these) and had to have my gallbladder removed 2 years ago (when my second child was only 7 weeks old and I was breastfeeding...)  I did not find this surgery to have a major impact on me in terms of the MVP.  They of course took the precautionary step of the antibiotic; most general surgeons know all about this.  I did have a longer than "normal" recovery because I was postpartum already.  So I was quite fatigued for period and I experienced lots of PVCs (as I tend to do with stress of any kind anyway) and then spent the next 6 months catching every virus going around.  I believe that my immune system was really battered by the double-whammy of childbirth and surgery.  BUT, having said that, let me say this:  having gallbladder attacks is misery and puts stress on the system too.  Gallbladder removal is a "bread and butter" surgery, meaning it is so common that it is what puts the food on the surgeon's table!  Laprascopic means quicker recovery too.  So I recommend it.  In some ways it may be inevitable for you, so I am here to say that it really is okay and does not have an impact on the MVP patient per se.  Post a response if you need more feedback or have other questions.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Thanks for your encouraging comments.

[Donna For Chris]

Thanks for info:)  I do have a few questions for you.  
What kind of anthestic did they use on you?
Was your gallbladder full of stones?  I don't have any stones that they can see on scan, they think there is one in the duct.  They say it is diseased, choestitis(spelt that wrong) is the name they give for my diseased gallbladder.  
Did you feel your gallbladder?  I do, and mine is getting where it hurts off and on about all day, but I am trying to wait until after the first of the year to have it out.  I don't really get that sick at my tummy with it no more, it just hurts and I can feel it, like it is swollen really bad.  Antibotics does help it.
Did you have to stay in the hospital when they took yours out?

Thanks once again for sharing your info and for being encouraging, I do dred the surgery something fierce.  I do worry about the flutterings and having surgery.  My mvp symptoms come and go.