What do you know about post gallbladder syndrome - Gallbladder Message Board

Maryinpa · 06-20-2009, 09:42 AM

I've been reading about PCS , the post gallbladder surgery syndrome, and it doesn't sound too promising that having the gb out will necessarily resolve my problems, only give me a new set.

What do you know about this syndrome?

It's making me reconsider having my gallbladder out because if it's only going to give me problems, there or not there, what is the point?

Titchou · 06-20-2009, 01:07 PM

A very small percentage of people have problems with diarhhea when eating fatty or greasy foods after having their gb's removed. My surgeon said about 1% of his patients experienced this.

I think the key is to stay fat free as long as possible after surgery so the bile duct which is left to regulate the injection of bile into your digestive track has the opportunity to come online slowly. That way you don't overtax it in the beginning and it eases into operating properly.

I'm 4 years out and the only time I have any issues is if I eat a lot of salad several days or meals in a row. The roughage can be hard to digest.

Outside of that, you should be fine. It's been 4 years for me and I'm very glad I had mine out. No pain any more.

Of course, you are welcome to keep yours and try eating fat free the rest of your life so you don't have any attacks. Not knowing how badly damaged your gb is already, it's sort of hard to say if that would even help. A friend's father refused to have his out and it eventually ruptured. I decided it was worth a case of diarrhea every few months to have mine out.

ZoeGirl · 06-20-2009, 02:57 PM

WebMD says 10%-40% have PCS, I've read 20% on other med sites. I believe it's most common in those who don't have stones but have a non-functioning GB.

I think if you have a problem with stones your only answer is to remove it, but if it's non-functioning with no stones I would think hard/long about it.

Mine was removed 12/07 for 0% EF (didn't function at ALL) and I've had more problems since. It's hard to say if keeping it I'd be better off, who knows. As more time passes the episodes get further apart but I do have set backs (a week of symptoms instead of one episode on occasion).

Read up from reputable med sites.

KellyCz · 06-20-2009, 06:32 PM

Hi,
I had my GB out 6/2008, and I had a gall bladder that was not functioning but no stones were present. I have the diarrhea associated with the excess in bile salts. If I had it to do over, I would have never had my GB out. I got the 1% thing too....and MAN, after doing research, I wish I would have never had it out. I have cerebral palsy, so it is very hard for me to be dealing with this issue. I have had a lot of embarrassing situations arise. I have recently received a prescription for questran powder, and hopefully that will give me some relief. I want my life back. Both my PCP and GI who gave me the powder say that I should start to see improvements relatively quickly. One can only hope!

gigi11 · 07-25-2009, 08:12 PM

I am also those 1% - I should have kept my gallbladder - what a mess I have now - my life is ruined!