Post ĝallbladder surgery

[Contra21]

Hi all, I'm 5 months post gallbladder surgery. I was good first 3 months but then got diarhea after foods even though I rarely eat fatty. Now constipated too. I'm getting pain now on my left side creeps into back. and pain where I had a blocked bile duct. Under sternum. Hurts to sneeze all of sudden and stomach feels so hard and full of air and pain.Had an ultrasound in august as I had some pain then. And all clear. I worry if I have something sinister growing Anyone else have pain like this?

[Jojams]

Hi there sorry that you are having these symptoms. I don't know much about living post gall bladder surgery. These symptoms could be due to a number of different things not necessarily anything serious but it sounds like you should seek further medical advice. Take care

[Xmas23 in reply to Jojams]

Hi, sorry to hear your problems . I too have very similar symptoms . I had my gallbladder removed 14 months ago. It was agony from the start- couldn’t sleep on either side had to use a pregnancy pillow. After 4 months I eventually got sent for an ERCP - all clear. The pain eased. Few months later right , left and top of tummy pain - can’t sleep. Constipation and mixed diarrhoea. Last few months urgency going for a poo and now not making it to the toilet . No warnings it just happens! Had a virtual colonoscopy and they found a polyp - waiting to have it removed - it’s 10mm and the docs claim this is causing my problems. I must have had the polyp for years - coincidence maybe , but reading your post and others seems it’s part of life without gallbladder. I have read there is some medication bile stuff you. A take - don’t know why docs haven’t offered that to me . Gives me a bit of hope as can’t work like this . Good luck with your symptoms .

[Contra21 in reply to Xmas23]

What made you ask for a colonoscopy? I'm scared someone wrong

[Xmas23 in reply to Contra21]

Hi, I didn’t ask for one . I went to GO because of the urgency in popping and the pain . She insisted I went for. 2 week wait for colonoscopy as I mentioned I had bowel problems sice age 21 (I’m 63 now). I didn’t tolerate my last colonoscopy at all, they had to stop despite sedation hence, putting off going. I’m really dreading it, especially now they have found a polyp. The virtual CT scan was a breeze other than the awful meds prior. That was one of the worst parts - pooped myself 7 times! Maybe ask for a virtual CT scan- as this can find lots of things - they actually found a slight lung problem with me and they can see any masses in pancreas etc. I didn’t have any which put me more at ease . Good luck - x

[Contra21 in reply to Xmas23]

I had a body mri and in july whilst in hospital would that have seen anything in the intestines?

[Xmas23 in reply to Contra21]

I would have thought so but possibly not polyps - I’ve been told only a colonoscopy can see these things . But, please ask your GP . X

[juniepoonie]

sorry to hear your problems my husband has a stone in bile duct slipped from gall bladder waiting ERCP to get removed before gallbladder removal. I hope you get improvement soon. I have read often about a bile acids med for this problem

[Pollyboo]

Hi, I had my gallbladder removed 11yrs ago and I take a bile binder as I expect you may know that when you haven't got a gallbladder the bile drips into the stomach all the time causing a laxative effect.I take Questran in a powder form mixed with water before my evening meal and it really helps me. It is not perfect but I couldn't manage without it. There is also a tablet form if you do not like the powder.

I also take Imodium as I need.

Sadly when we have our gallbladder removed no one tells us about the symptoms we may suffer after.

Try not to worry I know it is easier said than done but I am sure if you can get the bile sorted you will feel a lot better. Give it time as these meds can sometimes take about 3weeks to get use to.

Yes the bile I think can cause pain, I sometimes have low left side pain think this could be wind related.

Try to be positive and have a word with you GP.

Take care Pollyboo

[Contra21 in reply to Pollyboo]

Thanks so much. I was thinking so I need a colonoscopy

[Pollyboo in reply to Contra21]

Hi Contra21, try to calm down a bit and not to get to stressed, try to stay calm and take one step at a time, I know it iis hard but that is what I have learnt over the past few years.You proberly don't need a colonoscopy, wise to try the bile meds first. I also take a probiotic called Alflorex, worth a look, have taken this for about 6mths now and I find this has also helped me. It helps to balance the good gut bacteria, and is one of the only ones that is recomended for IBS.

I found my right hand side rib area also was sore after gallbladder op and this worried me as I couldn't sleep on that side. I have since read that it helps stomach to sleep on my left, so I start on that side and find I can then turn later in the night.

I noticed that you are not in the UK so I hope you can get good help and support where you are different contries different health care I guess.

Don't forget eveything takes time you must give all meds about 3weeks to see if you get any improvement.

Sending you best wishes

Pollyboox

[Contra21 in reply to Pollyboo]

Thanks so much, I thought by 6 months of be ok. Feel a little bulge on left due but dr says ots nothing can't feel anything , my anxiety 🙃

[CBRGirl]

I had my gallbladder out 6 months ago. I mostly deal with constipation but then that turns into diarrhea for a day or two. I had upper right side pain for a while as well as sternum pain. It comes and goes. Worse when I get anxious.

Recently I’ve developed back and lower left side pain. It seems to be associated with increased trapped gas and sluggish bowels.

I just started on a pre and post probiotic and may add in bile salts for digestion. I have a lot to work out so we will see what happens. They said everything would be fine after surgery. Eventually that may be so but they sure send you out to fend for yourself. I believe there is a way to get balance it just takes some diligence in finding what your body needs.

[Contra21 in reply to CBRGirl]

That's the worst part. For hot you'll be fine in 6 weeks eat whatever you want. Crazy you esky do fend. Finding out what my body needs no idea? Do I see a gastrointerologist? Is something wrong and I don't know? Crazy anxiety