stomach bile is killing me

[mike7841]

My name is Michael Faulkner. My phone# is 619-722-1285 I am a 51 year old male. I have Barrets. I also had my gallbladder removed about 4 years ago. since last March almost a year now My stomach has been hurting me very badly. I went to a G I specialist and they did colonoscipy endoscopy cat scan lower bowell and many blood test. All came back normal.  I am taking two nexium a day and get little releif. I went to the GI Doc today and all he could tell me is I have bile in my stomach, to stop smoking eat better and lose weight and excersice. This bile can not be healthy for my Barrets and general health. Is there nothing that can be done to help me? Is there any way to stop or remove the bile? If you can take time,please help me I don't know any place else to turn.
                          Thank You!
                                          Michael Faulkner.

[aprilraincaleb]

A related discussion, Help i have bile reflux was started.

[diane_306]

I also had a gallbladder surgery in 1993,I had the same symptons. As the years have went by,it has got so bad .All as they do for me is treat the symptons.I have had 6 or 7 ERCP's.That cleans out the sludge,and scar tissue out of the bile duct,the last one I also had a stent put in the pancreatic ductand they also injected botox into a duct.I don't know if you're M.D. told you,with a laproscopic gallbladder surgery they can not stitch so they have to use surgical clips.I do believe they have destroyed my life.I have 13 to 24 surgical clips on my liver bed which is causing my bile ducts to scar down.I am trying to leave the country to have a liver transplant, now that those ERCP's have stripped my bile ducts.I wish I could take it all back.I would never have a gallbladder surgery (laproscopically) any way,my gallbladder was what they call dysfunctional gallbladder diagnosed with a hyda scan.I am presently living on morphine,prevacid,thyroid pills and alot of anti-biodics.You should search under surgical clips,gallbladder surgery,allergic to titanium allergies(what the clips are made out of).If you have any questions that I can try to help with my # is 5094741324.            Good luck; Diane Fry

[mike7841]

Thank You!

[CalGal]

Mike, in addition to the doc's comments when you check with your doc inquire into the possiblity of having your biliary system checked out. There are persons who have 'post-GB' issues far after surgery. No matter what the reason for your GB removal, check to see if you might have any sludge or stones within the ducts.

I hope you're also following a decent GERD diet that is low in fat. If you're not, please consider it.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far, and it has been comprehensive.

More specialized tests can be considered, including a 24-hr pH study which can quantify the GERD present.

Another consideration is bile acid reflux, which can present with persistent symptoms.  Diagnostic options include a specialized fiber optic spectrophotometer.  Treatment options if this is the case include sucralfate, ursodeoxycholic acid, prostaglandin E2, and cholestyramine.

I would discuss these options with your GI physician.

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.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd