I have been having horrible upper abdominal pains for the past 5-6 months. I have really bad acid reflux and thought this just might be part of that. After several 'normal' tests, my GI doc finally decided to do a HIDA/CCK test. The results came back that my gallbladder doesn't contract and the 'ejection' is at 0%. He referred me to a surgeon to have it taken out.

I met with the surgeon today and he said that you can have a non-functioning gallbladder (and that it 'must empty out sometime or it would be inflamed') and still not have to have it out. He wants me to try some medications for IBS and see if that helps.

I'm all for not having unnecessary surgery, but can my pains REALLY be attributed to IBS and wouldn't a seemingly non-functioning gallbladder be the culprit?

Anyone have a take on this? I'm planning on getting a second opinion.

Thanks!