Next step: HIDA scan and GI specialist - Digestive Disorders Message Board

jen9803 · 07-20-2007, 01:12 PM

Well, my ultrasound was normal...no stones, no signs of ANYTHING being wrong. My MD is still convinced it is my gall bladder so I have a HIDA scan scheduled for next week (which I am afraid of...I don't do well with needles at all). And she is sending me directly to a GI specialist for further care. She also mentioned that it could be spasms in the biliary ducts? If it is that, she said surgery wouldn't help. She gave me a script for Bentyl to help with the pain (if coming from spasms), but I'm not about to test the waters and go eat a high fat meal.

I put this off for so long...having this looked into and now it seems like it's taking forever to get answers. The MD was thoroughly surprised when the U/S was normal. But she is concerned about the right upper quadrant pain, precipitated by fatty foods, and the pain migrating to underneath that right shoulder blade.

Anyone know how long it takes to get HIDA scan results? Just wondering...and how bad is it? I'm afraid I'm going to get really sick from it.

Jen

mindyp · 07-20-2007, 08:46 PM

Hi. I recently had a HIDA scan. It's no big deal. The nuclear medicine tech will start an IV...just a little pinch....to administer the medications. The first is the isotope that allows them to visualize the biliary system. The second injection (CCK) makes the gallbladder contract so they can calculate the ejection fraction. I felt some nausea and pain during this part of the test, but it passed quickly. If the ejection fraction is low, below 35%, and the test reproduces your symptoms, you're likely to be referred to a surgeon for removal. Results are available in 1-2 days. My HIDA scan came back at 8.3%, and I see the surgeon on Monday. Good luck.

Collector167 · 07-20-2007, 10:13 PM

When I had my HIDA scan, following an ultrasound that only found a 5mm "polyp" I did not experience any serious discomfort. Apparently some on this board have. The results were back within two days. My ejection fraction came back at 23%, which is below the 35% threshold.

An ultrasound may not detect "sludge", small mini-stones that have accumulated in the gallbladder, it may not detect inflammation, thickening of the gallbladder walls or when the gallbladder fails to contract properly due to impairment from some drugs.

The biliary ducts, the tubes that lead from the gallbladder to the intestines can become irritated, can even become blocked, when passing stones, etc.

Sounds like your GI is on the right track.