Advice needed: Liver/gallstone pain.

[The-perfect-storm]

Hi,

Can I say that I do not have a gallbladder this was removed about 30 years ago, my understanding is that I can't develop gall stones any more. I also have NASH and cirrhosis of the liver.

I recently had an ultra sound and consultation with my liver specialist my liver is considered well compensated and they are very happy with my progress and self management.

So what I need to ask is for some time (years) I have had sporadic pain in my upper right quadrant. It is a dull but intense pain and feels like a cramp just below my ribs. Today it has been quite bad and now I've come inside to rest I am aware of that bitter bile taste in my mouth. It has happened before but usually once or twice and then settles down for ages, it doubles me over as if I try to stay upright the pain becomes more intense.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this, Ive had cat scans and Ultra sound scans as part of ongoing treatment so nothing untowards has been seen so I'm quite happy that nothing drastic is going on; but I am concerned

[AyrshireK]

It is still possible for gall stones to occur even after gall bladder removal and they are usually detected and possibly treated by an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography )procedure. There are also conditions related to the pancreas that can occur after gall bladder removal and a condition called Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction symptoms of which matches some of your symptoms. Again ERCP would be used to check that. healthline.com/health/sphin...

When did you last have an upper GI endoscopy? With cirrhosis you can get all sorts of changes in the stomach lining and oesophagus and they too can create pain and reflux type symptoms.

You need to get this checked out by your doctor.

Katie

[The-perfect-storm in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you Katie,

Last endoscopy was 3-4 months ago for varisces banding I also have Barretts caused by years of acid reflux, in addition I also have damaged lungs probably through breathing in digestive secretions an enlarged spleen and portal hypertension (hence 'Perfect Storm')

I'll follow the link and monitor if it starts to get worse apart from the odd day like today I will see my GP

Regards Simon

[AyrshireK in reply to The-perfect-storm]

Hi Simon, I am guessing with Barretts you are already on a PPI such as omeprazole? My hubby had terrible bent double indigestion bouts when prior to him being diagnosed. He too had varices (requiring 42 banded) plus portal hypertensive gastropathy, he hasn't had similar symptoms since taking omeprazole and watching what he eats (trigger foods for him seem to be anything citric, acidic and for some reason pasta's and sauces) he is currently varices free but from the beginning he's been on omeprazole.

Hubby also has cirrhosis, he lost his spleen function after developing splenic artery aneurysms due to PH and going through an embolization operation.

Definitely run it past your GP and specialist - you've obviously got all sorts of oesophageal and gastric tract issues going on.

Katie

[The-perfect-storm in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you, yes I am on Omeprazole I can't now remember how many varisces I have had done but its nowhere what your hubby has had. I remember being told and have read in my post op reports that I have inflammation of the stomach wall and this was thought due to PH. THese painful episodes are thankfully sporadic but today for some reason have been coming in waves I am not aware of any triggers, I may need to try and identify any if they exist otherwise I will speak to someone on one of my appointments.

Regards Si

[Hidden]

Good afternoon

If you are experiencing pain we would always recommend you contact your own doctor or consultant.

You may also wish to contact the British Liver Trust helpine:

[e-mail] or telephone [phone] (Mon-Fri 10am-3pm).

Very best wishes

[The-perfect-storm in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, if it was every day I would be seeing my GP but it is spasmodic today though out in the garden it kept on coming in waves hence the post, since I've written the post it has eased down but I know it will happen again but haven't identified a trigger as yet

Regards Si