LAwoman75
02-04-2008, 10:01 AM
I've been saying all along, that my symptoms (possible gallbladder related) didn't seem to be brought on by what I ate. Well, after Saturday, I think I can say that it is affected by what I eat. After feeling pretty good all day, we went out for dinner. I had 2 hush puppies, salad with thousand island, fried catfish and shrimp, and a few fries........... and I paid for it. About an hour later, my stomach felt like it had a huge lead brick in it and to stand up was very uncomfortable. My right side had sharp shooting pains and I just felt like I wanted to throw up although I never did.
I usually don't eat large sized meals such as this, so maybe that's why I never saw a correlation? For those of you have had g/b issues, what does a fatty meal actually do to you?
I usually don't eat large sized meals such as this, so maybe that's why I never saw a correlation? For those of you have had g/b issues, what does a fatty meal actually do to you?
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Titchou
02-05-2008, 12:20 AM
OK, Gallbladder 101. The gallbladder contracts to spew bile into your system to digest fats. It is triggered by the fats entering your digestive system.
If you have gallstones, when the gb contracts, it compresses down on the gallstones (they are porcupine looking things) and that causes the pain.
If you have a low ejection rate, the gb continues to try to eject enough bile but can't causing it to hurt.
Stop the fat intake!
If you have gallstones, when the gb contracts, it compresses down on the gallstones (they are porcupine looking things) and that causes the pain.
If you have a low ejection rate, the gb continues to try to eject enough bile but can't causing it to hurt.
Stop the fat intake!
LAwoman75
02-05-2008, 09:23 AM
Right, but I had an ultrasound a few weeks ago that showed no stones and a hida scan with a 95% EF rate. I don't usually eat fatty foods like I did that evening and I doubt I eat it again until the doctors can figure out what's causing the pain.
Titchou
02-05-2008, 10:55 AM
Then it would seem the culprit is the fact that it was fried, not fatty...there is a difference! Perhaps your issue is GERD, an ulcer, gastritis, etc. But it would seem that the gb is fine.
Also, did you have bloodwork done? If so, was your billirubin high? That's an indicator of gb problems. If it was normal, then another reason to rule out gb.
Also, did you have bloodwork done? If so, was your billirubin high? That's an indicator of gb problems. If it was normal, then another reason to rule out gb.
LAwoman75
02-05-2008, 11:27 AM
Bloodwork was taken but I don't know if they checked that. I do not have indigestion, heartburn, burning in my stomach, or any other ulcer symptom. My symptoms are right side pain, nausea that comes out of nowhere usually in the evenings, and sometimes when I eat, it feels as though my stomach fills easily and takes hours to digest.
mizzaj
02-05-2008, 12:50 PM
Hey LAWoman75,
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else-- like I've mentioned, my doc thinks it's non ulcer dyspepsia...for which there really isn't any standard treatment-- great! Like you, I get a lot of abdominal fullness-- usually from not even eating much-- and a feeling that my food is taking a while to digest-- even though my gastric emptying study was normal. I've looked up symtpoms for just about everything in the book, and it's surprising how similar they all are (except the right sided pain you have-- which definitely seems like gallbladder). Anyway, you should do a search on gastritis. Your symptoms do sound similar to that.
Has your doctor suggested doing an ERCP for you? I think it's a more accurate way to look for stones or sludge that can't be found on an ultrasound, but it is invasive-- similar to an upper endoscopy, I think. Maybe you could ask about that?
It's frustrating, isn't it? I haven't eaten anything fattening or fried-- other than a bite or two of this or that-- for about a year. And though I should be happy that my ejection fraction is low, sometimes I don't think my symptoms are severe enough to be gallbladder-- or that things like abdominal fullness are indicative of gb troubles. It's all so baffling. Hang in there...
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else-- like I've mentioned, my doc thinks it's non ulcer dyspepsia...for which there really isn't any standard treatment-- great! Like you, I get a lot of abdominal fullness-- usually from not even eating much-- and a feeling that my food is taking a while to digest-- even though my gastric emptying study was normal. I've looked up symtpoms for just about everything in the book, and it's surprising how similar they all are (except the right sided pain you have-- which definitely seems like gallbladder). Anyway, you should do a search on gastritis. Your symptoms do sound similar to that.
Has your doctor suggested doing an ERCP for you? I think it's a more accurate way to look for stones or sludge that can't be found on an ultrasound, but it is invasive-- similar to an upper endoscopy, I think. Maybe you could ask about that?
It's frustrating, isn't it? I haven't eaten anything fattening or fried-- other than a bite or two of this or that-- for about a year. And though I should be happy that my ejection fraction is low, sometimes I don't think my symptoms are severe enough to be gallbladder-- or that things like abdominal fullness are indicative of gb troubles. It's all so baffling. Hang in there...
LAwoman75
02-05-2008, 02:01 PM
Mizza, yes, he said the ERCP is his next step but he only mentioned it to rule out ulcers, not to look for anything else. He said if I don't have an ulcer, he is referring me for gallbladder surgery. I don't want to do that until we have something more definitive. I've looked up ulcer symptoms, I don't match any of them. I've also looked up gastritis, and I'm afraid it doesn't fit either.
mizzaj
02-05-2008, 02:25 PM
Mizza, yes, he said the ERCP is his next step but he only mentioned it to rule out ulcers, not to look for anything else. He said if I don't have an ulcer, he is referring me for gallbladder surgery. I don't want to do that until we have something more definitive. I've looked up ulcer symptoms, I don't match any of them. I've also looked up gastritis, and I'm afraid it doesn't fit either.
Hmmm, I thought the purpose of an ERCP was to look for small stones, etc. Maybe they are just doing a regular Upper Endoscopy on you since that's what they do to look for ulcers or gastritis. Who knows? It's hard to keep these tests straight sometimes.
The weird thing about the symptoms for all of these different digestive problems, I've found, is that it often depends on what website you look at. They often contradict one another and they almost always say that "nausea and vomiting" are possible symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, IBS, gallbladder, etc. I think that's one reason I'm so confused. All I have to go by is my low e.f.-- but like you, I'm not satisfied with that as a reason to get my gb out. I guess it's 'cause my doc isn't very reassuring. At least your's is, even if you're not convinced of it. My general practitioner does want to refer me to a surgeon, however, so at least I can talk to somebody and find out what he/she thinks.
I think you should ask for another ultrasound-- maybe even ask to have it done somewhere else by a different tech. I've heard that some facilities have better equipment and better techs. Maybe that doesn't make THAT much difference, but it's worth a shot. Good luck!
Hmmm, I thought the purpose of an ERCP was to look for small stones, etc. Maybe they are just doing a regular Upper Endoscopy on you since that's what they do to look for ulcers or gastritis. Who knows? It's hard to keep these tests straight sometimes.
The weird thing about the symptoms for all of these different digestive problems, I've found, is that it often depends on what website you look at. They often contradict one another and they almost always say that "nausea and vomiting" are possible symptoms of ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia, IBS, gallbladder, etc. I think that's one reason I'm so confused. All I have to go by is my low e.f.-- but like you, I'm not satisfied with that as a reason to get my gb out. I guess it's 'cause my doc isn't very reassuring. At least your's is, even if you're not convinced of it. My general practitioner does want to refer me to a surgeon, however, so at least I can talk to somebody and find out what he/she thinks.
I think you should ask for another ultrasound-- maybe even ask to have it done somewhere else by a different tech. I've heard that some facilities have better equipment and better techs. Maybe that doesn't make THAT much difference, but it's worth a shot. Good luck!
LAwoman75
02-05-2008, 02:41 PM
Thanks mizza. With my first appointment, the doctor mentioned endoscope, but when I talked with the nurse on the phone last week, she specifically said ERCP.The doc is out of town this week, so I haven't been able to schedule it yet.
It seems as though anytime I mentioned my situation, people keep mentioning GERD, ulcers, etc. I just don't have any of those symptoms. I guess if they do the ERCP, maybe it will provide answers to something. The doc just mentioned it for ruling out ulcers when I first met with him. The nurse even told me on the phone to try prevacid and I said "for what?", she said "for the burning"...... I don't have any burning!
Ughhh.
It seems as though anytime I mentioned my situation, people keep mentioning GERD, ulcers, etc. I just don't have any of those symptoms. I guess if they do the ERCP, maybe it will provide answers to something. The doc just mentioned it for ruling out ulcers when I first met with him. The nurse even told me on the phone to try prevacid and I said "for what?", she said "for the burning"...... I don't have any burning!
Ughhh.
April7
02-05-2008, 02:42 PM
Actually I recently read an article somewhere on line that said that a very high EF rate isn't good. That it means overactive gb, which can cause troubles. Do a search for it. You might find something worth mentioning to your doctor.
April7
02-05-2008, 02:44 PM
Hey LAWoman75,
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else--
...
Mizza, honey, get it taken out! At least talk with your PCP and see what a surgeon has to say. I think this could be your problem honey.
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else--
...
Mizza, honey, get it taken out! At least talk with your PCP and see what a surgeon has to say. I think this could be your problem honey.
LAwoman75
02-05-2008, 03:10 PM
I have looked into it. It seems as though some doctors think it's okay while others don't. It's referred to as overactive g/b, hypertonic g/b, hyperkinetic g/b or even hypermotile g/b. There is very little info on it, but I haven't been able to get any answers or talk to my dr. about it yet. All I know is he considered the test to be normal.
mizzaj
02-05-2008, 03:26 PM
Mizza, honey, get it taken out! At least talk with your PCP and see what a surgeon has to say. I think this could be your problem honey.
Thanks April for your support. :) The problem is, it's not as simple as it sounds. It COULD be my problem, but it also might not be. From what I've read, a lot of people do fine with low functioning gb's, as do people with gallstones. So it's not a given by any means. The surgery also has only a 50/50 chance of working and is highly controversial for those with acalculous gb disease (no stones) but a low ejection fraction-- as I have. It doesn't help that I've had two doctors tell me it's NOT my gb and rather non ulcer dyspepsia. And sometimes my symptoms aren't that severe and awful like I feel they should be. That could be because I eat low fat, small meals all the time, but who knows? I'm not about to test anything out with a fatty meal!
I am DEFINITELY glad that my primary care doc is referring me to a surgeon, however. I will see what that person has to say and really let them know all of my concerns, etc. As for my GI doc-- he thinks the ejection fraction is of little significance. All I can do now is tell him, "Okay, if you think it's non ulcer dyspepsia, then what do you plan to do about it?" We'll see if he can come up with anything that I haven't already tried...HA!
Thanks for letting me vent, and everyone's support, as usual. :)
AJ
Thanks April for your support. :) The problem is, it's not as simple as it sounds. It COULD be my problem, but it also might not be. From what I've read, a lot of people do fine with low functioning gb's, as do people with gallstones. So it's not a given by any means. The surgery also has only a 50/50 chance of working and is highly controversial for those with acalculous gb disease (no stones) but a low ejection fraction-- as I have. It doesn't help that I've had two doctors tell me it's NOT my gb and rather non ulcer dyspepsia. And sometimes my symptoms aren't that severe and awful like I feel they should be. That could be because I eat low fat, small meals all the time, but who knows? I'm not about to test anything out with a fatty meal!
I am DEFINITELY glad that my primary care doc is referring me to a surgeon, however. I will see what that person has to say and really let them know all of my concerns, etc. As for my GI doc-- he thinks the ejection fraction is of little significance. All I can do now is tell him, "Okay, if you think it's non ulcer dyspepsia, then what do you plan to do about it?" We'll see if he can come up with anything that I haven't already tried...HA!
Thanks for letting me vent, and everyone's support, as usual. :)
AJ
eihcet
02-05-2008, 04:29 PM
That could be because I eat low fat, small meals all the time, but who knows? I'm not about to test anything out with a fatty meal!
I hate to ask, but, do you have regular stools when you are having symptoms and/or without? I've read that bile obstruction / slow release can cause yellow stools but not sure what the symptoms would be from overproduction.
I've been having yellowish stools but otherwise on a regular schedule. I haven't had my HIDA done yet (waiting for symptoms to return) and will be discussing with my Doc, but, as you said not a lot of info so just curious.
I hate to ask, but, do you have regular stools when you are having symptoms and/or without? I've read that bile obstruction / slow release can cause yellow stools but not sure what the symptoms would be from overproduction.
I've been having yellowish stools but otherwise on a regular schedule. I haven't had my HIDA done yet (waiting for symptoms to return) and will be discussing with my Doc, but, as you said not a lot of info so just curious.
mizzaj
02-05-2008, 08:17 PM
I hate to ask, but, do you have regular stools when you are having symptoms and/or without? I've read that bile obstruction / slow release can cause yellow stools but not sure what the symptoms would be from overproduction.
I've been having yellowish stools but otherwise on a regular schedule. I haven't had my HIDA done yet (waiting for symptoms to return) and will be discussing with my Doc, but, as you said not a lot of info so just curious.
My stools have been normal this entire time...that's the one thing that hasn't changed during this whole process...strange!
I've been having yellowish stools but otherwise on a regular schedule. I haven't had my HIDA done yet (waiting for symptoms to return) and will be discussing with my Doc, but, as you said not a lot of info so just curious.
My stools have been normal this entire time...that's the one thing that hasn't changed during this whole process...strange!
monkey5
02-06-2008, 09:34 PM
Lawoman, i experience these same things and had all the tests and can't figure this out itheir, i posted something a few ago about most of whats been happening so maybe we can help each other out! Have you found anything out? I don't have the heartburn ithier and the only thing i know is i get right side upper abdominal discomfort,nauseau, and god if you touch my stomach especially in that area it's very tender and will be for a while. I am wondering if these test can be right like someone else stated ugh.
Love, Monkey
Love, Monkey
monkey5
02-06-2008, 09:37 PM
Hey LAWoman75,
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else-- like I've mentioned, my doc thinks it's non ulcer dyspepsia...for which there really isn't any standard treatment-- great! Like you, I get a lot of abdominal fullness-- usually from not even eating much-- and a feeling that my food is taking a while to digest-- even though my gastric emptying study was normal. I've looked up symtpoms for just about everything in the book, and it's surprising how similar they all are (except the right sided pain you have-- which definitely seems like gallbladder). Anyway, you should do a search on gastritis. Your symptoms do sound similar to that.
Has your doctor suggested doing an ERCP for you? I think it's a more accurate way to look for stones or sludge that can't be found on an ultrasound, but it is invasive-- similar to an upper endoscopy, I think. Maybe you could ask about that?
It's frustrating, isn't it? I haven't eaten anything fattening or fried-- other than a bite or two of this or that-- for about a year. And though I should be happy that my ejection fraction is low, sometimes I don't think my symptoms are severe enough to be gallbladder-- or that things like abdominal fullness are indicative of gb troubles. It's all so baffling. Hang in there...
Mizza, what is it about the % of 7 i don't get it my % was like 53 is that not bad? Or is it? also what is a ERCP test?
Love,Monkey
Even though I have an ejection fraction of 7%, I still wonder if my symptoms are being caused by something else-- like I've mentioned, my doc thinks it's non ulcer dyspepsia...for which there really isn't any standard treatment-- great! Like you, I get a lot of abdominal fullness-- usually from not even eating much-- and a feeling that my food is taking a while to digest-- even though my gastric emptying study was normal. I've looked up symtpoms for just about everything in the book, and it's surprising how similar they all are (except the right sided pain you have-- which definitely seems like gallbladder). Anyway, you should do a search on gastritis. Your symptoms do sound similar to that.
Has your doctor suggested doing an ERCP for you? I think it's a more accurate way to look for stones or sludge that can't be found on an ultrasound, but it is invasive-- similar to an upper endoscopy, I think. Maybe you could ask about that?
It's frustrating, isn't it? I haven't eaten anything fattening or fried-- other than a bite or two of this or that-- for about a year. And though I should be happy that my ejection fraction is low, sometimes I don't think my symptoms are severe enough to be gallbladder-- or that things like abdominal fullness are indicative of gb troubles. It's all so baffling. Hang in there...
Mizza, what is it about the % of 7 i don't get it my % was like 53 is that not bad? Or is it? also what is a ERCP test?
Love,Monkey
ZoeGirl
02-06-2008, 09:55 PM
35% or above is considered normal. Anything under 35% is usually removed, depends on the doctor and symptoms.
peacefrog
02-06-2008, 10:35 PM
Does anyone have pain the LOWER right quadrant? I've had it for so long. It comes an goes, but feels like someone is grabbing and twisting. I haven't any ovaries, tho thats the first thing suspected. I have had the classic pain around the navel too, that goes around to the back, and the feeling of fullness after eating any thing. The only relief is to bring what I ate back up. ( sure don't want to do that very often) When I have an "attack" I feel like I was punched in the stomach for 3-4 days after. Have had colonoscopy, upper GI, small bowel follow thru (Dec.)and an abdominal ultrasound (last Mon.). I have yet to hear the results, so I assume no news is good news. Right?
LAwoman75
02-06-2008, 11:07 PM
Lawoman, i experience these same things and had all the tests and can't figure this out itheir, i posted something a few ago about most of whats been happening so maybe we can help each other out! Have you found anything out? I don't have the heartburn ithier and the only thing i know is i get right side upper abdominal discomfort,nauseau, and god if you touch my stomach especially in that area it's very tender and will be for a while. I am wondering if these test can be right like someone else stated ugh.
Love, Monkey
Our symptoms do sound alot alike. I also have the tender areas when I'm hurting. I've felt pretty good the last couple days so I'm not complaining, but I know it will be back. I've never gone more than a few days without it. My next appt is on the 20th, which I'm sure he'll schedule the ERCP (scope down the throat to look around). I really don't want to go through that but if it will help at all, let's do it.
Love, Monkey
Our symptoms do sound alot alike. I also have the tender areas when I'm hurting. I've felt pretty good the last couple days so I'm not complaining, but I know it will be back. I've never gone more than a few days without it. My next appt is on the 20th, which I'm sure he'll schedule the ERCP (scope down the throat to look around). I really don't want to go through that but if it will help at all, let's do it.
peacefrog
02-11-2008, 09:59 PM
Finally got "results" of my abdominal ultrasound. Sludge and evidence of disease was what the Dr. secretary said when she referred me to a surgeon. Have had an appt set up next month with a GI for a follow up after a colonoscopy and wonder if I should wait for his opinion. I trust my family dr and surgeon completely, but have had other tests run by the GI dr. He said everything looked good.I went to my family dr when the pain got bad thinking it must not be GI related after all. I'll know more after thursday, but the surgeon and family dr. saved my life 2 years ago when my colon burst, so I have faith in them.
monkey5
02-11-2008, 11:43 PM
peacefrog, i am glad your getting some where and are going to get some relief soon :) I found i have a hernia, not sure if this is the cause of all my stomach issues but i figure it might be a start to getting some relief myself! Who new that would be there, darn thing! I have an Obgyn appt.tommorrow and get maybe some insight on some come and go cysts on the ovaries as to a possible cause also,i have a few swollen nodes or something in my upper abdomen i am gonna get checked also as i figure maybe i have an infection somehwhere and that might help to treat that also. Take care,keep us posted further!
Love, Monkey
Love, Monkey