Increasingly unwell 15 years after gallbladder removed

[petra75]

Hi. I was 15 when my gallbladder was removed (the full procedure, not keyhole). I also suffered chronic pancreatitis as stones had infiltrated this area too. The pancreatitis was NOT alcohol related (I don't drink).

I'm 34 now, have coped with any severe lingering pain/fatigue etc by taking effervescent codeine at the prescribed intervals. The past weeks I’ve become increasingly unwell with a throbbing, heavy feeling on my left side which was previously more a nuisance - now it's making me feel very ill.

Now this is chronic and worsened by travel. When I travel in a car/bus – especially when the vehicle jolts to a halt – the throbbing pain, cold sweats and nausea become worse. The nausea also comes on when I’ve eaten even a small meal (I primarily eat snacks such as soups and a piece of bread, or yoghurts).

I'm now suffering a lot of burning sensations/electric shock type feelings in areas of my rib cage – one moment the sensation is in the area of my scar, where I had the gallbladder removed; the next it's returned to the left side, accompanied by the throbbing. My ribs have always felt bruised but now feel bad all the time.

I’m undergoing tests now. However, the doctor I saw suggested (without yet seeing any results) that it’s nothing to do with the gallbladder problems – or any gastro-intestinal problems – and told me to come off all of my medication except blood pressure tablets and those which help combat acid.

I’m now left with no pain killers, which scares me as I can feel my ribs becoming increasingly pained & increasing fatigue, discomfort etc. Is it really the case that something such as codeine can cause severe bouts of nausea COUPLED (as opposed to separate to) the throbbing pain and burning/electric shock sensations in and around my ribs? I’ve also put on a lot of weight in just a few months – despite barely eating due to nausea. My periods have also stopped.

Any thoughts/advice would be hugely appreciated. Thank you so much.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Sometimes Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction can manifest post-cholecystectomy.  This is an uncommon disease that can be evaluated with a Sphincter of Oddi manometry.

Other tests of the upper GI system can be done, including an upper endoscopy, gastric emptying scan or 24-hr pH monitor.

I would consider these tests with your GI physician.

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

[justgotpaid]

Could be your spleen, as pancreatitis can lead to splenic vein thrombosis which will cause congestive splenomegaly and the symptoms u state.  The good news is that a slpenectomy will resolve this problem if it is your problem.