Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Questions

[SuesQ]

For about a year I had a constant pain behind my rib cage (upper right quadrant) that felt like I had a tennis ball lodged inside me.  In May 2004 I was diagnosed with common bile duct obstruction and had an ERCP with a sphincterotomy.  About 3 months later the pain behind my rib cage returned.  In October 2004 I had an ERCP with manometry, during which I was diagnosed with Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction.  Another sphinterotomy was performed.  Unfortunately, the procedure resulted in severe acute pancreatitis.  Four months later, I still have some inflammation, but not that severe.  I am concerned because the pain behind my rib cage is coming back.  

1)  What is the liklihood that the sphincterotomy was not successful and that the SOD is back?

2)  If it is SOD, can it be corrected using external surgical methods? Does surgery pose the same risk for pancreatitis?

3)  What risks are involved with doing nothing, assuming I can learn to live with the pain?

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

[Marcie R]

Would love to talk to you.  What meds are you on?  I ALSO have IBS.  I am constantly running to the bathroom.  

My email is ***@****.

Marcie

[shannonv33]

WOW, finally I found a website where people are just like me. I had my pain start in feb, they took my gallbladder out in april, and it made things worse. I thought I was nuts at first, everyone I knew that had their gallbladder out said I should of felt great but I didnt. After alot of test and doctors visits they said SOD. My gastro doctor frowns on ERCPs, says theres alot of compalcations and doesnt help SOD very often. He put me on three medications, and most of the time they help. I was having alot more attacks, but now there just here and there. I have put on 20lbs from just laying around and not feeling good. I also got IBS from having my gallbladder removed, pretty much has ruined my life. I have three children and a great husband, they help out a lot. Its very depressing thinking that my life is going to be this way forever. Wish I still had my gallbladder, I think alot of doctors are to quick to cut, and should check into things more before taking out one of your body parts. No one ever told me that I could get IBS from getting my gallbladder out, found that one out later. One of us should come up with a chat line on yahoo or something. See whos doing what, and whats helping some people. If anyone wants to just post reply and we will put one together. I would love to chat to other people on how bad I feel, and know they feel the same. I know my family has to be getting sick of hearing me complain LOL.

[ERIN> PLEASE LOOK AT THIS!]

Honeslty for people who have this disorder ask yous specailist about.  

CHOLESTYRAMINE 4G PK.



  This has worked for me, it's a grainy powder that helps collect

the bile, and helps you digest your food, which stops the pain,

attacks, and feeling lousy. It was created for people with  high

cholesteral, but has worked for me, and people with Sphincter of

Oddi Dysfunction. Please give me some feedback, I hope Ive helped

you. I'm only a 17 year olds, and I understand the depression

part of it, I've had my gallbladder out for 2 years now. Although

we have to go threw so much. This medication honestly helps for

the attacks.



*After, or during an attack I ussualy drink it, and truthfully after about 2 minnutes it's gone. It comes in two flavours. Orange or a lemon flavour. I ussualy mix it with pulp orange juice and you can hardly taste the grainyness.




PlEASE LET ME KNOW HOW THIS WORKS FOR YOU OR WHAT YOUR DOCTER RECOMENDS> This has actually changed my life.
Thanks, Erin :)

Good luck

[Marcie R]

I had my Hidascan done yesterday.  The radiologist was wonderful and gave me the results.  If you read above, you will see my post and my story.  The scan was no problem and they could find nothing wrong.  Everything is fine, no blockages, obstructions.  So we are on to the next round of tests.  I have a CT scan on Monday.  I will let everyone know how that goes.  Please let me us know the results of your Hidascan.

[georgie430]

HI I was so interested to read your post about urq pain after taking opiod based pain- meds.  I have had this for about seven years, did have stones in gb had it remved 3 years ago, but pain is still there, I had read somewhere (dont remember) about
people with sod having hard time with narcotics, I would really
like to speak with you further. I'am a 43 year old woman, and I live in upstate new york.

[Sick Nikki]

Hey everyone!  well I am going for a hydascan tomorrow and am a bit nervous.  Has anyone had this test?  I already had my gallbladder taken out 10 yrs ago and now i have a squeezing, quite annoying pain in my right side and CONSTANT nausea.  As I read all your comments I see everyone complaining of pain but only one other with nausea, does any one else suffer from constant nausea? I take reglan every night just to sleep!  I was happy to hear there may be a diagnosis to relieve me and as I read all your comments i have become quite upset.  I cry everyday because I am so hungry but cant eat due to nausea and soooooo frustrated, this sickness is ruining my job and my relationship and all i see is how no one seems to be getting better.  I wonder does the nausea at least go away, im still young and hope to have children but i cant do that if im nauseous all day everyday i can barely function as it is.  help! is there anything that works?..I dont care if its surgury!  WHAT HELPS SOD?