Hi Sudzie,& Katie G, & board friends,
Friends, I'm worried, it's 4wks I'm
post-op now, & I sould be feeling better. I am stronger, as I am still having surgical discomfort pains. My main concern, is that it still hurts a lot in the sternum area (at the top of the stomach) & where the GB was removed, especially after eating. I wonder if some gravel or a stone could have been left in a duct or something, or could something be wrong w/my Les... Will, I ever feel better with this???????
Suds how are you & your Mom feeling these days?
How are you Katie, hope all is good with you two. What is your expertise on this situation for me.
Any input on this problem I'm going through from "anyone" in here is most welcomed & needed...please.
Sandy

Sandy, I had my GB removed about 2 months ago. I don't have problems after eating any more, but did for awhile. If you cut out milk, milk products, animal fat and fried foods, you may find relief. I have read where alot of people have problems such as yours after the surgery. Also, just to let you know, some people, including me, have severe reactions to certain meds. after GB removal, and two meds. that I know of are codeine and morphine. I had a reaction so bad to taking one tylenol with codeine, I ended up back in the hospital { they thought I had a stone lodged somewhere also }. Another girl I talked to on another site thought she was having a heart attack after taking two tylenol with codeine, and was carted off to the hospital also. Apparently this only happens to some people after they no longer have a gallbladder. And many doctors don't recognize this, she was just lucky enough to be in a hospital where the nurse's dad had the same problem, and a few doctors knew of this, mine didn't recognize it and diagnosed me with gastritis, yet I had been fine for a month, then took the tylenol and ended up in severe pain within a half hour. Anyway, hope I have helped you some. Your diet may be too rich right now, because it takes your body awhile to get used to not having a GB, so I hope you get some relief this way. Good luck

Hi, Sandy. I'm so sorry you're still feeling pain after 4 weeks out. Get back to your doctor! It's hard to know if it's a possible stone, but I do know that I felt the pain at the top of my stomach (or end of the esophagus) like yours due to my GERD - which seemed to get worse after my GB was removed. I had the GB out in '97, and during a routine endoscopy in 1999, the doc discovered Barrett's esophagus, which meant my GERD/reflux was worsening. Symptoms did not abate even after starting 40mg of Prilosec, and therefore, in 2001, I had surgery for the GERD.

I don't know if that's your problem as well, but it would be good to get back to your doc to have it checked out. As far as pain in the GB area, I have "phantom" pains there once in a great while, but nothing like you're describing. Maybe a stone is lodged in one of the ducts from the liver?

Anyway, see your doc and keep us posted on what you find out. I'm praying for you - you should be feeling pretty much back to normal by now. My IBS continues to be under control with Colestid, so I've got no complaints right now. I hope you feel better soon!

Katie G

To Kamden,
Thank you so much for your reply. I hope you read this post.
The only meds I'm on are Nexium, Librax, Atenolol (heart med) & Xanax. I very rarely ever take pain meds.
Another thing Dr's don't recognize is the diet they should advise to patients after GB surgery. After my surgery, my Primary, & Surgeon told me I had no restrictions as far as food is concerned, he said I could eat anything I wanted. I didn't, I am careful, I eat soft low fat, foods. Although, I will have a grilled or broiled chicken breast 1/2 of sandwich on toast w/a little mayo on it, b/c its so dry. But it seems that anything, will cause some me these symptoms mentioned in the above post. I guess I'll just have to wait it out.
You mentioned that, you did have problem w/eating for a while...was that before GB removal surgery, or after?? If it was after, would you please explain what your symptoms of discomforts were after eating?
I hope I hear from you again on this...thanks Sandy

Hi Katie G
I was so happy to hear from you, & also glad to hear you IBS is still under control ..thank God.
I have an apt w/my Gastro in 2 wks. I suppose, it will mean further tests for me, which I absolutely dread, as sometimes these tests are not accurate, & it takes forever to get these apts. Even if I did have a problem w/my LES, I've decided NO MORE SURGERIES FOR ME. I'll just live w/if & try to find a way around it...if I can.
Yeah, my Gastro thinks it also may be possible that I could be having reflux & esophageal spasms, & anxiety..guess they have to blame something. I have little faith in Dr's, but I'm at they're mercy now. He couldn't do any testing, when I last spoke to him, since I recently had the surgery.
I feel fine in the morning when I wake up, then soon after lunch time the pains begin, then subside just before bedtime. Think they could disipate on their own, or is that wishful thinking???
P.S. What a "Phantom" pains?
Thanks KG, hope to hear from you again too.

Hi, again Sandy. Since I'm on vacation this week, I have more time to check the boards, so just read your post. As far as "phantom" pain, I just meant that occasionally I have slight pain in the area where the GB was, and since the GB is gone, I just figure the pain is like a "phantom" pain (sometimes people with amputated limbs will still feel the sensation of pain where their missing limb used to be). So I just meant that my "amputated" GB still sometimes feels like it's there. I hope your doc will find some answers for you - don't give up on your belief in them - there will be someone who can help you, I just know it! Hang in there - I'm pulling for you.

Katie G

Pastafigioli, I never in my life had stomache problems untill the gallbladder attack hit me. It was after surgery that I was told no restrictions on diet, but then noticed my stomache would sometimes bloat, ache, and sometimes I would have a backache, after I ate. I also had a few pains in the GB area and back for awhile too. These were not severe, but uncomfortable, and I also had diahrrea. It was when I ended up back in the hospital after taking the tylenol 3, that the doc { I know now } misdiagnosed me with gastritis, and told me to cut out all the milk, milk products, animal fats etc. I did for about a month, found out what really caused my 2nd trip to the hospital, and began eating normally again. I have little aches and pains here and there occasionally, but rarely. I have done alot of reading about gallbladder disease, the surgery, complications etc. I would do as much research as you can on your symptoms, so you can better help yourself. Check out the symptoms also of pancreas problems, I seem to remember pains coming on after eating with this. Also, try looking up the side effects of any of the meds you are on, I only recognize one { for stomache problems? }. I don't know when you take these meds. or what they are for, but would check these out also. Remember, I was doing pretty well for a solid month, when I ended up in such severe pain again, they thought I had a stone lodged somewhere, and I find out on here { not from the doc } that it is a rare reaction to certain meds. only after having your GB removed. And I had only taken one pill. I hope you get some relief. I have learned more off the internet than from any doctor so I would research as much as you can in the meantime untill you go back, and maybe you will find out what it is yourself. Please let me know how you are doing, and what you find out. I know how frustrating it is to come home from surgery, think you are now fine, and have more problems than before. I will read up again on it tonight and post another message if i find something that I think may help you. Kamden

Pastafigioli, I was wrong in my post before this, these are not pancreas symptoms. They sound more like stomache or esophagus problems. And I see that you are on heart meds. and the Zantac is for your stomache, am i right? Take care and keep us posted. Kamden

hi Sandy and KatieG, welcome Kamden
I am doing great now. I still get a little pain on the top of the stomach. I heard that was quite normal and may take awhile to disappear. I do get sore and discomfort if I over eat. I guess anyone would http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif
I am sorry that you are having trouble Sandy. Maybe it will take a few weeks longer because you did have more troubles right after your surgery. My 4rth week was the magic week so maybe yours will be your 5th or 6th week. Hang in there and take Katies advice and check with your doctor. They do tell you to call them if you have any concerns and it may rest your mind.
Good Luck, sorry that I havn't been on the boards either. I have had company forever.
talk to you soon

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Sudzie

Hello my friends,
I talked to my Gastro Dr. yesterday, & explained how I felt & the symptoms of how I'm experiencing significant discomfort & pain after eating as the food passes through. He went over my recent tests, & since they show nothing abnormal. He thinks anxiety could be culprit, (they blame that for anything they can't ans. for) I said, Gee, I've just been through 6mos of daily unrelenting pain, a ton of tests, a painful surgery to help resolve this situation, several meds that aren't helping,& still have the same symptoms as before surgery..this is what's causing me any anxiety...then I questioned "would anxiety cause me to have pain after eating"?? he said "no" He then suggested that I double up on my meds. My new regiment is 1 Nexium 40mg in morn, w/2 Librax, 1/2 hr before brkfst. Then 2-more Librax 1/2 hr before lunch, then another Nexium 40mg & 2-Librax 1/2 hr before dinner. This is besides taking my heart med, Xanax & a sleep aid (as needed) Even if the increase of meds do help, I hope it isn't masking anything, ... If this doesn't help, I requested to him & said, in all do respect to you Doc, could you please suggest another specialist in NYC, that could help me if you can't anymore? He was obliging, & said he would send me to someone in Mt Saiani Hosp.(can't spell) for further testing, as Monometry or the PH 24hr test..how many more can there be?? I think I've had all the rest.
I know the anxiety adds to my situation, but I don't believe it's the cause. I also asked him if my situation could disipate on its own, & he said yes... I don't know what to believe, or do, but I'm at the mercy of these Dr's. I have an apt with my Gastro next wk, then will see where I go from there.
Wish me luck....Sandy

Hi, Sandy. Sorry your doc wasn't more helpful - I really get tired of them increasing meds without looking into other problems first. However, I'm glad he's considering sending you to another doc if needed.

If you are scheduled to have the 24 hr. pH test (which measures the amount of reflux you have over a 24 hr. period), and the esophageal manometry (measures the function/contractions of the esophagus and must be done before any type of esophageal surgery), please let me know. I don't want to worry you, but both tests are uncomfortable. I got through them ok, but it was hard having a tube run through your nose down to your stomach, and NO sedation to make it easier. I hope your meds help, but if things don't get better within the next month, be sure to go back to your doc. Keep pushing for some relief.

Did you ever have endoscopy done to determine GERD/reflux? At least with that procedure, you're sedated, which makes it much easier to deal with.

Good luck,
Katie G

Hi Katie G
It's ok KG, I know those tests aren't so comfortable. I ask you questions, b/c I know you will tell me the truth w/out suger coating it, & I appreciate it.
I had an upper endoscopy about 3 or 4 mos ago. All that was revealed, was that I had mild esophagitis, the bigining of a small hiatal hernia, & chronic gastritis. I also had a upper GI Barium swallow test, which came out normal. Gerd was never really determined in those tests. I guess it's on assumption that reflux could be a problem, b/c of my symptoms, & I did feel some reflux way before all this, some time ago..when I used to eat before bedtime. But, apparently it didn't show up on the tests, unless they weren't accurate or something.
Have you ever heard of "Achalasia"?? Do you know what it exactly is or the symptoms?
Sandy

Hi, again Sandy. Yes, I've heard of "achalasia." It means a narrowing of the esophagus which can cause abnormal contractions/spasms of the esophagus during swallowing and also a sensation of food getting "stuck" as you swallow. If you have a diagnosis of achalasia, I don't think you can have esophageal surgery - first the GI needs to determine what caused the problem (reflux, nerve damage, etc) before it can be treated. Is that what you may have?

Keep me posted,
Katie G

P.S. I'll be away from home on vacation next week, so don't be hurt if I don't respond to your posts until the week of August 19th. I care about you, but won't be near a computer to answer any questions. But please post your questions/concerns anyway, and I'll respond when I get back.

Hi Katie G
I haven't been diagnosed with anything yet..I just found the term "achalasia" while searching the web, & the symptoms sounded similar to mine. I don't have all the of the symptoms listed for this, but I was just curious & thought I'd ask you about it.
I guess I'm getting paranoiac or something. Everything I look up sounds like I may have it. I have an apt w/my Gastro this tues. I'll see what he has to say. But all the symptoms I had before the GB surgery are back..damb it. Sooo frustrating, & discouraging.
But my friend, you have a WONDERFUL vacation, & tell me all about it when you return..where ya going?
Talk to you soon, enjoy & stey healthy!
Sandy

Hi,
If your Dr. does determine that you have achalsia; it can be treated with pneumatic dilitation of your esophagus and/or botox injections in your esophagus. I'm sorry to hear that all of your problems did not go away with your gallbladder.

Hope all goes well,
Michelle

Hi, again Sandy. Please let me know how your dr. appointment goes. As far as my vacation, I live in the central part of lower Michigan, and every year my family and I travel to the Mackinaw City area (northern point of the lower peninsula). This year we're going up into the upper peninsula to the Munising area for 3 days, and then coming back to Mackinaw for the rest of the week. Hopefully, my IBS stays under control. Sometimes, changes in my routine cause a nasty "flare-up". I'm keeping my fingers crossed, and taking all my meds with me.

I'll write when I get back,
Katie G