Scar tissue or bile duct stones and pain

[belindalore]

20 years ago I had my gall bladder removed. Now at 69 years old it seems scar tissue or stones in the bile duct are causing me pain. Went to the ER a few nights ago and had a contrast CT scan but that test doesn't show stones. The ER Dr suggested a couple gastro surgeons who could go in and take a look and if there's excess scar tissue or stones they would be removed. Of course I'm scared of any surgery. And in Florida with high cases of the Delta variant so hospitals are full. (I went to the ER and wasn't seen for 7 hours because so many people were coming in and the ER Dr was overwhelmed but still doing a good job). So anxious about going to hospital right now. See my primary Monday and go from there. So after all that has anyone here had anything like this and what was your treatment and outcome? There's two ways to do this type of surgery, laparoscopic through the abdomen (how I had my gall bladder removed) and the one where they go down the throat(?) ECRP l think. Any help or info is much appreciated. Thanks.

[10gingercats]

Don't they blast stones with a laser these days? Well, they do in the uk..... and in Israel....where I lived a few years ago.

[Palpman in reply to 10gingercats]

No. Key hole surgery with mini basket and shovel. Had mine done few months back.

[belindalore in reply to 10gingercats]

Kidney stones are blasted.

[Hidden]

Hi, Belinda! Cardiac arrhythmia and fibromyalgia go hand in hand. I remember the case where a woman was operated on gull bladder and it was removed quite unnecessarily, since the pain was originating from fibromyalgia. Just as an idea...

[belindalore in reply to Hidden]

I had my gall bladder removed 20 years ago. Several stones. I saw the xrays before the surgery. And was told by the Dr that once in a blue moon stones may end up in the bile duct. So........ Only way to know is to take a look and see. The pain I have is too much like the pain before I had the gall bladder removed. Thanks for your idea though.

[fairgo45]

Hi there I think I know what you mean. as I also had my gall bladder removed about 10 years ago with 260 stones removed with laparoscopic surgery. Afterwards every now and then I would have similar symptoms to you.

I was told the same thing to have surgery again to remove scar tissue it is always under the scars from the laparoscopic procedure sometimes it really hurts and is swollen I'm waiting till covid is under control till I have anything else done but it can be very painful with all those instruments they put in maybe their a bit heavy handed

[belindalore in reply to fairgo45]

Thank you. It is very painful. The hospitals are still full of covid patients. My partner isn't well either. Feel sort of helpless right now.

[etheral]

An ERCP is the only way the docs can see and treat any scarring or sludge that may be causing your pain.

[belindalore in reply to etheral]

That's what I'm thinking is the best way to find out. Thanks.