Diarrhea after Cholecystoctomy

[cjcfreedom]

I had a Laparoscopic Cholecystoctomy a bout 4-1/2 years ago.  During the surgery my lower bowel was cut and had to be repaired.  Afterward I had Duodenitis for several months for which I took prylosec and it was cleared up fairly quickly.  My bowel functions changed drastically after the Laparoscopic Cholecystoctomy.  Chronolically, I have loose/watery bowels or diarrhea.  I contracted salmonella a while back -- maybe months or year -- I had no idea how long I had it. I took antibiotics to clear it up and since then have been tested again -- negative.  The chronic loose/watery bowels and diarrhea continue.  I have been to a Gastrointerologist at Northwestern Hospital in Chicago who has done many blood tests, stool samples, a colonoscopy, an endoscopy taking fluid from the bowel to check for parasites and a CT scan of my stomach was done - all test came back negative, not colon cancer, no parasites, no salmonella, no tumors, polyps, etc. not even an ulcer.  Now he wants to do another test where I drink barium and they look at the small intestined via x-ray.  I have been using immodium until I begain to have rectal pain.  And have been advised to try Citracel, which is for "constipation" I don't have it so, I'm not taking it.  Could these chronic problems be the result of the Laparoscopic Cholecystoctomy? Because without gallbladder, the bile goes directly into the duodenum producing to much water and acid which quickly dissolves all food in my system and causes loose stools to diahrehea?  If so, what is the CURE for the Chronic Problem?  HELP!  Thanks.

[Miss Pris]

Just a P.S.
I started out having the laprascope surgery and they had to go in and do a convential surgery because of blood loss that they coudln't control without opening me up. I really don't believe that has anything to do with symptoms after the surgery . It's just a side note.

[Miss Pris]

Hello all
I was reading the comments about diahreh (can't spell it ) after gall bladder surgery. I had surgery about 31/2 yrs ago and the D didn't go away. I tried all the things my doctor told me to. Dietary changes and such. It was so bad I didn't know how I was going to keep on working. It was about 9 days out of 10. Then he put me on Questran. What a relief. Also my cholestrol went down since that was the oringal use of the drug. I still have an occonsial bad day but no more often than most people. I may take this all my life but it has been worth it. My husband said my attitude is so much better and I am fun to around again.

[dotters]

Hi

I live in England,  and about five years ago I had my gall bladder removed. I also suffered from Diarrhoea (and still do)  It was over a year before I was discharged from hospital visits.  I was told by my surgeon, that he had only seen one other person who had been affected by this after gall baldder surgery?  He didnt know why it would affect me and not  other people.  Told me it was to do with the bile salts going straight through.  I was prescribed Questran (you mix it in a drink) and told I would probably always have to take it?  Anyway I found it revolting,  and I dont bother.  I just put up with a very unpredictable bowel. I also had keyhole surgery.  Wonder if this happens also to people who have conventional surgery?  Sorry you are all suffering,  but glad to find this site and know it isnt JUST ME who is left with this Blight on my life.

[cjcfreedom]

I think I discovered the problem.  I was reading a Vitamin, etc. health book which stated that yeast in the gastrointestial track can cause diarehhea.  I looked at my tongue, my husbands and my daughters to compare and mine had white spots on it that could not be brushed off.  So I thought, none of these doctors have tested for Candidas (Yeast).  Well.....  So I asked my gastrointerologist about it and he said that that cannot be what it is and he wants me to have another xray of my lower bowel and drink "barium."  Yuch!  But I pressed on with my own little experiment -- I spoke to my gyne doctor and told her I had vaginal yeast.  (I don't) So I lied.  But I wanted the pill Difulcan(sp?).  She offered me vaginal cream but I said "No.  I want the pill." I figure taking the pill will affect my mouth and stomach.  So I got the pill on Friday and took it.  

This is Tuesday and I have a "pink" tongue, I feel better and I haven't had diarrhea since Saturday morning.  I still have my fingers crossed that I won't come back, but I believe I have solved the problem.  I also picked up some Garlique (which has been known to kill candidas).  

I suggest people who have chronic diarehea check the tongues to see if there are white spots on it.

[fyreflye]

Yes! That's the stuff! I couldn't find my book to confirm the correct medicine! Thanks, because that does make me feel better. Any side effects? Any other problems since surgery?

[Sweetie's Mom]

I had problems with chronic diarrhea and cramping following surgery to remove my gall bladder.  After enduring nearly 10 years of misery, complete with numerous doctor visits and tests, a physician recommended I try Questran (Cholestyramine). This is the medication fyreflye refers to in a previous post.  It works!  I take one 4 gram scoop in water each evening and can now eat about anything and no longer have fear about venturing too far from a bathroom.  It's a simple solution but one that works just great for me!

[fyreflye]

From my Harvard Medical Book, I read that after gallbladder removal, 10% of patients will have diarrhea and/or loose bowels. There is a medicine, called Cholysistine that absorbs excess bile  so your bowel movements will be regular again? Ever heard of it? Also, it takes a full year of a more bland diet to recover and be able to eat the foods you used to eat. I may not have spelled the medicine right but it's definitely worth asking your Doc about. Yours is the exact reason I hesitate to have my gallbladder removed. Right now, surgery is elective. However, I don't want to damage my liver...

[Baseball_Mom]

If you find out what the cure is, please let everyone know.  I had my gall bladder removed in April 2001 and continue to have loose/watery stools as well.  My Gastro doctor has decided that I have IBS.  I'm not sure I agree with him.