Problems after Gallbladder Surgery - Gallbladder Message Board

Susanj42 · 09-04-2003, 01:12 PM

Hi I am new to this board 2 months ago i had my gallbladder removed and lately I have been having sharp pains in my upper abdomen where my gallbladder used to be. I also have been having gas pains and diarrhia mostly after meals. Is this normal or could it be a serious problem? I would really appreciate some help.

Thank You

Susan

berza · 09-04-2003, 08:17 PM

i had my GB removed june 26th 2003, and i'm having those same problems.

i've been told that it could be H. pylori, or IBS.

the thing is i also get it on my left side occasionally, which is more IBS.

since having my GB removed, nothing has changed. i still have the heartburn and pain and indigestion after meals. this is leading my to believe that i have IBS, which after reading many posts i've found it is very common among women with no GB's. the symptoms for gallbladder problems and the symptoms for ibs are extremely alike. because of this many doctors assume it is only the GB to blame when it is really GB and IBS.

try searching for websites about the symptoms of IBS. that could be what we have.

hope i've helped,

alicia

Marbles · 09-04-2003, 10:59 PM

It sounds like IBS. I have suffered with IBS since 1989.I would go and see your doctor just to make sure it's easy to treat but you will need to cut things out of your diet.After a few attacks of IBS most people know what food stuffs are causing the problem i for one will never eat curry again.

actudan · 09-05-2003, 07:10 AM

I read a lot of messages on another IBS board and it seems that there is somewhat of a connection between IBS and gallbladder problems. Some people say that there IBS caused gallbladder problems but I believe more see the gallbladder removal causing IBS. W/o the gallbladder, bile isn't stored but goes straight to your intestines and it will be more than usual. Some people's bodies may not be able to adjust to the excess bile and that is when the IBS kicks in. That's my $0.02!

Katie G · 09-05-2003, 07:22 AM

If you're suffering from explosive, urgent diarrhea especially after meals, you could have a condition called bile salt diarrhea, which is easily treatable with medications called Questran or Colestid. I suffered with this condition for 5 years until finding this board, and I have been on Colestid for a year now with formed stools and only occasional diarrhea due to my IBS-D (which I've had for 20+ years). Yes, you could just have IBS, but it's more likely bile salt diarrhea if you have light colored or yellow stools, urgent and/or explosive diarrhea occurring shortly after meals. My diarrhea problems became much worse after GB removal than before. Do a web search of "bile salt diarrhea" and see what you find. The site [url="http://www.gihealth.com"]www.gihealth.com[/url] is also helpful.

Good luck to you - see your doctor to see what treatment may be available to you.

Katie G