Gallbladder post op complaints

[Bobbi339]

I had a routine (?) lap gall bladder removal on March 12, 2003.  Five days later I was readmitted to the hospital with considerable pain and jaundice. Tests showed that a surgical clip was blocking the common bile duct.  Surgery was performed to correct this by choledocojejunostomy (sp?).
I am now six weeks post op and have noted the following problems:
1) clay colored stools
2) pain under right shoulder blade after eating
3) nausea after eating
4) intense pain under right side rib cage upon deep breath or yawning.
Do you have any comments or suggestions?

[zenon]

I am 3 years out of GB surgery and I have suffered for almost all 3 of those years with nauseau, dry heaves, pain in upper left abdomen. And diarrea after the first meal of the day. I had endoscopy, CT scan, Ultrasound, all to be told I have gastritis and the diarrea is "abnormally normal" for some after surgery and to learn to live with it.  I have been having some really good months now, and am still learning which foods to avoid to keep those symptoms at bay.  Keep your chin up, hopefully, those symptoms will disappear with time.  It is tiresome, but eventually, hopefully, you WILL fell better.

[Bobbi339]

Your comments and suggestions have been very helpful. I don't feel that I am alone with this problem.  I am following up on this with my doctors.  Thanks to all.

[shaelynn]

I am sorry to hear about your problem. I would be hesitant to return to the surgeon that left a clip in me. can you get another opinion?  I had mine out 1  1/2 ago and have had nothing but problems since then. Chronic diarrhea, nausea, etc.  Please get another opinion and see what they say.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

It is certainly possible that there is a problem with the choledocojejunostomy.  A continued blockage can give you the symptoms of jaundice you are experiencing.  

I highly recommend going back to your original surgeon for followup and discuss these symptoms.  

If everything with the surgery was uncomplicated, post-cholecystectomy syndrome (PCS) is possible - it is reported in 10-15% of cases.  This simply means the presence of symptoms despite cholecystectomy.  A repeat ultrasound and possible ERCP or MRCP should be considered to further evaluate PCS.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[tessa0825]

I would like to add  that most people that have positive outcomes dont normally post about it....It is the people that are looking for answers because they have had problems post op that seek out the support or message boards...The majority just recover and go on their merry way. When we are looking for answers we come here and only read about the negative...I have had no complications related to my GB removal but I do have other non GB related medical problems that keeps me searching for answers on these boards. When I can offer my support about a positive outcome then I try to do that....Its a shame that not everyone can be guaranteed to have a positive outcome but most things dont come with 100% guarantees.....To the original poster:....Im sorry that you have had such a hard time following your surgery and I hope you will soon feel better...........Tessa

[rainyb]

Does anyone have comments on age and gallstones? My 17 year old daughter was diagnosed with sludge and stones in February and has had 7 serious attacks since,she has elevated liver enzymes and I am very worried about recovery and long term damage. We are waiting for surgery.