Stents

[restless23]

In 1997 I had to have my gallbladder removed. I lived in Bixby, OK and was having the surgery at a new hospital in Broken Arrow, OK. It was supposed to have been done Laparoscopically. When I woke up, I had two drains and a large incision. I was told by the doctors that it was a rough surgery, but went well. They said it appeared that my duct may have been malformed, but all is well. I left the hopsital with both drains. The smaller drain was removed within six weeks, but the large one, which I emptied twice a day and logged the amount, was  removed almost three months later. I did not realize then, and for many years, how extensive that surgery must have been. A while after that, the palms of my hands were always red and splotchy, sometimes turning blue to purple. Sometime later, small red splotches appeared on my chest. My GP said that these, and the splotches on my hands must be some form of Roseacia and nerves.
    During the years since, when I have had to take drug test for emplolyment, or labwork done, my Liver Enzymes and my Triglyceride levels were always elevated. This happened each time, and every time. I was told by several doctors that this was simply a result of a fatty liver. I was also told that  the indigestion, the burning all down my throat, the fullness I felt in my abdomen, was all typical after Gallbladder removal.
    The first weekend of January 2008 I was home feeling very uncomfortable, I was hurting and swelling under the ribs on my right side, hurting so bad my back was killing me, my urine a deep orange color. I looked pale, pasty. I tried all kinds of antacids, heating pad, etc. FInally went to a walk in Clinic. After running the lab tests, they called me in and said I wouldn't be charged for the visit, but that I must get to the Hospital immediately. The ER doctor ordered a large pannel of tests, I had a CT done. He said hopefully it was just diverticulitis, and that could be remedied with rest, change of diet, and Antibiotics. They set up an appointment with a Gastroenterologist, he ran tests and immediatley had me do an Ultrasound. It was abnormal, Liver and Kidneys all looked good though. He is the one that discovered it was my Biliary Duct that was constricted. Several more test later, an ERCP and stent.
    Later on I was told I had to see a specialist, and had to go toTulane in New Orleans. A specialist in the Abdominal Transplant Clinic would do the biopsy and other things.
When I met the specialist, upon sight he commented on my palms, and my chest, and that I was Jaundiced. He said these were dead give aways that it was something with the liver. Several tests, and trips to New Orleans later, he told me that when I had my gallbladder removed, it was nicked, and that scar tissue apparently had closed the biliary ducts (tree) and this would cause my liver to malfunction, and if left untreated, I could die. He said there was no other way this could have happened. And that a stent could have and should have been put in immediately. The duct would have been able to stay open on its own after removal of the temporary stent. They said this occurs in  Approximately 0.2–0.5% of patients undergoing gallbladder surgery or other operations affecting the bile duct develop biliary stricture.
    Eleven years later I have to have the stent replaced every six months, and will have to continue this until they decide to put me on the Transplant list. I am having severe pain where my scar is. Could this be scar tissue? My Liver is fine, but you cannot get the duct without the liver. I am financially drained, and drowning in Medical bills

[restless23]

I also have the hot flashes, nausea and the fatigue is horrible. I spent last Thursday in the ER. They say the pain where the scar is could be a hernia. They also say the back pain may be Neuropathy. But, they say these symtoms are not related to my stent. So,I must see different doctors. (Pain Management) I have started to wear an Abdominal Binder. It helps to have a little pressure on the scar area, and it also helps the back some, as well. I got it at the drug store for around $15.00. Sometimes when I bend forward and then straighten up, it seems like things feel like they go back in the wrong spot. I don't know how else to explain it. As for the Stents.....My Dr. sent me to a Specialist in New Orleans, and the panel came to the conclusion that I should go ahead with the stents, and later, if need be, then have the Liver Transplant. (I really don't need the liver, but you can't get the ducts w/out the liver) I have had no problems w/ the stents, but was under the impression that it was a "fix" and not a "get by". I started w/ the 1st stent, then 8 months later, another. Now, eight stents later, they say I will probably have to have them changed every 3 mos.  So far so good. I suppose. I have alot of swelling, and there are days that I can't do much. So, just having the stents does not mean it fixes everything. Ask LOTS of questions.
I really wish I could do /say more. Let me know how you are.

[rachlneedsfixing]

wow, I am going through the same thing. Difference is, I get hot flushes, intense sweating, shaking, freezing cold, vomiting, diarhoea, nausea and feel dreadful. my enzymes during the pain attacks are 3-500% higher than normal. I have just been told that I may require stents in two ducts in my liver. Can you please tell me of the stents have caused you any pain? Or any other symptoms? How bad is your pain where the scar is on a scale of 1-10 (10 being worst)? I have been suffering for 8 years and I am rather petrified of what to do...Should I go ahead with the stents??? Id appreciate advice from someone who knows what Ive been going through. And please remember, there is the other side of pain. Even if it seems so far away, relief will eventually come. Thankyou for your post.