Hi all...

I have got a lot of questions to ask... http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif

I am a 22 year old female who has just been diagnosed with Acute Colicystitis (sp?). Is that normal for somebody my age??? I have had GI problems for several years. (GERD, Lactose Intolerance, Gastritis, etc...) I have been taking Aciphex for the Gastritis and the GERD, and it seemed to have been helping just fine. The past few mornings I have been waking up with gas pain. So I just take some Gas-X, and that goes away. That had been going on for about 3 or 4 days. I just thought it was my normal stomach problems. Well anyway, on January 2 I had an appointment in Maryland to see a specialist about another, totally unrelated medical problem. (I live in NY). So we left on January 1. The morning of the 1st I woke up with the usual gas pain. But I thought it would go away, so I didn't take anything before I left. But it did not go away on its own, so I got some Tums. I thought, "surely this will work". But it didn't. Seeing as I just thought it was gas, I thought that since I had an empty stomach, maybe it would help if I ate something. That did not help either. So when we got to our hotel in Maryland, I got some Maalox. That did not help either. I got some ginger ale. That did not help. I got some Gas-X. That did not help. (this was over the course of a few hours). All the while the pain kept on getting worse and worse, and I noticed that instead of it being in my entire stomach, it was now just on the right side of my abdomen. It was very very bad, and I could not sit up straight. Since I was practically crying in pain, I decided to go to the ER. I spent about 6 hours in the emergency room, during which time I saw several drs and had blood drawn and an ultra-sound done. Through the ultra-sound they discovered that I have Gall Stones. This is the first time in my life that I have ever had a gallbladder problem.

Shortly after the ultra-sound, 2 surgical residents came in to see me and told me that they wanted to remove my gallbladder. There were no stones in the duct. I had a very slight low-grade fever, and all of my blood tests came back normal. So I asked them if it was absoltely necessary to do it right then and there. They reluctantly said no, but that it would be better to just get it taken care of. I explained that it was not possible for me to have surgery right then and there, because I had a drs appointment in the morning that I had waited 3 months for and was not about to cancel if I could possibly help it. And if it was not an absolute emergency (like if I had a stone stuck in the CBD), I was not letting someone whom I had just met 10 minutes ago operate on me. If I am going to have surgery I would much rather be home with my own dr. My family has a surgeon who we like a lot. Anyway, they prescribed me some anti-biotics because of the low-grade fever, and also some pain medicine. I am now back home in NY. I saw the nurse practicioner in my Internist's office today (my dr is away). She also says that it might be a good idea to have it removed. I am going for a surgical consult on tuesday.

But in the mean time, I have some questions. Maybe someone can answer them for me. Can gallbladder problems cause bad diahrrea? I have had that today. What are the benefits of having the procedure done laproscopically versus the regular way? What is the recovery time for laproscopic surgery? I am due to start student teaching on January 22nd. If I have to get it done now, what are the chances that I will be fully recovered by then? In the mean time while I am waiting for a surgical consult, what should I be eating? Right now I am on a clear liquid diet. I am allowed to have some chicken and some rice if I want, but I am in no mood for that. I had some rice tonight and some clear chicken broth, and apparently it did not sit too well. I have been living on non acidic juices (no orange juice, etc...) and Jell-o. Also, what can I do for the pain besides taking Percocette or Tylenol?

Also, could the gallbladder problems be making my reflux worse or cause me to have excess gas?

That's all the questions that I can think of at the moment. Thanks a lot,

Elyse

Hi Elyse,

I don't blame you for not having your gallbladder out "then and there" when you were in the ER. Best to have it done by someone you trust and know; after all, even though it is very minor surgery, it's still surgery!

I can't answer all of your questions, but yes, diarrhea can occur because of your gallbladder; and also after it's removed, it can occur with certain foods you eat, be it greasy, or fried, something a bit rich you might say.

I had mine removed about five years ago and it was done laporascopically which is a much easier recovery time. I had mine out on a Tuesday and cooked Easter dinner the following Sunday. You will be sore, but it's manageable. I'd had a previous c-section so I knew the kind of pain that would probably arrive after surgery. Of course, my surgeon did a "look-see" at all my other organs while she was in there with the scope so that could be why I was pretty sore; but like I said, I knew what to expect. By about 7-10 days later, I felt pretty much like myself. I think the only reason gallbladder surgery is done with a knife nowadays is if the patient is quite heavy and the surgeon cannot get to the gallbladder via a scope.

All in all, it isn't that bad and I'm pain free, although sometimes I feel phantom pains you might say..which everynow and then, something I've eaten that is fatty will bring on a bit of pain in my side, but nothing as bad as needing to go to the ER or how I felt previous to surgery.

As far as your age, I think it can happen anytime to anyone at any age. In my case, I had some very small stones, but my gallbladder ceased to function as was diagnosed through a nuclear scan of my abdomen.

Hope I answered some questions, and feel better soon!

Well, I am on the heavy side, but the surgeon in the ER did not seem to think that it would be a problem to do it laproscopically. I have got an appointment for a surgical consult this coming tuesday. But are there other treatment options that I can try first before I have surgery? I heard about something called Lithotripsy (sp?) where they dissolve the stones with a laser. And I also heard that there are medications that can be used to dissolve the stones.

Right now I am not sure about anything, because I really don't know very much about this. I think that if my dr and the surgeon whom I will be seeing agree that it is a good idea to just get it removed while it is calm and not "hot", then I will do it so that I don't have to worry about it anymore. Right now I do not really have any bad pain like I had the other night when I was having an accute attack. But am still very uncomfortable, and I have A LOT of gas, and whatever I eat seems to go right through me. Keep in mind that when I say that I am eating, I mean Jello or clear chicken broth, or rice! Tonight I had some vegetable flavored chicken broth with some rice, and I was in the bathroom about 3 minutes later. I feel like I want to throw up all the time, and I can not lay down flat because that just makes it worse. In order to sleep I have been propping myself up with about 4 pillows, so that I am almost in a sitting up position. My dr said I could take something like Maalox or Mylanta for the heartburn and reflux. We have also increased my Aciphex to twice a day. Can all of the indigestion and gas be caused by the gallbladder as well? I am also having gas pain on my left side, and I am wondering if it is all from the same thing. I have been getting gas pain and diahrrea for a long time and have been told that it is all from my gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome. I am now wondering just how long these stones have been there for. There is no dilatation of the ducts, so we are guessing that maybe they have been there laying dormant for a year or less. Of course, I would choose the one night that I am away from home to have my very first attack!


How many holes/incisions do they make when they do the surgery laproscopically?

Also, one more question. Is it normal to need an anti-biotic when you get an accute gallbladder attack? I had a slight low grade fever (99.2) but my white cell count and all of my other blood tests came back normal. But they still prescribed me Ceftin 500mg twice a day for 7 days. I had so many other things going through my mind that I forgot to ask them what the exact purpose was for prescribing the anti-biotic. When I saw the nurse practicioner at my drs office, she was not too sure why they prescribed it for me either, but said to finish it. Maybe they were afraid of some kind of infection?

The only way that I was going to let them remove my gallbladder when I was in the ER in Baltimore was if I had a stone stuck in the Common Bile Duct, or if my white cell count was elevated. Fortunately neither was the case. They also thought that I might have had pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that needs to be treated with immediate IV anti-biotics and a hospital stay. But they ruled that out through the blood tests. They really tried their hardest to convince me to let them do the surgery, but I said "can I get back to NY with this? can you make me comfortable enough so that I can do what I came here to do and go home?" they reluctantly said yes. The doctors there were excellent, and they really took very very good care of me, but I was not about to let someone who I had met 10 minutes ago cut me open, unless I was dying. I mean, when I think about it I was lucky that I was in such a good hospital, and that I was not out of the country somewhere. But I came with a gallbladder, and I was going home with one! LOL! Usually when I have a medical problem, I know everybody who is taking care of me. My mom works in the hospital that I go to here at home. I wanted my own dr. Like I said, they took great care of me, but I didn't know them from a whole in the wall! They tried to convince me once again by telling me that they would do it laproscopically and there wouldn't be a scar.

Actually, there are some surgeons who do not do laproscopic surgery. I have chosen one who my family has known for a long time, who does do it laproscopically. I would not go to one who doesn't.

Anyway, thanks for letting me get all of this off of my chest. Those are all the questions I can think of for now. You have been very helpful.

Elyse

I have a question. The problem with fatty and rich foods. Does that occur after the gal bladder surgery or is that also a symptom of needing to have the gal bladder removed?
Thx,
groundhog

Wow Elyse, you sure are having an uncomfortable time with it. I never had an attack, just had this constant pain on my right side that never went away. I would listen to your doctor and I'm sure he'll run some more tests just to be sure it really is your gallbladder.

As far as the actual lap surgery, the doctor makes four very small incisions, the largest being only about 3/4", including an incision near your belly button. My belly button incision was the sorest because that is where the waistline of my pants would rest and kind of irritate it, but you get the stitches out about a week later and it heals fast.

To Groundhog,

As far as myself, personally I don't really recall if I had diarrhea before the surgery; I was just in constant pain no matter what I ate because my gallbladder just didn't function any longer.

Without it now though, I will have diarrhea happen after breakfast if I've had anything cheesy or even a fiberous cereal like Wheaties. It's not on a daily basis, and it could just be my own hormones acting up certain times of the month too. I do know that if I have ice cream, that will give me the pain in the side again like I never had the gallbladder out. My surgeon said that some people just cannot digest fats well and I happen to be one of them.

I believe that once you are diagnosed with a gallbladder problem, you are not supposed to eat fatty foods until you have the gallbladder removed. I'm not sure about after the surgery. Right now I am on a clear liquid diet, and I am allowed to have some rice and some chicken if I want. But I have not even tried the chicken yet, because it seems that whatever I eat, even rice, goes right through me. I also have a little bit of a fever today, (100.2) which kind of concerns me. I left a message for my dr, but never got a call back. But since I am not having any severe pain anymore and I am already on an anti-biotic, I am not going to worry about it. If I start to have that severe pain again, or if I start throwing up, I'll go right to the Emergency Room. I only had the severe pain for that one evening. Now I just have a ton of gas and a constant ache. But I am also wondering if the diahrrea and gas could be from the anti-biotic itself.

Antibiotics can very well cause diarrhea, so maybe that's all that's going on with you or maybe you have a touch of that intestinal (viral) flu going around. Hope your doc calls tomorrow and you get some answers soon.

It would be just my luck to have a stomach virus on top of everything else. It is entirely possible though. If my dr does not call me back tomorrow, I will probably call again if I don't feel any better. So far the only thing that seems to be sitting well is Jello! How much Jello can one person eat? I really have no appetite though. Since tuesday (the last time I weighed myself) I have lost 5 pounds. If one good thing could come out of this, I guess that would be it.

Anyway, thanks for all the support and advice Diane. I will keep you posted and let you know what happens when I see the surgeon on tuesday.

Hi purple. So sorry to hear of your troubles. However, all the advice you've received so far seems very sound and I would agree with all of it. I had my GB out in '97 due to repeated attacks of SEVERE pain - I didn't have stones, it was just severely inflamed. The lap surgery is really no big deal - my tiny incision sites are faded scars now, and really not visible (I think I had 5 incision sites). You'll feel sore all through the abdomen for about a week, but can return to a non-physical job in about a week. If you're not feeling good now on a bland diet, it's not going to get any better. I went for a year with repeated attacks of pain with fatty/greasy/spicy foods at first, and then EVERYTHING I put in my mouth caused an attack. Like you, I was very tender to the touch in the upper right quadrant, and running a low grade fever. However, antibiotics can cause diarrhea, but so can GB problems. I still had diarrhea problems after GB removal, but my that's all under control now with medication. Why let yourself continue to suffer? Get the thing out! Be sure your surgeon has performed the operation several hundred times; although fairly easy, it's important to have a competent surgeon.

Afterwards, I ate whatever I wanted - once in awhile, I'll get mild phantom pains, but nothing like it was. I lost 25 lbs. before surgery because I was so sick all the time, and gained it all back afterwards. Even though I need to diet, I feel a whole lot better than I did before my GB was removed. And yes, my GERD was worse too before, and even after it was removed. I've since had my reflux problem surgically corrected as well (in 2001).

Keep us posted, and good luck to you,
Katie G

Yes, I would have to agree with you Katie. The advice that I have gotten here so far is very good. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

I actually just got off the phone with my internist, who also happens to be a GI dr. He says that my diahrrea is probably being caused by the anti-biotic, and to stop taking it. I don't have any fever anymore, so there is no reason to be on it. He says he's not even sure why they prescribed it for me in the first place. I have an appointment for a surgical consult tomorrow evening. My internist says not to "sign on the dotted line" with the surgeon just yet. He says to come in and see him this week so he can also examine me and review my films, and we can discuss other options. He also said that it could be a combination of things causing my bad reflux and gas and diahrrea. He says that just because I have been diagnosed with gallstones, it doesn't necessarily mean that is what is causing all of the problems. He wants to do a more complete exam. He told me that in the mean time I can start eating solid foods again, but until the diarrhea goes away, I have no desire to do that. I have no appetite. Today I had about 4 slices of white bread, one with jelly (over about half an hour) and I was in the bathroom for 20 minutes and could not get off the bowl. But like my dr says, I am not positive that it is from the gallbladder. It could also be from the anti-biotic. He said that once I am off of the anti-biotic (starting NOW!!) we will know in a few days if it is from that, and he will be able to give me something to stop it. But right now he is not going to give me anything, because he wants to see if it is definitely the anti-biotic that is causing it.

But if I do decide to have my gallbladder taken out, it is good to know that with the laproscopic procedure I will recover quickly. I am going to be starting student teaching on January 27th, and I do not want to be laid up. I am going to decide by the beginning of next week whether or not I want to have the surgery at this point in time. The surgeon that I have chosen is excellent. Every time someone in my family needs any sort of surgery, he is the one who the doctors in our area recommend. He has already done surgery on my brother and my mother, as well as my grandmother! I am not sure how many laproscopic gallbladder procedures he has done, but I will ask. I have a lot of confidence in him. According to my mom, he is not the type to automatically cut, and if he doesn't think that I definitely need to get it taken out he will not try to make me do it.

Anyway, I have my appointment for the surgical consult tomorrow night, so I will give you guys an update sometime after that! Thanks for all the support and advice,

Elyse
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

Good luck tomorrow Elyse!

Thanks Diane. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif You are so sweet. I will let you guys know what happens. Hopefully no surgery for me just yet.

HI, I had my gall bladder removed on 11/22/02. Less than a week later, I was cooking Thanksgiving dinner. I had it done lapriscopically.I was having attacks for over 6 years off and on and was mis diagnosed with panic attacks, gastritis and some sort of esophagus problem. I had a kidney stone and they did an ultrasound and that is when I found out I had gall stones, several big ones. My surgeon was worried about how long I was having attacks because he said scarring can occur and then it might be tricky to do the surgery lapo. But everything went fine and I had 4 incisions, with not really any side affects. If I eat a fatty meal I do get bad cramps and need to find a bathroom.

This was also my first surgery ever,and I was scared. The people on this board put my mind to ease and helped me. Please let us know how everything goes.

Shari

Hi all!

Well, I just had my consultation with the surgeon. He said that considering that I also had another attack last night, he thinks that I need to be on anti-biotics. I told him that my internist does not want me on them because they are making me sick, so he did not give them to me. But he read the ultrasound report and examined me, and he said that my complaints all totally sound like they are gallbladder related. He would like to do the surgery as soon as possible because he is concerned that I am passing stones and one of them might get stuck in the Common Bile Duct. He said that he would make 4 incisions and take the gallbladder out through the belly button. He said that the whole thing should not take any longer than 45 minutes. I would be in and out of the hospital the same day. I am seeing my internist tomorrow because he wants to examine me himself and make sure that the gallbladder is the only thing causing all of this. Then I will make a decision about the surgery. But more than likely I am going to have to do it. Apparently I have a lot of stones. He said that if I passed a stone, that could be the reason for the excess gas and bad diarrhea (don't mean to gross anybody out, but it is green! eewwwwwww!)

So after I see my internist tomorrow and get a complete exam from him, I'll make my decision and decide when to have the surgery done. (like I said, more than likely I am going to do it.)

And I like this surgeon a lot. He is an excellent dr and a very very nice man. He has done hundreds, if not thousands of laproscopic gallbladder surgeries, so I trust him. I feel better just knowing that I am home and if GOD forbid I have an emergency I now have my own surgeon to rely on and a familiar hospital to go to. Last night I had an attack at 3am. I really thought that was it, that I was not even going to make it to my appointment and I was going to have to go to the emergency room again. But I took a pain pill that the dr in Maryland prescribed for me, and it subsided. Whew!

Ohhh, one more question. Can gallbladder problems cause the pain to radiate all the way to the left lower side of my back? That is starting to bother me today. I am wondering if it is just from all of the gas, or from the fact that I had all that diahrrea and now I can't go at all, or what it is. It could also be muscular because I tossed and turned a lot last night until I finally fell asleep. I am so glad that I am off right now and did not have anything to do today, because I did not fall asleep until almost 6am!

Anyway, I will let you guys know how my drs appointment goes tomorrow night, and what I decide about when to have the surgery. Thanks for all the advice, you have really made this a lot easier for me to deal with. It's nice knowing that I can talk to all of you.

Elyse

Hi Elyse,

So glad it went well with your doctor. Yes, I've read that gallbladder can radiate to your back although I never experienced any pain there myself. That was a symptom my doctor did ask me if I was experiencing when I first went in to find out what was wrong with me.

Looks like your heading towards getting it removed and I know you'll make the best choice, kind of sounds like it's the way to go. It really is a minor operation and I stayed overnight in the hospital and went home the next morning. It's a bit uncomfortable, but you'll feel like yourself in a few short days...like I said, I cooked Easter dinner 5 days later! LOL!

Good luck!

Yeah, my biggest concern is that I have to be able to begin student teaching in the end of January, and I know that the little monsters will keep me on my feet! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif But like you, my surgeon also said that the recovery is really easy and he even said that I could go home the same day.

You know, it is very funny (in a weird, ironic sort of way)... I called my best friend and told her what was going on, and I explained all of this to her. She's been very concerned. The next day she called me with some news of her own...Her step-father was admitted to the hospital with a gallbladder attack! But his must be worse because they are not letting him go home yet, and he has been there 2 days. But she said that they're not doing surgery on him. I don't understand that. But anyway....when it rains it pours! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/tongue.gif

I'll let you know how everything goes at my appointment with my internist. (8:30pm wednesday night! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/yawn.gif) Thanks again. You are all angels.

Hi Elyse. So glad you're finally getting some answers toward relief. I think you'll be glad to have the surgery done. My was done at 4:30 p.m. and I went home the next day by 8:00 a.m. So it can be an in/out type of surgery; if you have it done in the a.m., you'll probably go home by evening. The reason the doc might keep you in longer is if you have any reaction to the anesthesia; otherwise it's considered a day surgery.

It's interesting you noted someone familiar having the same problems as you. They might not want to do surgery on him based on his age, or if other medical issues are coming up. Just before I went into the hospital for my GB surgery, I found out my best friend was getting hers out (she was also several months pregnant at the time). So as soon as I could get up and walk during my hospital stay, I went to visit her in the OB ward. Talk about coincidences.

Oh, and yes, you can have pain radiate to the back. My pain went from the upper right quadrant in the front and around to between my shoulder blades (classic GB symptoms). I suppose your pain could also spread to the left side, especially if you have referred pain (pain that occurs somewhere else in the body instead of where it originated).

Anyway, good luck to you and keep us posted. I'll be thinking of you. Don't put the surgery off too long though - you want to feel good when you start teaching, and it will take at least a week to recover at home after surgery.

Take care,
Katie G

Well I just got back from my appointment with my internist. He is also a GI doctor. He says that since I am not having an accute attack at the moment, he really cannot be positive that all of my symptoms are definitely from my gallbladder. He believes that the gallbladder is the cause of the problems, but he wants to be absolutely certain, without a doubt in his mind, before he lets me have surgery. So I am going to go for a Hida Scan and then based upon the results of that, we will decide about the surgery. His reasoning behind this is that what if I go for the surgery and have the gallbladder removed, and then my symptoms don't get any better and it turns out that the gallbladder wasn't the culprit? He doesn't want to send me for surgery if he doesn't absolutely have to. So he wants to make sure that it is not any other kind of digestive problem. I like this approach. I'd rather rule out everything else first. He said that by going for the Hida Scan we will see how well my gallbladder is functioning. If the scan proves what we think, that it is all from my gallbladder, then I will go ahead and have it removed.

Hopefully I will be able to get the scan done soon. Either the end of this week or the beginning of next week. My mom works in radiology at the hospital I will be going to, and she has plenty of friends in the Nuclear Medicine department. So I am hoping that they will be able to get me in soon, because I want to know if I need surgery or not and if I do, I need to get it done soon.

I just have a few questions for all of you....What exactly is a Hida Scan, and what does it entail? Do I need to not eat on the day that I am having it done? How long does it take?

Thanks again,
Elyse
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Hi Elyse. I had 2 hida scans done to try to prove my GB was the problem, and the results looked "normal", so be prepared for that possibility. The procedure can take several hours from start to finish. I think I was not allowed to eat or drink so many hours (8-12?) before the procedure, and than at the hospital they started an IV to put stuff into your system that fills and outlines your GB. It took my GB at least a couple hours to fill (which seems abnormally long), and the tech noted that out loud, but there was no radiologist present (nor was this reported in the results). Then after the outline of the GB was complete, the tech inserted a chemical called CCK into the IV line which is supposed to trigger the GB to release digestive bile. The amount ejected from the bile is called the ejection fracture, and a certain percentage is considered normal; below that number is abnormal and indicates function problems. However, my GB spasmed so bad during the 2nd hida scan when the CCK was injected, that you could actually see the chemical squirt out right into the small intestine. The tech was saying, "WOW, did you see that?", and I said, "Not only did I see it, I FELT it too". The pain was just like a typical GB attack for me. Although the GB spasmed enough to eject a "normal" amount (according to radiologist's report), and therefore the function seemed "normal", once my surgeon found out about the pain experienced during the procedure, he knew it was my GB, and a 2nd opinion confirmed it, as did surgery.

So please don't put all your money on the hida scan. Since you obviously are having attacks of GB pain, I hope the results are abnormal (meaning then your doc can take care of the problem), because if the results are "normal" and yet your GB is still giving you problems, it will be that much harder to prove. I hope what I'm saying makes sense. I don't want you to think I want you to be in pain or to have abnormal test results; I just want the doc to give you some answers and relief.

Take care and keep us posted on the results,
Katie G

Thanks Katie. I agree with you that the scan is not foolproof. I am just hoping that it does prove that my gallbladder is acting up. But I could not get an appointment until January 20th, even with my mom pulling all of her strings! I'm very pissed off, but what can I do? I was hoping to get a sooner appointment than that. Because right now, until I find out what is going on with my gallbladder, my life is on hold. But if I get another attack before then I will just either go right to the drs office or the emergency room. But I'm hoping that I feel OK until then! At least I am losing weight! My dr says I can eat whatever I want just not fats or dairy products, but all I feel like eating is jello or toast, or maybe some rice or some soup. I live on Juicy Juice.

I do hope that my gallbladder acts up during the scan. Not that I want to be in pain, but I want to be able to prove that it is all from my gallbladder. Because if they can't prove that, then my GI doctor is probably going to make me go for another endoscopy, as well as other tests. You know, I was in Maryland to see a world renowned eye specialist, and although the last thing that I wanted was for my eyes to bother me while I was away, I was really hoping that on the day of the exam they would be absolutely terrible! Because if the problem isn't going on during the exam, then how is the dr going to see it and be able to accurately diagnose it? It's the same thing with a car. It'll make noise every time you make a left turn, but then as soon as the mechanic takes it out for a test drive it stops making the noise.

Ohh....I have one more thing to bring up......

I have been getting terrible reflux lately. It has to be from my gallbladder, because I am hardly eating anything. IF I AM NOT EATING, THEN WHAT IS GIVING ME THE REFLUX???? WHAT IS REPEATING ON ME???? Ugh, this is so frustrating! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I was so glad to read about your experience as it mirrors what I am going through. Then I realized that you are the person that helped me at the Lupus board. You are one in the same. So, that is twice you've helped me now.

Thanks and I hope everything goes well for you and you can start to feel better soon!

Hi Elyse. Thanks for your understanding when I posted that I hoped your GB pain would occur during the scan or at least your test results would be abnormal to prove something IS wrong.

As far as the reflux, mine was TERRIBLE during my ordeal (prior to GB surgery). I think it's all part of the GB problem - I had severe nausea, reflux, and GB pain before surgery. In fact 2 years after having the GB out my GERD also became Barrett's esophagus. However, it took me another 2 years before I felt emotionally ready for the surgery to correct it.

Now, no more reflux and no more GB pain. Although I had terrible problems with worsening of my IBS-D after both surgeries, that is now since been corrected with medication.

I wish you well and keep us posted on your results/decisions.

Katie G

Had my gall bladder out when I was 25. The best thing I ever did . Was suffering so bad. It seems to come after we have children. That was 30 years ago. I have no problem with any food now. I had mine done with a vetical incision and that was along time healing. Now they have laprascopes. That is a great way to have it done now. Good luck...Please do not hesitate to get it done. It will be a life long problem if you don't.
P>S> I did not gain any weight after it done from overeating neither.

Thanks everyone, you have all helped me so much. It is so nice to know that I am not alone. You're welcome shinegirl. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I like to help whenever I can.

For all of the people who have had the surgery, can I ask you all what kinds of foods you were able to eat when your gallbladder was acting up? I mean, when you were not feeling well, before you had the surgery, what foods sat the best with you? Were there any foods that did not give you reflux or diahrrea? So far like I said, I have been sticking to white bread, occasional chicken broth, occasional pasta, Jello, occasional rice, and a lot of juice. Last night I went to Applebees and had some of their chicken noodle soup which also had some chunks of chicken and carrots in it. It would have been fine except it was probably a little too fatty, so when I got home I had diahrrea. My doctor says I can go back to eating whatever foods I want to, as long as they are low in fat. But I DON'T FEEL WELL when I eat other things. I am afraid to try and eat normal foods. Help!

And after gallbladder removal, are you able to eat normally fatty foods? (I mean, do you have to look at the fat content of everything?)

Well, I had my Hida Scan today. Of course, I was not having an acute attack when they were doing the scan. Nor was I even having any sort of pain or discomfort. So everything is completely normal! That was the preliminary finding, anyway. The Radiologist however, said that just because it looks normal now that does not mean that in a few days or weeks I won't have another attack. She recommended getting it taken out now while it is still calm and not inflamed anymore. She said that at the moment it is not an emergency, but once you have gallbladder problems they never go away, and that it will eventually have to come out. I am thinking that if everyone agrees that it does not need to come out in the next few weeks, I'll play it by ear and probably get it taken out over the summer.

My own doctor happened to be in the hospital at the same time that I was having the test done, and he was going to go down to radiology and look at the films himself. When he gets the report in his office I will make an appointment to see him and discuss what's next. Because even though my gallbladder seems to have calmed down for the moment, I still don't feel well. At my last appointment he said that if the Hida Scan does not show that the gallbladder is causing ALL of my problems, then he will probably send me for some other tests. I have very bad gas, acid reflux, hiccups throughout the day (even if I have not had anything to eat or drink, I wake up with them!), diahrrea and occasional stomach cramps. I have been told that I can go back to a normal diet, just watch the fats. But I don't feel well and I am afraid to eat anything! Lately I have been having steamed chicken dumplings from the chinese restaurant. These are great because they are pretty much fat free (not made with any oil) and all they have in them is ground chicken and dough. They seem to sit very well, and I like them. Other than that I have been eating a little bit of fish as well as some chicken, some white rice, some pasta, and lots of bread (including the occasional bagel). I use the fat free I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spray to flavor my food. Yesterday and today I have tried a few handfuls of popcorn (artificially flavored), and so far that seems to be OK. Occasionally I have some steamed carrots. I am also drinking lots of Juicy Juice. I do not feel like I am getting a balanced diet, and that is not healthy. I can't take a multi-vitamin because they are afraid it will upset my stomach, and I am allergic to some of the things that they put in vitamins like Centrum. I am very concerned that I am not getting enough calcium, iron, Vitamin C, etc... Can anybody tell me what foods I can incorporate into my diet that will not upset my stomach but will give me some nutrition? Fruits and vegetables don't sit very well for the moment, and I am not fond of red meat. Any suggestions?

Hi Elyse. So sorry your GB didn't act up during the hida scan - sounds a lot like mine - except when they did the second one and injected me with CCK, the pain of the GB spasm was INTENSE! Just like a typical GB attack for me.

Anyway, if you feel you can wait, that's great. I went for almost a year before the doc decided with a 2nd opinion he could remove it. If you can live with it for now, go for it. My pain/attacks became a daily occurrence, and I was constantly nauseous/gassy/loose stools right up to surgery day. So I say eat what you can and if you can find a multivitamin that's safe for you, take it. Try some calcium supplements too (Caltrate + D purple/white bottle), which have been known to help some people with diarrrhea have firmer stools.

Keep us posted on your progress, but don't let yourself suffer for too long.

Katie G

Thanks Katie. My doctors nurse actually called me a little while ago to inform me that the hida scan came back normal. (like I didn't know that already). I have not had a gallbladder attack since January 3rd (knock wood). They said it looks like I may have possibly passed the stones, if that's possible. Right now my gallbladder seems to be OK. Although I do occasionally get a pain in my upper right side, that feels almost like a muscle spasm...usually only occurs after I eat.
Sometimes when I lay on my left side, I guess that sorta pushes everything out of whack, and I get a pain in the same spot on my upper right side, if that makes any sense at all. I've had to learn to fall asleep on my back, propped up by a few pillows. The diahrrea has gotten a little bit better. I had some chicken and rice tonight, and for the moment everything seems to feel OK. When the nurse called me, I made an appointment to go in next week and see the nurse practicioner in my doctor's office. She is very very good. In fact, I see her more than I see my own doctor. She knows me and my body very well, and she is extremely good at giving people diets, etc... She knows an awful lot about nutrition, probably more than my doctor does! So I will have her examine me and see what she has to say. And then if she doesn't give me any answers, or what she tells me doesn't help, I'll go back and see my doctor. Like I said before, I am very glad that my internist is a GI specialist! Boy has that come in handy! Plus, I really feel like I am in good hands with him. I just wish he could tell me exactly what is going on...because if this isn't from my gallbladder, that WHAT THE HECK IS IT FROM?????

I'll continue to keep you all posted, and I will let you know what happens at my appointment next week! Thanks everyone for all the advice and support. Katie, you are a real angel.

Elyse
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif

P.S. Wish me luck....I start student teaching on monday!

[This message has been edited by purple2067 (edited 01-22-2003).]

Good luck on student teaching Elyse! I'll keep my fingers crossed that your gall bladder behaves itself so you can get through the rest of the school year.

Keep us posted,
Katie G

Thanks a lot Katie! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I will keep you guys posted for sure. I am hoping that not only my gallbladder, but all of my other health problems remain in check for the school year!

http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hi guys..... I saw the nurse practicioner in my doctors office a few days ago, and she said that according to the Hida Scan, my gallbladder is functioning normally and all of the stones have apparently passed. They were small enough to pass through the commom bile duct without getting stuck. But my question is this: Is it possible to still have a gallbladder attack even though there are no more stones? I am asking this because tonight I had some fried rice for dinner (not a good choice on my part) and now I am having almost the same kind of pain that I had when I had the gallbladder attacks. It's not nearly as intense though, and it seems to be going away on its own with just some Maalox. So it's probably not a gallbladder attack. Also, I know that the stones are not gone forever. Once you have a gallbladder problem you have it for a lifetime. How long does it take to form new stones? Days? Weeks? Years?

The nurse practicioner gave me what I think is going to be a very good diet to follow. It seems to be healthy and yet tasty at the same time. Tomorrow is going to be my first day really doing it in full swing. But right now my stomach is so upset that I don't know what to do. I am afraid to lay down and go to sleep. When I lay down (even though I am half sitting up!) it gets so much worse. I don't think it's a gallbladder attack though, because I took some Maalox and that seems to be helping a little bit.

You know, there is also one other thing that I am a bit angry about. A few weeks ago when I saw the N.P. she told me to increase my Aciphex to twice a day. That seemed to help a little bit, but I am still not feeling "good". At least, not as good as I had been feeling before the whole gallbladder thing messed up my digestive system. And I mean, it messed me up royally! So I've been on it twice a day for about a month now. It is NOT helping! I told her that when I saw her last week, but she said to give the diet a chance, and that will probably make my digestive system calm down. But the point is, why should I have to change the foods that I am eating? I am not eating anything that they have told me not to eat (tomatoes, citrus fruits, chocolate, etc....) yet I still get terrible reflux from mostly anything. In fact, I don't even have to eat to get reflux. All of a sudden I'll just start hiccuping and poof, I have reflux. So obviously the Aciphex is not working! I don't think it is going to matter if what foods I eat! A piece of bread gives me reflux! I am eating whatever they tell me to, and I still don't feel well. I told her that, and she said to give it time. I am sick of giving it time! I DON'T want Aciphex anymore! I WANT something else! I think that the N.P. is wonderful, and she is usually right on the money about my healthcare, but this time I think she might be wrong. I am going to have to call and speak with my doctor (the GI specialist) and tell him just how sick I have been feeling and that I want a new medication. Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Carafate, anything!!!!!!!! A few years ago when I was first diagnosed they had to combine the Prilosec and the Carafate and I was taking a total of 6 pills a day, but it WORKED! I never felt as good as I did when I was on the Carafate. The Prilosec started giving me diahrrea, so I came off of it. But at this point, I'd rather have diahrrea! Maybe I can convince him to give it back to me (the carafate). If anybody knows of a medication that really works to stop reflux, I am all ears! I was also very pissed off when they took Propulcid off the market, cause that worked for me too! My dr replaced that with Aciphex, and well....here we are. But to his credit, it had been working all along until the gallbladder attack. But now I feel I need something stronger.

Anyway, thanks for letting me vent.

Elyse

Hey, Elyse - so sorry for your digestive problems! I was so hoping that things would be alright for you. Unfortunately, your story sounds almost like a carbon copy of mine (except 6 years later!). When my GB began acting up, my reflux worsensed too - I was on Prilosec with only minimal relief.

To start with, what you described after eating the rice, still sounds like a GB attack. I had them infrequently for about 6 months, and then almost daily. I NEVER had stones - only a chronically inflamed gall bladder. So don't let the docs tell you that stones are the only thing that cause an "attack." And if you're like me, your hida scan may be normal, but that doesn't mean the gall bladder is still functioning normally. Get back with your doctor and tell him what meds worked before.

But if your attacks continue to persist or become more frequent, you'll have to undergo testing again to determine if the GB is malfunctioning. Both my hida scans were "normal", but during the 2nd one, the CCK they injected me with elicited a typical "attack" so my doctor knew it was my GB. A second opinion also agreed, and when they operated, they found my GB to be inflamed and covered in scar tissue (indicating chronic and multiple "attacks").

I feel for you - I was really pissed that nothing was showing up during testing for as bad as I felt. I was nauseous all the time, couldn't eat without pain, and lost 25 lbs. in a short amount of time because I couldn't eat.

I hope you can make it through the school year, but if you start feeling really bad again, go back to your doc and try to get the relief you need.

Good luck to you - my thoughts/prayers are with you.

Katie G

Thanks Katie. I am still not sure if the problems that I am having are definitely related to the gallbladder, or if they are just all because of the reflux. I think that the gallbladder attacks that I had irritated my digestive system, and even though I am not having any attacks at the moment, I am still not feeling well from what the first attack did to me. I know that what I have been experiencing lately is not gallbladder attacks because Maalox has been helping a lot. That's how I can judge. Obviously, Maalox is not going to help a gallbladder attack. But I do know that the reason I am getting the reflux is directly related to the fact that I had or have an inflamed gallbladder.

I am so pissed that the Hida Scan came back negative. I just wish that something would show up that could make them say "This is definitely a gallbladder problem" or "This is definitely not a gallbladder problem". If I knew once and for all, then I could find out what other than the gallbladder is causing these problems. You know when you get such a bad burning sensation that it almost feels "cold"? That is what I have been getting lately. And when I belch, sometimes I do more than just belch.

I have not had a chance to call my doctor today, and probably won't be able to tomorrow either, but wednesday for sure, he will be getting a call from me. It is so much easier with my ophthalmologist....I just call him on his cell phone or email him! LOL!

Anyway, thanks for all the support. I'll let you know what happens.

Elyse

P.S. What do you think about my asking him for another endoscopy to see what is going on in my digestive tract?

Well, I saw my GI doctor tonight. I am still not feeling well at all, but he said he's not convinced it's from my gallbladder. He gave me Carafate, which has worked for me in the past. I'm taking it before each meal, and still taking an Aciphex in the mornings. I have to see him again in two weeks, and then we'll decide what to do from there. Plus, right now I have a sinus infection (which means another anti-biotic!) and that is not helping things because all the mucus is dripping down into my stomach. I am using Luden's Cough Drops because the menthol ones upset my stomach too much. My belly was so sensitive tonight that when the Dr. touched on a certain spot right in the middle, I was actually clenching my teeth and squeezing my eyes shut. Last night my reflux got so bad and I was in so much pain that at one point I literally could not move because I was in agony. But I took some Maalox and an extra Aciphex and it helped. He didn't mention anything about another endoscopy just yet, but he did look at the pictures from the old one. He also said that if I continue to not feel well then he may order another Hida Scan with CCK. My question is, first of all what is CCK and second, why didn't they do that the first time?!!!!!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/confused.gif

Now I feel very confident that I am on the right track. He seemed very concerned, and he addressed all of my complaints. I think that once I get rid of the sinus infection and the post nasal drip stops, my stomach will also feel better. Apparently though, the Aciphex alone is not cutting it. I am so happy that I am back on Carafate again. WOO HOO!!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/bouncing.gif

Honestly, the last time that my stomach every truly felt "good" was when I was 16 and on Carafate. So I am very optimistic that it will have the same effect on me again! I just have to stay away from chocolate. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Hey again Elyse. Glad you went back to your doc - I think another endo should be done. When my GB started acting up, my reflux got really bad, and I had endos done twice a year. After my GB was out, the reflux was still bad, requiring annual endos. In '99, I was diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, but waited another 2 years before I had surgery to correct the reflux. Glad I had both surgeries since my GB pain/nausea is gone, and after reflux surgery my pain/discomfort from reflux is gone. However, without going into great detail here (I've posted about this on other messages), there are drawbacks to fundoplication surgery too. But I'm learning to get by anyway.

Back to your questions, CCK is a chemical that the liver or stomach (I can't remember for sure) secretes during digestion to signal the gall bladder to start its digestive process. I don't know why they didn't inject you with it during your first scan either. Even if your scan is "normal", what can happen during the injection of the CCK is a typical GB "attack" when the CCK enters the GB. When they did the 2nd scan on me, and injected the CCK, the tech and I actually saw the GB spasm on the screen and just gush out a bunch of liquid. When it spasmed & gushed, the pain was INTENSE!!!! And just a typical "attack" for me. The tech says "Wow did you see that?" and I said "See it? I FELT it!" That's how my doc knew it was my GB, even though the scan results as far as the output of my GB came back as normal. I said to the doctor "of course my ejection on the scan is normal - I saw the GB just gush out fluid during the test - but I also felt the typical sharp pain of an attack." So maybe your doc will order a hida scan with CCK this time; it's just another way to assess the GB function.

As far as the abdominal pain/tenderness you felt when the doc was pushing on you - that's the reflux. The doc couldn't even touch me at the point where my esophagus/stomach joined, nor could my husband put his arm around me at night in bed because his arm always rested against that area - and it hurt all the time. Since my fundo surgery, the pain is gone, and the doc can push on that area without it causing me to take a swing at him.

I really feel for you - it's SO frustrating to feel like **** and not get the answers to your problem. I went for almost a year before my GB was removed, and even then not all my digestive problems went away. Things are better now after both my surgeries, but I still suffer from IBS and the problems with that.

I hope that you will continue to go back to your doctor and "bug" him until he finds the answer for you. Hopefully the Carafate will work for you again. Please keep me posted on your progress.

Take care,
Katie G

Thanks for all the great advice Katie. I have another appointment in 2 weeks with my GI doctor. He wants to give the Carafate a chance to really do its job before he examines me again. If the Carafate can control the reflux and the pain (which so far it is), then I know that it is probably not my gallbladder, because I don't think Carafate would help if it was. When I go back I am going to ask him about another Endo, and a Hida Scan with CCK.

Another problem that I have had forever is that regardless of what PPI I am taking, and regardless of what the Carafate does, I always have terrible gas. In the past I have been told that it is from taking in too much air when I eat and drink. I ALWAYS have the hiccups. They are not continual, but I get them at least 2 or 3 times a day. I am constantly belching and passing gas, and my belches sound soooooooooo weird, like they are coming all the way up from my feet! In fact, the other day when I was in the waiting room at the GI doctor, all of a sudden this big belch just came out of nowhere, and there was nothing I could do to stop it from coming out! There were 2 other people in there with me and I was mortified! I tried to laugh it off by saying "OK, now you know why I am here to see a GI doctor!" But I was sooooooo embarassed! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/redface.gif

Right now I am just trying to stick to a bland diet and I am taking my carafate and aciphex. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again,

Elyse

P.S. Do you know of anything I can do to prevent all this gas, or to get rid of it before I explode?

[This message has been edited by purple2067 (edited 02-07-2003).]

Hi Elyse. Have you tried acidophilus capsules? You can get them at most pharmacies. I take 2-4 a day to help re-colonize my gut bacteria, and it seems to improve my gas output, too (I tend to pass gas from the bottom since it's so difficult to burp now after fundo surgery - sometimes VERY audibly, too - much to my embarrassment).

Give acidophilus a try; Gas-X might work too?

Talk to you later,
Katie G

I have been taking Acidophilus for years. I take the one made by Solgar, because all of their products are pure and have no additives. I usually take 2 a day, but maybe I'll try taking 4 and see what happens. I also take a probiotic called Culturelle. That has some acidophilus in it too.

Gas-X works when I have bad gas, to break it up. So does the Maalox extra strength anti-gas liquid. I like the Maalox better because it also gets rid of any reflux that I might be having. But right now I am looking for something that might prevent the gas from occuring in the first place. I guess for now I'll just have to stick with the acidophilus. I also have to ask my doctor if I am allowed to take anything like Gas-X and Maalox while I am on the Carafate, because if I remember correctly from the last time I took it, I was told that if I take that while on it the Carafate may not be fully absorbed. I think I'm supposed to wait 2 hours after taking the Carafate if I want to take Maalox. Although, since starting the Carafate I have not felt "great" but I also have not needed the Maalox. Now I just need something to help me control the hiccups and the burping!

I mean, when I am around family and friends who know me and know that I have a problem, I am not as embarassed. But then there are times when I am around a really cute guy, and....... well you get the picture. I try to hold it in but sometimes it can't be helped. This is really hindering my social life! LOL

[This message has been edited by purple2067 (edited 02-08-2003).]

purple,

Gas can be caused by the bacteria in your intestines being out of balance that need to be rebalanced. There are many different bacteri in the intestines. I think you should try eating yogurt that has live active cultures in it. Some like Stonyfield Farm has 6 cultures and there are others. Most probiotic supplenents on the market are affected by temperature even room temp. and should be stored in the refrigerator.

There are some that say/claim refrigeration is not needed like PB-8, Kyodophilus, Culturelle, Primal Defence, Probiotica(l.reuteri).
All are also affected by stomach acids except Probiotica-- but to make sure they work--- I suggest taking them on an empty stomach--- like at bed time.

I also like Solgar vitamins but not their probiotic supplement. I have used it and it didn't seem to do any good??? I really like the yogurt best!!!

God Bless----Harry

Thanks a lot Harry. I am going to start putting the Culturelle in the refridgerator. I am lactose intolerant, so unless lactaid starts making yogurt, I can't eat that. I take the lactaid pills (usually 4 at a time) but my stomach still gets upset from most dairy products. It really would be great though if I could find a lactose free yogurt. I know that lactaid makes lactose free ice cream and cheese, and I think they even make cottage cheese. But I have never seen yogurt. I will also look into some of the other probiotics that you mentioned. I have basically only been taking Solgar products because I am allergic to most of the other ones out there. Most of them have things like Soy in them, which I am allergic to. I can't even take a regular multi-vitamin because that has too much yeast and soy in it. I have started getting more calcium by eating Total cereal (100% of the RDV of Calcium), so I am not worried about that anymore. But I also need to start taking some other vitamins and I have not yet found one that I am not allergic to that won't upset my stomach. Although I haven't tried the Solgar allergy vitamin in a while.