Chronic pain and nausea since gallbladder surgery

[erikamesh]

Since having my gallbladder removed in May of this year, I have had chronic gallbladder type pain and nausea to the point that it has taken over my life. I haven't been to work in almost 3 months and on most days I barely leave my couch. I have had every test there is, endoscopy, colonoscopy, hida scan, ct scan, ultrasounds, mrcp, ercp with manometry, sphincterotomy of 2 of the biliary sphincters leaving the pancreas untouched. Now I am sick again and in constant pain so I'm facing another ercp procedure. My primary doctor refused to give me anymore pain medication so I went to another doctor. He gave me vicodin and a referral to another GI specializing in liver and pancreas disorders. This doctor is so busy I can't get in for a consult till mid August and the vicodin isn't working anymore. My new doctor says he is reluctant to give me anything stronger because he doesn't want me to build up a tolerance to narcotics. I can understand his concern but I am in so much pain I can't focus on anything else. Going to the ER is pointless, they treat me like it's all in my head. Today I was feeling so bad I called the nurse begging for help. She talked to the doctor and he wants to try me on ativan so see if that helps before considering stronger options. He also ordered another ultrasound of my abdomen to see if anything has changed. This whole ordeal has been very frustrating and I'm sure the stress isn't doing me any good. Does anyone out there have any ideas for something else I could be doing? I am currently taking Questran for the bile dumping, Levsin for spasms, Zofran for nausea, Vicodin 5/500 for pain and now Ativan as soon as my husband gets back from the pharmacy. I can't take any of the calcium channel blockers or nitroglycerin that have been used to treat sphincter of oddi dysfunction, which they suspect is part of my problem but probably not the source, because of my history of migraine headaches. Help.....

[erikamesh]

How long should I give the Ativan a chance before I call the doctor back? Other then being less nauseous, I don't notice any change. My pain is still just as bad

[erikamesh]

Thank you for taking the time respond to my post. You are so right about something not sounding right, I have thought that all along. I just know it's my pancreas and that they have missed something. These doctors don't have a clue. First I had acute pancreatitis, then it was gastritis, and then gallbladder disease. When I got sick after the surgery it was post-cholecystectomy syndrome, then they thought I had stones and then it was sphincter of oddi type III. Now my new PCP agrees with me on the pancreas or liver because that's all I have left. I have done some reading and it's rare but possible to have completely normal labs not showing major signs of illness but have pancreatitis. I think it was called minimal change chronic pancreatitis. I seriously wonder if that's what I have. I'm hoping this new GI looks at the whole picture and can put this puzzle together. Pain this bad has to be coming from somewhere. In the mean time, I will give the Ativan a chance to see if it helps. I hope so because Aug 10th is a long time from now

[Tuckamore]

Hello Ericka,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so very sorry to hear of the ordeal you have been experiencing since your surgery.

It sounds like they have preformed all the right tests. I am glad that you chose to change your PCP. In my opinion you made a wise decision. Sometimes tests just do not provide the physicians with an accurate or complete picture of a medical condition. It is not unheard of for an exploratory procedure to reveal an issue that was not apparent on the usual and customary tests.

Ativan should enhance the action of vicodin and provide you with some releif. I think being cautious with a increase of your narcotic is also a wise course at this time. If the ativan does not help relieve the pain than don't be afraid to ask for an increase of the hydrocodone but be cautious with the amount of acetaminophen (tylenol) you are taking on a daily basis.    

Some thing does not sound right and I hope they are able to find a solution to your painful condition. I'm sorry I do not have any answers for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.  Maybe one of our members will have some personal experience that will be helpful. We are here do our best in supporting you. I will look forward to your updates with interest. Your pain is certainly puzzling.

Take Care,
Tuck