gallbladder attack after removal?

[lucy5]

My son is 24. May 2007 he had his gallbaldder removed. Yesterday, during a law exam, he had a severe gallbladder attack and was taken to the ER. there he was diagnosed with acid reflux/panic attack. Today his urine is tea colored. What to do?

Thanks,
Lucy

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.

A biliary duct stone should be considered.  Obtaining an ultrasound and possibly an MRCP can be considered.   Obtaining blood tests to evaluate the blood count and liver function also should be done as well.

Various causes of upper GI disease can also be excluded - including GERD, an ulcer, or upper GI inflammation.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[lucy5]

When you said "various causes of upper GI disease can also be excluded - including GERD, an ulcer, or upper GI inflammation," did you mean "should be excluded?" or did you mean these diseases are excluded. Thanks

[lilkarla]

Once the doctor responds to your question he will not respond a second time. I had the same problem.  My GB was removed on 4.14.08 and I have had nothing but trouble.  I had a bile leak that went undetected for a week.  I have had several people tell me that they still have pains and attacks and some are fine.  Your son could have a stone or he could have sludge in the duct.  He could also have crystals which are impossible to detect without an ERCP which is the camera down the throat. That is how they put my stent and found my leak.  You can also have another HIDA scan which evaluates the function of the GB.  It is a long road.  I was in the hospital for two weeks and have been out almost one week and am still on pain medicine and feel like **** after I eat anything.  If your doctor says its normal, go to another one.  I had to get a more aggressive GI while we were finding out the GB did not work.  GIs are too quick to blame everything on reflux and write a script.  Keep searching and good luck.

[mikcin]

I can relate.  I had my GB removed almost 5 years ago and tomorrow I go in for my 3rd ERCP.  It took many hospitalizations and trips to ER before this last time 3/11/08 that they finally discovered large stones in my CBD.  Previously I had a hydascan that did not show anything.  I ended up with high liver enzymes etc. before anything showed up.  The first GI could not remove them, the second did, but now he thinks I have sludge in CBD.  I thought that after my GB was removed that would be the end of it.  Boy was I wrong.  You are right you must find the right GI.  I am hoping the 3rd time is a charm.