Post Gallbladder Surgery Complications – First 150 Testimonies

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    i hope this gets to you…I’ve been researching to figure out what is wrong with me. I had my gallbladder removed at the end of June 08. I had to stay in the hospital due to not being able to urinate after the surgery. About a week after the surgery I began to have pain on my right flank just under my rib cage. I’ve been to all different types of doctors because not only is the pain constant but it’ now on my left side as well. I also get sharp, burning pain in my abdomen. No one can figure out what is going on…Are you still in pain?

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    I am back to confusion again—now that I am post gallbladder removal by 4 weeks today—I have reflux so they say—the symptoms of it for me are a feeling of food in my throat and periods of nausea—I don’t have the chest burning—I do have a lot of belching and pain in my left ribs at times —like soreness—I truly eat lowfat anf light—and never had this until three weeks before my gallbladder surgery—-My doctor says I have inflammation based on the endoscope so that is why he recommended acid reducers

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    hi all 3 years ago i had keyhole surgery for removel of gall bladder, discharged within 24 hours. felt o k for a few days then felt nauseas and no appetite on 4th day post op woke up at 6am with horendous abdominal pain enough to dial 999 , admitted to hospital where initially diagnosed with constipation treated for same with 6 enemas and numerous medication for same. unable to bend at all spent 4 days in a chair with a drip oxygen and a urinary catheter plus a naso gastric tube, pleading for analgesia , some ultrasound and a few xrays., eventually taken to theatre where 500 ml of bile found in abdominal cavity , woke up 4 days later in high dependency unit. common bile duct had been damaged at surgery. developed jaundiced referred to a specialist unit had surgery to repair common bile duct, life now totally changed , weight loss indigestion poor quality of life contracted MRSA on two occassions in two different hospitals worked in the health service for 30 years , now require more surgery for ? adhesions but very reluctant to further intervention.

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    I got my Gallbladder out in march and since then i’ve been living a nightmare. I got fired from my job because of the constant diahrea, depression, and nausea. I went into my doctors office and they gave me an anti nausea med but it didn’t even touch it. I can’t eat meat, fatty foods, or anything high in nutrients because I puke them all back up or It comes out the other end almost instantly. It’s a race to see how fast I can get to a bathroom. I can’t drink anything when I eat because it starts up the nausea. My right side by my ribs constantly hurts after I eat or drink. The doctors say that it’ll go away with time. I don’t think I can keep up with this c**p. I want answers or a way to fix this.

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    “i had my gallbladder out on oct 16 and i continue to have pain and attacks like when i had my gallbladder in, as well as diahrrea almost every day no matter what i eat. im also having trouble sleeping, feel lethargic & tired even after sleeping 10 to 11 hours & now im depressed.

    just today i found an article on this health site http://www.makemeheal.com about postgallbladder surgery/stones and liver conjestion and i have all the symptoms of liver conjestion which is caused when the gallbladder is removed and bile stagnates into the liver, thus causing diahrrea or constipation in some people, sleep disturbances between 1 and 3 am, which i wake up all the time, and lead to depression. it gives liquid herbal remedies you can buy at their site. i know they work because when i was having myh gallbladder attacks i did the flush and used the remedies & i stopped having the attacks.

    however, my doctor sent me for the decid-a-scan and when they injected me with the fat solution i had such a violent attack, i had to have immediate surgery. i think im worse off now. i wish i stuck to the chinese herbal. the 4 pack is $98 but it is so worth it because it heals your inside but it tastes disgusting. but you have to stay away from sugar, white flour, fried foods, transfats, and the list of other stuff it shows including cold drinks & foods. but its better than the pain.

    but for all those who tell you that after surgery you can eat whatever you want, that a crock of bull.”

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    “Hello Everyone,

    My Name is Maryann I just had my gallbladder removed on March 31,08. I have been experienceing alot of pain still, I’m so bloated, nausa, constipation. Has any one had this?? I’m very scared i have a family that need me. I just want some kinda of support anyone out there that has these kinda of problems? I cant eat anything ive just been eating yougurt,pudding. I just dont know what else to try. ANy one have any suggestions??

    Thanks

    Maryann”

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    I had mine 10 years ago and my life is a total nightmare .I did have IBS before and they thought it was flaring when in reality it was my gall bladder infected and burst . Of course I eat nothing at this point . I am 50 and wear a sz 7 hollister jean . it hurts to eat or drink anything so I dont . profound constipation after some years of diarreah . Now if i am in public and i have a cold drink its instant diarreah . Pain in the classic area upper left back and up to shoulder .NO SODA .Bloat, shortness of breath . I cannot go out to eat because if i do I cant breathe and i bloat . Its a mess.. Its funny you mentioned it but I cant have raw veggies either at all . I pretty much exist on ensure clear or boost breeze ( juice based ) and cup o soup . I cant even drink water to thirst or Ill bloat and get short of breath .

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    “I’m a 35 yr old female…About 3 years & 2 months ago I had my gallbladder removed via lab.

    Ever since I’ve had severe “”dumping”” (no matter what I eat), diarrhea, pain in the upper right quadrant and still have pains in the middle of ribcage (same as the so called “”attack””). I did NOT have any stones (per the ultrasound, HIDA scan), the duct from the gallbladder to the bile duct was “”too narrow for the bile to go through”” and my gallbladder was overworked, so the doctor said.

    The only difference I’ve seen between myself and the others that have posted is that I’ve GAINED 60 lbs and not lost an oz.

    Most of my weight is in my abdoman. A few weeks ago I had such a severe “”dumping”” attack (about 7 hours), I missed about 3 hours of work. With this happening on a weekly basis, I should be the size of a toothpick! Now I am scheduled for a EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) & colonoscopy mid Nov.

    I’ve tried all meds the “”doctors”” have given me, fiber supplement, herbs, etc. I am now concered that I shouldn’t have these two tests done. I’ve read that some that have had the EGD, a biopsy was preformed. My gastro doc said nothing about this! I’m now even more scared than before. All I want is to be somewhat normal again. I can’t go anywhere without the fear of having a “”dumping”” attack which can last sometimes as long as 4 hours. Any words of advice? I’m tired of being fat and spending TOO much time in the restroom!!

    HELP!!”

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    “Hey all i just read all the posts and i have to say i have the same problem i am now on Cholestyramine four times a day and i still have my bad days. i had my gallbladder removed over 7 years ago and got really really sick last year and i was in and out of the hosptial and surgeries every couple of days to find out why i was in pain. The only way to explain the pain is its like the stomach acids are burning my intestines.

    The pain is unbearable and i have to go to the washroom just as much. And on a good days because i take it four times a day its just as hard. because i am still going to the washroom just as much. But i am getting to the point i can’t handle this anymore. I also have a question.

    Does anyone else with the similar problem find it interferes with full time work? I work full time and i have to take days off left and right because of it. And the worse days EVEN on the cholestryramine is a day in the bathroom… Its very frustrating.”

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    I am a very frustrated 28 yr old female. I originally went to the doctor almost 2 yrs ago due to excruciating painful attacks, usually after fatty meals and/or alcohol. These attacks were so painful they would cause me to haunch over, hyperventilate and would be at there worst pain just below the breastbone, over to the right. Then the pain would generate into my back, up to my sholders and sometimes down my arms. I would usually have someone take me to the ER. After a ultrasound, the doctors found about 7-8 stones in my gallbladder & I had it removed about 1 1/2 yrs ago. About 3-4 weeks after surgery, I had another attack. Very much like the gallbladder attacks I had before surgery. I am still having them periodically as of today. Just had another on 1/7. Again, precipitated by fatty foods and/or alcohol. In addition, stomach is usally tender & sore.I have had ultrasounds, bloodwork, 2 endoscopies. Test show no signs of gallstones in the ducts. Endoscopies did show that I developed bile gastritis. I was treated w/ sucralfate and Prilosec about a year ago. Months after meds stopped, developed burning pain (almost constant, sometimes worse when hungry) in the pit of stomach below the breastbone. No mention of uclers from doctors and there were no signs during prior endoscopies. Doc now says have acid reflux, although haven’t had chestpains or heartburn a day in my life. Doc says LES valve is not closing/relaxed, but nothing comes up my throat. Am now back on sucralfate and prevacid. It’s been a pretty painful process since my gallbladder was removed. Not only am I still have attacks, which is why the gallbladder was removed in the 1st place, but because it’s gone, the bile that trickles has caused bile gastritis. I was pretty much told that bile gastritis can be treated, but not cured & I will take meds for the rest of my life. How will this affect me when I choose to get pregnant? Why am I still having gallstone attacks w/ no gallbladder? What is the constant burning in the pit? Life on a daily basis consist of pain & discomfort. Some days better than others. What else can I do? All these diagnoses & meds, yet the burning & attacks still exist??? Thank you for your time.

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    I too had gallgladder surgery Sept. 2 due to having vomiting, pain upon eating, and bowel fluctuations. From July to Sept. I lost 21lbs. I am very small,5’2″, and typically weigh about 120. My entire life, I have had reflux and stomach problems, but nothing like this. Everything I ate made my stomach hurt under my right rib, in the middle and to my back. Then the naseau would hit, somtimes vomiting, and finally bloating and gas, with bowels going from one extreme to the other. I had the ultrasound and then the Hida Scan, which showed only 27% function. So the Dr. thought that this would remedy the problem. I felt “better” for about 3 days, now the pain is back, along with the nausea. Only the pain under my rib is HORRIBLE! I stay on the pain meds! Will this get better, my surgeon says it is normal—-FOR Whom? My family seems to think that I just want to be sick-ha-I used to think it was all in peoples heads–when they could’nt eat–NOT NOW! I loved to eat, enjoyed life–but the past few months have been hell! I don’t know how people have lived years like this. I don’t think I can. Any HOPE?

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    I had my GB removed in April of this yr (2011). I work in the hospital as an x-ray/ct tech and am constantly asking the doctors are my symptoms normal. No one seems to think a constant, random onset of diarrhea is normal. My stomach is constantly churning and at any giving time I have less then five minutes to get to the nearest restroom. This is a major problem for me being as a have an issue using public restrooms. I dare not go more then 10 min from my house unless it is to work and even then I am praying throughout the day that the Lord has mercy and allow my stomach to stay settled until I get home. I too have pain in my right side and back but also tightening in my chest. At every chance I get I ask other patients who have undergone GB removal what their symptoms are. Most often then not… a normal life was managed. This leaves me to believe something is going on. I am getting a CT scan to be on the safe side. Life is miserable but I remain thankful!

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    I am also relieved that I am not suffering alone! I had my gall bladder out in January 1999 after the birth of my first baby. Within weeks of having it removed I suffered more “attacks”. The pain did not radiate out this time, it stayed localized in the center but bad enough that I had to go to the emergency room. The doctor thought they possibly left stones in. After a sonogram, upper endoscopy and colonoscopy – they told me not only did they not leave any stones behind but there was nothing wrong with me. They said I could be having “phantom pains” or IBS or even stress. This was/is also accompanied by diarrhea. The pain is worse on an empty stomach and very tender to the touch. Occasionally, a very hot shower would help. Well, it’s been 6 1/2 years and I still get the pain! Not as frequently as before but it’s still there. My sister just had her gall bladder out this morning, pregnancy related as well. It’s comforting to know there are others out there like me!

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    “Sorry to say GERD seems to be a direct result of my gall bladder surgery too.
    I had my gall bladder removed almost 12 months ago – an emergency as it had gone septic as well as being full of stones. I had been generally unwell for about a week but had no previous GB or GERD symptoms.
    I spent a total of 15 days in hospital recovering from major srugery – key hole surgery wasnt possible and I havent been well since.
    I have constant dull pain where my gall bladder was, a feeling like a pulled muscle in my abdomen when I move, bouts of diahorrea, heart burn, acid taste in my mouth, bad breath, a chronic cough & Asthma.
    Chest Xray, CT scan, Bronchoscophy, lung function tests, blood tests allergy tests etc now show likely cause to be GERD which I certainly didnt have prior to surgery
    Am now taking Omeprazole for GERD, Singulair, Symbicort, Mucodyne for Asthma as well as taking Pergolide & Azilect for Parkinson’s Disease.
    Ive just come out of hospital after a course of inhaled Zxylocain which did no good either & I m still wheezing & coughing til I vomit.
    Still seeking a solution!!”

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    I had my gallbladder taken out last April. I was so happy that I would never have to expierence that pain again. Well I dont really have any pain anymore but, ever since my surgery ive had cronic dierrea, so bad that if I even eat crackers I have to run to the bathroom. I have had blood tests that say my liver count is off and my white blood cell count is up. They checked for heppitites and that was negitive. Now I have noticed my eyes are kind of yellow. Everyone seems to be stumped. I cant live like this for the rest of my life. Oh ya I have also gained 20 pounds. How I dont know. I always have to go to the bathroom before anything has time to settle in my system. So it seems I traided my horrible pain for freqient visits to the bathroom with painful stomache aches. I think I would rather have the pain from my gallbladder. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. No meds please ive had enough to last a lifetime.

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