Gallbladder issue?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I have been having upper right abdomen pain for the last month. It is sharp stabbing. If I eat the pain is worse and in like an hour I wind up throwing up. All tests have been normal: CT, Xray and now an Ultrasound. They also did an endoscopy which showed some gastritis, and the colonoscopy was clear. I have lost about 30lbs in this month and am not really eating anything. The hida scan was the most painful thing in the world as the second part I was in tears. The EF percent was 48%. I was told it could still be my gallbladder and we are looking into removing it. My alt and ast levels are really spiked too. I am meeting with a surgeon for pre op consultation but I am worried as all tests are normal but the pain is so bad. I also have been running some fevers on and off. I am pale and a little jaundice.
0 likes, 15 replies
arisu21957
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harrington40 arisu21957
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OMG!!! I was reading my email and found your post. I don't know you as in person what I do know is I feel your pain and understand what you are going though:
1) weight lost
2) Pain Stabbing pain.
3)ALS levels
All fingers point to that bad boy( galdbladder).
Similar experience, take it out find a good surgeon and have him hook it out .
I had mine removed 1.6 months ago and I feel good. I used to be about 164~165ibs. Now I'm 150ibs Overall generally life is better.
arisu21957 harrington40
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Thank you for responding.
sarah87162 arisu21957
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I am not a medical professional but had my gallbladder removed 18 months ago. I did not become jaundiced but was told to let my GP know immediately if I became jaundiced and he would see to it that I was put to the top of the operating list straight away.
Good luck with all this.
Keep in touch
Sarah
lynda20916 arisu21957
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Sounds as if it's your gallbladder, and the fevers and pain indicate it's becoming inflamed. Best to have it out, I think.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
arisu21957
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arisu21957
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lynda20916 arisu21957
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You must be frustrated right now. I think the surgeon wants proof that it's your gallbladder. A CT scan should have confirmed that you have gallstones, but an ultrasound can't always pick up very small stones and sludge. If you decide on one more test, I hope that it can be performed as soon as possible.
Did he seem worried that he might be doing unnecessary surgery that might be injuring you? If you're disgusted and want your gallbladder removed, regardless, then, I'd suggest you see another surgeon.
Just my thoughts.
arisu21957 lynda20916
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it sounded he is afraid if there is complication since he isn't a hundred percent sure he is skeptical. i am just sick of being sick and in pain. have you heard of an endoscopic ultrasound that's the test he wants to do. he stated my liver enzymes are really high
lynda20916 arisu21957
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I looked it up on the web, and it's an endoscopic exam, meaning you're sedated and an endoscope with a sound emitting tip is passed down your esophagus, and used to emit sound waves inside your stomach, etc. I'd suggest that you look it up on the web, too.
Your liver enzymes are high because the liver is stressed. I understand how you feel. I lost 30 pounds myself before I got my gallbladder removed. In my case, my surgeon took a chance, and it turned out my gallbladder was filled with small stones and sludge. So, it was no wonder only a few stones showed up on the ultrasound.
So, your doctor referred you to this surgeon for surgery (which was recommended by your doctor) and the surgeon wants more proof before he'll do it? I'm not sure the surgeon is qualified to perform an endoscopic ultrasound. Seems as if a gastroenterologist should perform that test--I myself wouldn't trust a surgeon to do it, nor would I trust a gp to do it.
From other posts on this site, it seems that there was a "study" that indicated gallbladder surgery wasn't "effective" and a couple of people have run into sceptical surgeons who have read that study and want more "proof" before they will take out gallbladders. But surgeons aren't gastroenterologists!
I would suggest that you get in touch with your doctor and tell him or her that the surgeon you met with wants another test, that you're sick, and you want a referral to a surgeon who'll be willing to take out your gallbladder. I'll bet you're just fed up!
arisu21957 lynda20916
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So i got admitted into the hospital on 11/10 with everything going on. On 11/11 they did the endoscopic ultrasound and found sludge and polyps in my gallbladder and my pancreas is inflamed. On 11/12 they removed my gallbladder. After that I have been able to eat. However the recover was a little rough as I was allergic to the prep solution and the dermabond which was used on top of the stiches. When pathology looked at the gallbladder once it was removed there was a stone in it. The surgeon acknowledged that my liver is damaged a little. I just got released from the hospital on 11/17 so now I am getting used to eating and am sore. But at least I don't have that sharp pain anymore and can actually eat.
lynda20916 arisu21957
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Oh, my gosh! I'm so glad that you had your surgery and that your gallbladder's gone! I'm also sorry to learn that your liver was damaged. However, I understand that the liver is capable of regenerating itself.
Now that you're out of the hospital, you can start to recover. Remember to take it easy, avoid fats and eat small, frequent meals.
Thanks for letting me know how you're doing, I was wondering about you! Take care, and let me know how your recovery goes!
arisu21957 lynda20916
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I am healing everyday. I am also so glad that I am able to eat no pain. Not feeling that pain is such a relief. Can't wait til I am fully healed and this becomes a memory. I am getting there, slowly but surely just glad I am feeling better and starting to feel like my normal self.
lynda20916 arisu21957
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arisu21957 lynda20916
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