Possible gallstones and treatment

[Sassy27]

Yes, I am rather new to this community. 8 months ago I had an episode of severe itching to the extent I had to go to emergency clinic. With no diagnosis at the time, I later saw my general practitioner and my LFTs were quite elevated. After going through extensive tests the last several months (endoscopy, ultrasound, MRI and liver biopsy), I still had no diagnosis. However, I am still symptomatic with moderate pain. My liver enzymes have improved over the last 3 months. I have had my first appointment with my Hepatologist, and he thinks my severe episode was passing small gallstones through my bile ducts and the pain I continue to experience is from gallstones that I still have. He prescribed Urso 500mg twice daily to hopefully dissolve the gallstones. Since I began taking the Urso, I have had more discomfortment than previously. No nausea or diarrhea. Has anyone had similar condition/treatment?

I also have esophagitis for which I was prescribed Nexium, and I have seen improvement from that med.

[EileenUSA]

Hi,

Did they run the AMA blood test? (Anti mitochondrial antibodies). Sorry to hear you are going through all this. How is the itching?

[Sassy27 in reply to EileenUSA]

Yes, results were within normal range. I am no longer experiencing itching.

[MissusTee]

Yes, I had an ultrasound and it showed sludge in my gallbladder. It can be quite painful sometimes after eating.

[Sassy27 in reply to MissusTee]

Were you treated or did the condition resolve itself?

[MissusTee in reply to Sassy27]

They said that I'm a watch and wait, if it gets worse they might take it out.

[Sassy27 in reply to MissusTee]

Thanks. I know you are like me in that you would prefer not to have surgery. However, after months and months of continued pain it would be great to have some resolution. Wishing you well.

[MissusTee in reply to Sassy27]

Yes, sometimes you have to be careful, no gallbladder = poor digestion of fats! Take care.