Gallbladder is gone so where is this pain from?
Posted , 555 users are following.
HI
Had the dreaded gallbladder removed last June after only 7 months of pain (so I'm pretty lucky).
Everything went well, home the same day - took a good 4 weeks to feel totally better after the op but eating was ok and I don't seem to be affected by bowel issues like some people.
Only problem is I have dull ache in exactly the same place I used to get the gallbladder pain. It's not intense pain but it's in the front RUQ under my ribs and moves round the side and to my back.
It doesn't seem to appear after anything in particular and most of the time it's there constantly. Suppose it's more of an annoyance than anything else because I'm always aware of this ache. I'm quite reluctant to go to my GP because after spending about 7 months constantly in the surgery last year updating painkillers and nausea pills I don't want them to think I'm addicted to medical attention.
Just wondered if anyone had anything similar or if it's just a by-product of surgery that I'll have to get on with?
Thanks
34 likes, 1357 replies
melody10703 happyalien
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Marketa melody10703
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Emma1001 melody10703
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Hi Melody, maybe consider asking your doctor for an ultrasound scan. It is not unheard of that a gallstone went astray during the surgery and it is trying to exit a duct. This would give you similar symptoms to those that some people have had from gallstones trying to exit the gallbladder... when they had one!
Otherwise maybe just give it more time. The aftereffects of the surgery can take a much longer time to settle down for some of us.
I am coming up to three years since the surgery and still get a little ache most days. Its not bad but just reminds me I'm not 100% as i used to be.
coffeecycle22 happyalien
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Hi all, shame to see so many people suffering after a procedure that is meant to improve your quality of life. Alas Doctors are only human and they don't have all the answers, but they should treat you with respect and listen to our continuing problems without labeling us crazy (although some days I'm sure a lot of us feel that way) I had my gallbladder removed by cholecystectomy 4 weeks ago after years of suffering severe pain, hot and cold flushes transversley through the upper gut, nausea and vomiting. Not the normal problem for a non drinking,non smoking, lean vegetarian eating a low fat diet (45y) Initially operation went well then I crashed couldn't bring me around from anaesthetic lost my breathing and heart rate critical for 4 hours off to ICU crashed again lost for 5 hours, thought I had died (wild visions of sitting in a little white room that was vibrating at incrediable speed, very scary and overwhelming) 5 days in hospital and sent home. 4 weeks on belly button incission hasnt healed and skin seems to be dying, most concerning though is I am still having all the same syptoms prior to GB removal, so tired of being so sick I am at a loss, would have been better if I hadn't of pulled through. Today Surgeon told me he needs me back on the table to fix the belly button, feeling extremley aprehensive about going back to surgery. Gallbladder was infected, bleeding full of stones and sludge so needed to come out but why no change in symptoms, what else could be going on? Surgeon is at a bit of a loss and is going to "speak to his gut guys" as he puts it. Any ideas, tips or suggestions realy appreciated.
Emma1001 coffeecycle22
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I'm very sorry to hear of your ongoing health worries and pain. You must be very apprehensive about further work. I would want to know why I crashed after surgery. Was it infection, internal bleeding, anaphylaxsis or what? Not for blaming but to know if surgery is an issue for you.
Anyway your infected GB was pretty serious so there was no choice but to have it out asap. Have they given you an ultrasound scan or CT to see whats going on? Sometimes they drop gallstones inside you when the gallbladder removal is difficult as in 'infected' and hard to view. Then they need to go back for them. Let us know what they say and how your recovery progresses as it helps us all. Good luck.
coffeecycle22 Emma1001
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Thanks for the reply Emma1001.
First step is get the bellybutton fixed on Thursday and make sure there is nothing unhealed internaly. Then I guess it's back to scans and such to see what else is going on.
Reading everybodys stories gives some added strength.
Much love and healing to all .
C.
coffeecycle22
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So just over 2 years since my surgery and original post on this site. Sad to say that things haven't improved in any way, same RQ pain same feeling of dripping inside at surgical site, blood feels like it starts to boil moving through my whole body until my brain feels like it's melting, some chest pain. Bounced from one specialist to the next all with a "take this tablet approach" I have had every scan, x-ray, blood test prod and poke with nothing showing. Feel so lost as it has impacted my life so dramatically, from the moment that I wake to when I finally fall asleep through sheer exhaustion the symptoms don't leave me. I used to pedal 350 kms a week, work out, climb and live life, now most days I can barely function and spend the days housebound sleeping on and off on the couch, It's no way to live. I am frustrated with the medical fraternity as they all seem to have the response of only wanting to mask my symptoms through medication and not actually diagnose what is the cause. On my next upcoming visit I am already aware the tablet on offer is going to be anti depressant / psychosis medications for their side effects which possibly may relax the nerve endings. I don't want to be a medicated zombie so not sure how this is even a consideration. Despite all my frustration I intend to keep on fighting to find a reason why, I want to be healed from this awful journey not just medicated.
My heart goes out to all that are suffering as I know the journey can be tough, but don't give up, fight for everyday and be the best that you can be. Control the things you can, diet and water are paramount, keep a healthy attitude and most of all believe that you can and will be healed.
C.
gwen45436 coffeecycle22
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You must be worn out. Maybe a silly question as you sound very health conscious. What other alternatives have you tried besides western medicines which are doing diddly squat?
I have gastritis, esophagitis, hiatal hernia, lpr and found no help whatsoever from my doc except the usual PPI. Did not take them, opted for softer Zantac and Pepsin and Mastic Gum. Made a big difference in all areas. I also developed Chemical sensitivity which was truly a nightmare. Any smell at all gave me pain up my chest and into my throat through to my back and shoulders. I had a look into Kinesiology and found a really experienced lady who has done it forever. After the second session, the chemical sensitivity was gone and that was 18 months ago. She also could feel in my body where my inflammation was and suggested certain supplements. It has been life saving for me as I was getting very depressed with it. I could not tolerate, deodorant, hair spray, soap, any perfume, wood fire, petrol and exhaust, cigarette smoke outside, after shave, toilet products the list goes on forever.
Just thought I would let you know what helped me. You must be desperate and we will try anything when we are.
So sorry and not fair for you.
G.
heepee happyalien
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Gosh you poor thing , you've really been put through the mill haven't you . I have seen on this forum that a lot people with ongoing post op symptoms , have subsequently been diagnosed with sphincter of odi &/ gerds . It may be worth you having a look at typical symptoms for those conditions . Best of look and hope you start to feel soon .
chrissy121868 happyalien
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Hi
Ok so i had pain in my lwr rgt abd,under my ribcage that traveled around to my back.If i slightly pressed spot (under ribcage and a little lower) i would automatically feel nauseous.Docs stated i needed my gallbladder removed. ok did it. After surgery...... horrifing heartburn,loose bowels,terrible terrble stomace cramping leading to sweats and loose bowels,this went on for 2 years.Did i mention when i had to go........ i HAD TO GO!!! So that was in 2009.Its now July of 2016.
I have to say the cramping is down almost to none,some loose boweles here and there,small less hurtfull heartburn,BUT...i still get the same pain in lwr rgt side to back with a touch makes me feel nauseous!I did however notice, that if i eat pork, or any greasy fatty foods,the dull pain gets stronger and more scary.About 2 months ago I had started(and failed ...
lol) the 21 day fix program ,i have to admit,eating salads,chicken breast no skin,drinking alot of water,protien drinks made with fresh fruit every morning and no coffee and creamer(YES I DID IT) for 2 weeks, i actually had no pains,nausea,heartburn,ect. sooooo here i am today with these pains again googling symptoms to see what i can find out.Looks like 21 day fit here i come... hope this helps anyone and please if anyone has info respond!
Chrissy
Emma1001 chrissy121868
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Hi Chrissy. I think that the diet is everything. I have had the similar situation to you for nearly three years,though not nauseous. For me, as the RUQ pain got less the heartburn got worse. That was 6 months ago. Now both are getting less as I've improved my diet. I don't drink as much wine, coffee and I watch the fat intake. I so hope I am going in the right direction as it seems a long journey. By the way i am vegan so not having dairy or fatty meat has never been a problem but of course ... I like chips :0)
Marketa Emma1001
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bebe33104 Marketa
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To all of you with the RUQ (right upper quadrant) and back pain after Gallbladder removal: The SECOND you feel the pain coming on drink an entire 16 oz glass of water, then stop eating for a few moments. This does the trick for me.
If it's too late for the water see my tennis ball trick I wrote about above. DO NOT do the tennis ball trick if you just had surgery! Your wounds will not heal and it will hurt like crazy! Okay, so here goes: lie on your stomach on the floor and place the tennis ball where the pain is (on your upper ribcage). Roll around on ground so the ball is hitting many areas. You can even try to get it to go all the way almost to your armpit area. Press the ball in using your body weight as much as possible. It will hurt but it has to hurt in order to work. (It's not a HORRIBLE pain....and it relieves pain at the same time)
I then turn over on my back and place the tennis ball where the pain is there. (between my spine and shoulder blade). Pull your knees up while keeping your feet flat on the ground. Using your leg muscles lift your torso up off the ground so your torso weight really sinks the tennis ball into your back pain. Roll around a bit to reach every area. This should ease the pain immediatley.
This sounds so strange and I don't know why this works, but it does.
andrea42402 happyalien
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andrea42402 happyalien
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