HealthBoards - View Single Post - Low EF on HIDA Scan: Gallbladder Removal or Not

Kiwilily · 02-21-2009, 12:14 AM

Hi,

I usually post on the Anemia Forum but I was just told today that I need to have my gallbladder removed and I need some advice. I will not see the surgeon for 2 weeks.

I have been having GI symptoms for many months that I did not correlate to my gallbladder. I do not have the typical, severe gallbladder attacks that some of my friends have experienced. I do have a gnawing pain under the middle of my ribcage and then episodes of pain, burning and cramping under my right ribcage. Sometimes the pain travels through to my back and becomes a stabbing pain. I began to notice that these pain episodes often occurred following a fatty meal, ingestion of dairy products or spicy food. I have also had multiple episodes of severe bloating, diarrhea, chalky white stools and nausea. Blood work has shown several episodes of very elevated liver enzymes, too.

I had a HIDA scan a couple days ago and the results came back that my ejection fraction is only at 10%. I was surprised because I thought everything was going to come back normal by the tech's attitude and his responses. I am wondering if there is anyway to help my gallbladder function improve without resorting to surgery? I am nervous about what will happen once my gallbladder is removed. What is the average recovery time? I do not want to take an extensive leave from work. I have a very physical job and I am on my feet for 12 hour shifts.

Some of the websites I have read say that most people are recovered in 4-5 days and sent home the same day as surgery. Is this a reasonable expectation? What will happen if my gallbladder is not removed? At what EF does a gallbladder need removal at? My scans do not show stones but there are polyps. My doctor thinks the polyps could actually be stones but who knows.

Are all gallbladders removed laprascopically or do some require an open incision? What will decide what type of surgery an individual has? I am so nervous about this and do not want to make the wrong decision. I will appreciate any responses or accounts of personal experiences.

Thanks so much, Kiwilily

02-21-2009, 12:14 AM	#1
Kiwilily Junior Member (female) Join Date: May 2008 Location: Pacifica, CA USA Posts: 41	Low EF on HIDA Scan: Gallbladder Removal or Not Hi, I usually post on the Anemia Forum but I was just told today that I need to have my gallbladder removed and I need some advice. I will not see the surgeon for 2 weeks. I have been having GI symptoms for many months that I did not correlate to my gallbladder. I do not have the typical, severe gallbladder attacks that some of my friends have experienced. I do have a gnawing pain under the middle of my ribcage and then episodes of pain, burning and cramping under my right ribcage. Sometimes the pain travels through to my back and becomes a stabbing pain. I began to notice that these pain episodes often occurred following a fatty meal, ingestion of dairy products or spicy food. I have also had multiple episodes of severe bloating, diarrhea, chalky white stools and nausea. Blood work has shown several episodes of very elevated liver enzymes, too. I had a HIDA scan a couple days ago and the results came back that my ejection fraction is only at 10%. I was surprised because I thought everything was going to come back normal by the tech's attitude and his responses. I am wondering if there is anyway to help my gallbladder function improve without resorting to surgery? I am nervous about what will happen once my gallbladder is removed. What is the average recovery time? I do not want to take an extensive leave from work. I have a very physical job and I am on my feet for 12 hour shifts. Some of the websites I have read say that most people are recovered in 4-5 days and sent home the same day as surgery. Is this a reasonable expectation? What will happen if my gallbladder is not removed? At what EF does a gallbladder need removal at? My scans do not show stones but there are polyps. My doctor thinks the polyps could actually be stones but who knows. Are all gallbladders removed laprascopically or do some require an open incision? What will decide what type of surgery an individual has? I am so nervous about this and do not want to make the wrong decision. I will appreciate any responses or accounts of personal experiences. Thanks so much, Kiwilily