Gallbladder and PBC

[Magbetty]

I am 48 and never had an issue wither until I developed gallstones. My liver was slightly high as expected due to a stone at the neck of the gallbladder after the removal my liver did not decrease it increased. I was concerned they had nicked my bile duct but they tested me for several things saying they did not believe I had any of them .. I turned out positive for Mitochondrial antibodies, now I am being told I am positive for PBC. Could the gallbladder removal have anything to due with the positive effect or trigger the positive results? After the surgery, which was Nov 22, 2024 I am still fatigued lightheaded I have occasional nausea I go through days where I vomit everything after I eat and then I'm back to normal on and off diarrhea I still feel very bloated all other lab tests have been normal they've also checked my stool to make sure I didn't get an infection from the surgery all normal. I check my labs every year for as long as I can remember I've checked for everything even hepatitis because of my field of work I have never had any abnormal labs never had any high cholesterols liver functions so this is a lot to take in especially finding out there is no cure and it will only progress

[Pawsandchoc]

hi! The gallbladder removal wouldn’t cause the PBC as far as I’m aware. They are two different issues. I’m heard of this happening to other people. My doctors wanted to take out my gallbladder because of my high liver values but I didn’t go through with that. Then later I was tested for ANA which came back negative, but showed possible AMAs. They tested that and I was diagnosed with PBC.

They will probably put you on URSO to help the progression of the PBC.

Vomiting that much does not sound normal for post gallbladder surgery. Diarrhea does. But you shouldn’t be vomiting everything. Keep after them for an answer!

It may be your body adjusting but that sounds like a lot.

And PBC is not as scary as far as getting worse as it may seem The URSO or other meds will keep you from getting worse. It’s also very slow progression.

And add in fat soluble vitamins like D, E, and K . Your body can’t process them as well with PBC.

A lower fat diet will give your liver a break from trying to process the fat and may help your nausea .

There’s lots of videos on YouTube from the PBC foundation that will help. They’re awesome.

[Ls400ii in reply to Pawsandchoc]

Gallstones are common for people with PBC. I also never had an issue until I did. My gallbladder had to be removed during Covid. Since then I have produced a gallstone in the bile duct a couple of times. The first time it was removed …I was good for 6 months. Then all of a sudden I was screaming in pain, paramedics took me to the hospital, where they found a gallstone that was larger than the bile duct that had to be removed. It’s been a year and I’ve had no issues. My theory is that the dr didn’t remove it the first time. I didn’t like him at all, very arrogant. He wasn’t my doctor but he was the only one in the group that did ERCP’s. I was told that, although rare, there are people that can continue to produce stones even after the gallbladder is removed.

My alk phos went from 65 to 127 when my gallbladder was removed (2020) and it has taken 4 years, to get it back down to 63. Surgeries and illness can cause your levels to rise sometimes, Everyone is different. Talk to your doctor about the vomiting. Fatigue and itching are common side effects of PBC. It took me awhile to feel good again after the gallbladder surgery. Anything you’re concerned about…call your doctor. Hope you feel better soon.

[OdinsMom]

No it wouldn't cause PBC. Hopefully you were diagnosed by more than positive AMA (should be AMA M2).

[Doodlemommy0120]

My gallbladder was removed in April 2024 and in May 2024 I was diagnosed with PBC. My numbers are going up and down as well. On Urso but not helping my numbers. I had gallbladder problems for over 10 years. The doctors kept telling me it was fine and sending me home and telling me the pain was all in my head. Finally during a MRI they found a stuck gallstone in my bile duct. I told them this was the exact pain I'd been experiencing intermittently for 10 years. I've had a horrible experience with our health system. Last appointment my liver enzymes have doubled some tripled.