sphincter of oddi dysfunction

[quantumLeap]

I have been doing a lot of research on SOD, because it most closely matches my symptoms.  In 2004 I had my gallbladder removed and within a year started having the same symptoms (my liver felt like it was stuck to my ribs).  Pain in my upper right abdominal.  Seems to come and go.  I had one major attack four months ago (symptoms of shock and stabbing pain in my right side) that lasted about two hours which started the chronic pain, but a massive attack has not happened since, however, seems as though the stabbing pain lasting no more than a few seconds still persists daily.  I am wondering if anyone can directly relate a food to some of there symptoms?  I seem to notice more pain when eating sunflower seeds.  This brings on an acute pain along with nausea.  I can typically control the major attacks by making sure that I have at least one BM a day.  If this does not occur I get very nauseous for about a day until I am able to have a BM.  Along with this I have red itchy bumps around my chin area and the site of my gallbladder removal scars.  Very small and red but go away within a few days.  So far I have had a CT scan which showed nothing unusual.  I also had the Liver function test with my ALP (I think) slightly elevated (not sure exactly which one was elevated or the name).  The doctor was not concerned.  When I mentioned the SOD, he said that we should take a watchful wait and to continue doing liver function tests periodically.  He also said that he wouldn't send me for the test because all of the individuals that he had sent prior to me did not have SOD, so he highly doubts this is what I have.  As a side note, in 1996 I was diagnosed with IBS.  Lately, I have had an increase in heartburn and indigestion, which hurts in my chest and jaw if severe enough.  When my gallbladder was removed, the doctor told me that it was stuck to my liver and they had to bring in a second scope and doctor to verify that they were not damaging my liver when they removed my gallbladder.  I had a stone about the size of a grape but not sure of the blockage.  I mention this because some of the things I have read mentions that SOD may be caused by trauma to the area during surgery.  I am wondering if others who have this seem to persist or get worse from this point?  Is there any chance of controlling this with diet and exercise?  One last thing... I have blood in my stools, bright red blood, particularly if I don't have a BM regularly.  I have not heard of many people complaining of this as a side affect of SOD.  I want to have more children, and don't want this to be a problem moving forward.

[quantumLeap]

Thanks for the responses.  I will definately look into the gluten-intolerance.  I have had a colonoscopy scheduled for the rectal bleeding, but have been putting it off for work and family reasons.  I guess it is time to quit procrastinating.  My maternal grandmother and grandfather both had colon cancer.  Until then I have started a food journal, which I am hoping will help me and my doctor to have a clearer picture of my symptoms.  

[CalGal]

Is there any possibility that you may have a food intolerance issue? Anyone in your family with a history of gluten-intolerance? Those red 'bumps' could be suggesting that you're dealing with gluten intolerance and those with that problem can have alterations in liver enzymes. I'm not discounting SOD, but you might want to check into the gluten side of things. Many times the symptoms mimic a lot of other conditions and it can be hard to pinpoint.

As far as the gallbladder being 'stuck' to the liver - it typically is very, very closely associated with the liver. It's not distinct and separate - it's 'glued' closely to the liver via a very thin membrane of connective tissue and it often has to be peeled carefully away when it's taken out. I something think doc's come up with statements like that just to make the general public feel they're doing something very special. I hate to sound sarcastic, but some of their wording really makes me wonder at times.

In the general course of things, try to keep you diet low in fat. It may help how your feel.

[erikamesh]

It's hard to say if this is SOD without having an ERCP with manometry to check the pressure within the bile ducts. This is the only true way of telling if it is SOD or not. Alot of the things you have described do sound like it could possibly be but I don't know about the bleeding.  I have SOD and have never had this happen or heard of anyone who has. Bright red blood in the stools is usually a sign of some sort of internal bleeding. I would get this checked out immediately. If your regular doctor doesn't do anything, go to the emergency room. They will most likely want a stool sample so if you can get one ahead of time, bring it with. I hope this helps