Problems after Gallbladder removal - could it be a PANCREATIC problem?
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi,
So I had my gallbladder removed in March this year due to stones. I've been suffering with reflux every since which at times has been really quite terrible.
But in the last two weeks I've been admitted to hospital twice, it all started with a pain in my upper stomach around 1;30 in the morning, bad enough to keep me awake, but a manageable pain. That was until 6am when the pain became totally unbearable causing me to cry out in pain, it then just went away and returned to the previous pain level for about an hour, then returned full on again for around 30 mins. At this point my other half rushed me to A&E.
I then spent the day in SAU having XRAYS, CT Scan etc, and was given lots and lots of pain relief. They then said I needed a MCRP scan which would be booked and have to come back for the results, but in the meantime, to not eat drink clear fluids, which I have been doing.
Three days later, the pain returned and this time it wouldn't go at all, I had taken Tramadol and 10 ms of liquid morphine, so he called 999 this time as it was horrific pain.
I then spend the weekend admitted to the hospital, but they couldn't bring my scan any closer so ended up being discharged with further pain relief to wait, still not able tot eat and now lost 27 lbs in two weeks. I have ahd another 4 periods of unbearable pain but I am taking painkillers every two hours as advised by the hospital to keep it at bay, a mixture of codeine, morphine, Tramadol, paracetamol and ibuprofen, buscopan and 40mg PPI each day.
I have now had my scan but have to wait until the 16th July for my results. Not once has anyone mentioned what it could be? The ultrasound and CT scans showed what the doctors called a "collection" where my gallbladder was, it must of been obvious at at the ultrasound she asked if I was sure i'd had my gallbladder removed?
My question is, has anyone has anything silmilar or could offer any advice of what could be wrong with me? I can stand the pain and the not eating and taking pills is very bad now x
0 likes, 9 replies
CecilK karen11258
Posted
HI Karen,
So sorry to hear about your pain. I experienced pain after my surgery also but found out it was pancreatitis. Your pain sounds so different and awful and seems so similar to people who have had infections and other complications. I am so surprised they have let you go on in pain this long and your surgeon has not responded. My heart goes out to you, and if there is a way to get to another facility you might want to consider that. you have another week to wait for results and hopefully there is nothing truly serious going on. The BIG question is why so much pain. I am guessing that the procedure itself was easy and recovery went fine? No problem healing at the beginning? I hope some others answer on this site, because there are some wonderful people here. please keep us all updated. Hang in there, I'll be thinking of you!
karen11258 CecilK
Posted
The recovery was ok, just developed GERD after, which I was told is pretty common? This all just came out of nowhere at all. Unfortunately there really isn't anywhere else to go to here in the UK, Just have to wait. It's just starting to worry me more as I can't eat so started to feel dizzy etc.
Reefsider karen11258
Posted
If you've only been having fluids for weeks I'm hoping you're consuming Ensure and making sure your electrolytes are balanced. Sounds like it's been too long on this diet, ask your GP.
You asked whether we think your pancreas might be involved. Obviously we don't know but from what I know about a pancreatitis attack it does help if one stops eating solid food for 2 or 3 days to rest it. It does settle the pancreas down and reduce the pain. We aren't told to stop solid food for weeks on end. Besides your pain is not only continuing it's getting worse, so from that alone I'd say it isn't your pancreas. (not a doc so can't say for sure of course). There are a lot of questions for your surgeon so someone should track that person down pronto methinks.
joanna17875 karen11258
Posted
Hi I am in the UK, really you should be referred back to the surgeon who did your operation, why don't you ask for this?? it is really only 14 weeks since your op and I would think he/she would have a better idea of what is possibly happening.
best wishes
karen11258 joanna17875
Posted
I'm in the UK too, no I didn't even see the doctor after I had my gallbladder removed? I've been put under a different doctor in SAU and haven't got an appointment to see them until 16th July. All I can hope is I don't have another intense pain episode, If i do them i'm going to go back to the hospital as it just not ok anymore.
vedawms karen11258
Posted
Have you expressed the urgency? It really does sound like an infection. July 16 is too long to wait.
joanna17875 karen11258
Posted
Like I said you must insist that whoever did your surgery is tracked down, at least go and talk to your gp and discuss your concerns.
good luck.
Reefsider karen11258
Posted
Like everyone else I'm very sorry you're experiencing this. Pain is a pretty obvious sign that the body is in trouble and the degree of pain you're having surely merits immediate intervention. Masking the symptoms (or trying to) with the truckload of meds you've been prescribed doesn't sound right to me. And waiting for tests and results isn't right either.
I'm curious to know if you were prescribed a PPI when diagnosed with GERD? You sound like your having serious issues but you don't say whether they're treating it. Not saying a PPI would take the pain away but wouldn't be a bad idea and might reduce your discomfort. Not good enough to be sent away. I agree the surgeon should be called in, something is very wrong. The radiologist who questioned whether you'd actually had your gall bladder removed has definitely raised the red flag for me and should have alarmed your doc's I think.
Do you have a GP who knows you and can look at the scans? If he/she agrees something isn't right perhaps he/she can push harder for answers. Please let us know what happens. I wish you all the best.
corinne82278 karen11258
Posted
HI Karen, if your pain was caused by a pancreatitis attack they would have seen it right away by blood sample with high level of LIPASES . Looks like there are "left overs" stones after removal of your gallbladder. i cant believe they leave you so casually out in the blue with so much pain without doing a MRCP (with contrast) that will show everything inside, ducts, stones etc . If you have stones left they normally do an ERCP provedure to get in there and manually temove it (them). You need to find a good gastroenterologist to help you ... hope for thr best for you...