severe abdominal pain - Digestive Disorders Message Board

AuntNana · 04-26-2003, 01:41 PM

Hi Everyone,
I'm hoping someone can give me an idea to what is wrong with me. I had gall bladder surgery in Dec 2001. At that time, I started having a terrible pain in my abdomen. The only way I can explain the way it feels is that it is like a labor pain because it gets so intense, eases up a bit, & then comes back. It is in the middle of my chest & gets so severe that it sometimes feels like its in my shoulder blades as well. After 1 1/2 days of this, I went to the ER. Many tests were done. The ultra sound showed gall stones. So, I had the surgery.
Since I had my gall bladder out, I assumed it would go away. It hasn't. I had my first attack prior to my 2 wk checkup.
I was then diagnosed with mild gastritis & have been prescribed one med after another. I don't usually feel like I have a gas or burning problem. It's more of a spasm, like a knot, I guess.
When I get these attacks, I can feel them coming on. It feels like an empty stomach, I then drink a small amount of milk & the pain doesn't come. It's like the milk is a miracle drug - most of the time. After this attack I feel fine, like it never occured but during an attack there is no way to get comfortable. These tend to last 10-20 mins. Most of the time, I only have one pain, although I have had several of them for up to 6 hrs, ending up in the ER. This last time I was told my white blood count was up. They tested for pancreatic problems, I was given an EKG & some 12 hr heart enzyme blood check. They treated for me gastritis, once again.
What really is getting me is that I am having the EXACT same pain that I had one time prior to having my gall bladder removed.
I have not had the scope thing done because I have no insurance but as soon as I do, that will be the first thing I will do but until then, any ideas? Am I alone? Sorry this post is so long & thanks for caring enough to read. Hope to hear from someone soon.
Love to all,
Terrie

Harry · 04-26-2003, 03:17 PM

Hi Terrie,
Welcome to the boards!!! Sorry about all the pain.

It soata sounds like an ulcer. 85% of ulcers are caused by H.pylori bacteria that can be tested for with a blood test.
But, Doctors like to do the scope test of your stomach and take biopsies to verify ulcers. The bacteria should show up in your blood test and alot cheaper.

These type ulcers are treated with 2 pretty strong antibiotics and an antiacid like Prilosec or Prevacid for 2 weeks.

I suggest you start eating a good brand of yogurt ---just may help more than milk.

God Bless---Harry

[This message has been edited by Harry (edited 04-26-2003).]

isillyme · 04-26-2003, 04:17 PM

Hi Aunt Nana

I had my gallbladder removed in Nov 1999. Like you I was experiencing severe abdomen pain and thought I was going nuts or it was all in my head. It turned out my bile duct was blocked, and that what was causing me to have severe pain. Discuss this with your GI doctor, have them do an ERCP, this test is much like an endoscopic(sp) proceedure, and they will knock you out for this. However the ERCP can cause problems too, as for me I developed pancretitis, I still get severe abdomen pain, and when I see MY GI doc in may I will be telling him about this. Are you able to eat? If so are you able to keep it down. When I had my gallbladder out it was sooo diseased, the surgeon never saw a case like mine, My gallbladder was disenagrating (sp) and there were polps in that too, I was very very sick, and it never showed up on anything. I hope you are feeling better.

lckwp · 04-27-2003, 06:15 AM

I have heard of many people still getting "gallbladder attacks" AFTER having their gallbladders removed. One young doctor explained it to me this way - that when they remove your gallbladder they CAN'T remove something called a billiary something or other... and that can still spasm.

I think you're supposed to be on a particular diet after you have your gallbladder removed. Maybe look up on the internet information on how & what you should be eating after having your gallbladder removed?

Also, I was told that stressful situations in conjunction with a meal can set off the spasms. So maybe try eating in more relaxed situations?

Of course the best thing to do would be to actually ask a doctor. But I know what it's like to not have medical insurance. If the pain is severe however, it's nothing to fool around with.

AuntNana · 04-29-2003, 09:36 AM

Hi Guys,
I really appreciate your responses. You have all really eased my mind a bit. Now I know where to start my research.
Harry, I did find some info on Peptic ulcers. BINGO! My symptoms, exactly. Thanks so much. The milk thing gives it away. It's a beginning.
isillyme, I'm so sorry about your pain. I know how you feel regarding the "all in your head" thing. We both know it's not, don't we? Thanks for affirming that fact for me. I will definately keep the ERCP in mind. I can eat anything & have never had to run to the bathroom & I've never gotten nauseous. (Knock on wood...) I guess I am lucky on some counts. You are in my prayers & I hope things go better for you on your next visit.
lckwp, thanks for your input too. You may also have something there as far as the billiary thing goes as I feel it is some sort of spasm. You are probably right on with the stress thing although I don't really feel stressed except when it comes to this issue. As far as the diet is concerned, my instructions were "watch your fat intake" & no spicy foods. You would think I would have gotten detailed diet info but I didn't. I have been looking for just that on the net & I have been careful, although I have cheated because I love all kinds of foods. It is weird that when my attacks occur, I haven't eaten anything spicy, fatty, etc. Well, those cheating days are done. I need to get better first.
Thanks again you guys. I am so glad I found this board & that I left a message here. I really was about to lose my mind. Now, if I can just lose this PAIN!
Take care & God Bless.
Terrie