DO NOT UNDERSTAND LAB TESTS

[AmyMarie71]

I had my gallbladder removed about 7 years ago and have always had problems with diarrhea where just within the last 1 1/2 - 2 years, it has become cronic.  No pains like IBS, I just have to go frequently and there might be an underlying problem.  My GI ordered soooo many test, including stool samples where the lab gave me 6 vials to fill.  Also blood tests including a Celiac Panel.  The stool sample tests also include Salmonella.  He is almost definite that the casue is due to my gallbladder being removed.  I have an Upper GI under sedation on December 22 (3 days before Christmas :( ) and he says he will do this first before scheduling a colonoscopy (I am 39, female).


What I am confused about is the blood test he ordered which is a CMP with EGFR (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel).  I get this test done every year from my PCP but she tells me that I have to fast because it includes sugar levels (glucose).  This doctor told me to go to the lab right after my exam to get these tests done and I ate 2 hours beforehand.  Won't this particular test be out-of-wack and give incorrect readings?

[hypogirl80]

Sorry to borrow your thread, I only need to know how/where to post a question to the doctor here ?
Thanks.

[mom1028]

Hi :)
I am 44yr's old and I had my gallbladder removed November 1st 2010.... have had problems with diarrhea,cramps and blood in stool. My problems got so bad I couldn't leave my house if I were to eat or drink coffee.... Surgeon sent me to a G.I last week... Just had a colonoscopy December 27th and they found 6 polyps, sent to pathology and now I wait for results.. 2 weeks of hurry up and wait :(. Diarrhea persists and my stomach feels like I've been head butted by a buffalo.

[isaac1]

A related discussion, Stomach Problems was started.

[rawrup]

same here, can't find the button to ask question in the board...

[hopefloats36]

Hello:

I appreciate both of your concerns post-surgery. I had the same thing happen after my gallbladder was removed in 2004. This horrible diarrhea has always been chronic. I know where all the rest room facilities are, and arent!!! :0  It has been trying as it rules your life at times. I typically have pain during or immediately after. I usually have a severe headache as well. Sometimes I get lightheaded and dizzy and I feel completely drained of energy.

My surgeon called it dumping syndrome...not a great name, but it clearly describes what happens. Some time after the surgery I became Vit D-25 deficient. I have been on and off every since. They put me on 50,000 units of Rx Vit D to get it back up, typically the numbers go back down after months and they write me another prescription. I was low on vitamin B-12, and calcium at one point. After suppliments it went back up and as far as I know it stayed there. At present I have some other GI and esophagus issues being worked up and I've been wondering about absorption.

Have your doctors suggested that this chronic diarrhea may be related to malabsorption. I don't know how it can't considering how quickly after eating the diarrhea comes on. I don't think that the food is in the intestines long enough most times to benefit us nutritionally.Is this a concern you have?

By the way, I'm sure you've met enough people who've told you they were perfectly fine after they had their gallbladder removed. Ugh!