HIDA Scan and Gallbladder - Gallbladder Message Board

Ladybiker · 02-16-2007, 05:20 PM

I had the HIDA scan today for gallbladder problems. As someone said in an earlier post, the hardest part is laying still. The last part of the test I experienced the extreme nausea. I've been having problems for about 6 months. Pain on the left side of the chest, kinda below the left breast. Sometimes it even feels like it's throbbing. (I've had all the cardiology test, not the heart). But for the past 2-3 weeks I can't even stand the sight of food. I'm hoping the HIDA scan shows my gallbladder is not functioning correctly, because if the HIDA scan turns out okay, I'm terrified as to what would cause the nausea and the pain on the left side of the chest (it's not on the right where the gallbladder is). But I am told pain can be on the left. Did anyone experience this with gallbladder problems? I can't eat -- just looking at food makes me feel ill. I haven't gotten the results of the HIDA scan yet, the technician was not allowed to say if he saw anything. I'm really scared. Thanks

sadtummy · 02-16-2007, 05:41 PM

I had my gall bladder removed this past Monday. My ejection fraction on the HIDA scan was 17%, which was below normal. I was definitely having pain and burning in the center and left sides of my chest. It also burned through to my back on the left side. In the weeks before my surgery, I started getting more pain on the upper right side as well. I was hesitant about getting the surgery because most of my symtpoms were on the wrong side. Those symptoms have gone and I am hoping for good. It has only been 4 days though. Other things can cause left side pain including stomach and pancreas. So hold off until you get that hida scan result. Did you get an upper endoscopy as well? Blood work for liver/pancreas, etc?

Ladybiker · 02-16-2007, 06:18 PM

I have had the endoscope. Showed "mild gastritis". And I did have the H Pylori infection. Doctor order antibiotics -- tetracycline and cipro. I'm allergic to many antibiotics. He only ordered 7 days. Most everything I read on internet says 14 days. But I have had this pain on the left for so long. Now the nausea and not being able to eat for quite a while is bad. But not sure if it is from the HIDA scan, I am having a really bad evening. The nausea is horrible, and the pain on under the left breast area. I'm scared. But being able to post these notes really helps. I do appreciate your response. I saw your other notes that you had gallbladder surgery. I told my husband I hope the doctor does say it's my gallbladder, because if not I'm really terrified. I did also have the enzyme blood tests, and they were okay. I'm really scared. I do appreciate your note. Thanks!

sadtummy · 02-16-2007, 06:46 PM

Your doctor really needs to chime in on this. You need to express how worried you are and how sick you feel. Does he suggest anything for the nausea, pain? Have you tried eliminating some things from your diet, most notably fat? Is there any correlation between the types of foods you eat and your symptoms? You didn't mention when you were treated with antibiotics. Did the meds help or make it worse? Do you drink a substantial amount of alcohol? If so, stop completely for a couple days and see what happens. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Don't lie down for a couple hours after eating. Does a glass of milk help or make it worse?

Ladybiker · 02-17-2007, 01:22 PM

I couldn't tell that the antibiotics helped. Just ended the antibiotics about 2-3 weeks ago. I think he will retest me. I've tried so hard to keep track of what I eat and what makes things worse. I did try drinking milk, as I read on one of the posts that it helped with esophagal spasms, but it didn't help me. I think it made it worse. Seems like it doesn't matter what I eat. I've tried mostly soft stuff. But normally after I eat, about 2 hours later I get to hurting (feels like spasms or pinching) just under the left breast bone (almost right below it). I have a follow-up appt with gastro doctor on Tuesday. He will definitely get an ear-full this time, as I'm soooo worried and tired of this. I've also asked my husband to go with me so he can talk to the doctor with me, etc.

How are you doing today? Are you getting back to normal after the surgery? Has it helped that you can know of?

thanks again for the notes.