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Reflux and heartburn after gallbladder surgery

Posted , 59 users are following.

Leni75
Leni75

Has anyone  suffer or has suffered from  bad chest pain with heartburn after gallbladder removal? Iam eating a very low fat diet, in fact no fat at all, and I still get most times pain in chest with burning. I would like to hear from anybody that has the same and if anything helped to treat it beside PPIs.they don't work for me. I am really worried because it might be damaging my esophagus and throat is sore from the reflux.

has anyone was told by doctors that it might be just a symptom until the body adjusts to not having gallbladder and that's why medication doesn't work? Please share your thoughts and experiences. I am worried and confused why my body started having reflux issues after this surgery. 

8 likes, 151 replies

151 Replies

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  • kim69253
    kim69253 Leni75

    Posted

    Hi I realize this is an old post but I want to let everyone know my symptoms. I had my gall bladder out over three years ago. At first my only symptoms were loose stools occasionally. Earlier this year however, I got a tetanus vaccination and had to take Medrol and I have been miserable since. Everyday I have something acidic, not sure if it's acid or bile, that reflexes up to my mouth, throat and burns. My stomach burns, I feel nauseous, I get bloated, I have yellow diarrhea and have developed laryngeal neuropathy. I have never suffered so much in my life, and no doctor has been able to figure out what this is. I wouldnt have gotten the surgery if I knew that my life would be like this. I keep praying for a miracle and that the Good Lord will heal me.. I will pray for you all too.. Kim

  • casey34288
    casey34288 Leni75

    Posted

    Leni, I know this has been a while but I am 3 weeks post gallbladder removal and still having the nausea and burning in stomach and was wondering how long until the burning went away? Was it getting less and less before you stopped having it and do you still get it ever anymore? I'm 29 with 2 small kids and this has been the worst thing I've ever been through! Never had stomach issues in my life and now this! T

  • sshears
    sshears Leni75

    Posted

    Hi Leni, do you still have chest pains or did you find s cure?
    • papote53
      papote53 sshears

      Posted

      New to all of this, had my gallbladder removed 18 months ago because they said that was the reason for my chest pain/rib-cage pain and lack of air and guess what?  Nothing, no gallbladder and no improvement. Now, in the process they just did my 5th endoscopy the last 3 years and there it was.  Gastritis, and mild Barrets-  GI said possible from bile reflux.  Sent me home with PPI's-  I have no symptom so why PPI's and why PPI's if is bile reflux?  Yes, weird but the pain I described above GI said is not related to bile reflux or even reflux.  Valve working properly and normal acid levels.  Has anyone taken medication for bile reflux? Did it help?  I know PPI's don't work, what about ox bile?  I'm just wondering how is this possible if valve is working properly?  Plus, I do not have any stomach pain besides mild bloating.

    • ffmffm7
      ffmffm7 papote53

      Posted

      Hi, I have heard that Domperidone, Orsodiol, Carafate, Cholestyramine, Welchol, etc. can help bile reflux. But a dr must decide which one is appropriate for your case. Moreover, it might not really be bile reflux, or even it might be bile reflux but non erosive. You should ask your dr.
    • papote53
      papote53 ffmffm7

      Posted

      I did know about Orsodiol, but not the other. Going to see him on the 1st, thanks for the info. ;-)

      Jose

      GB!

    • ffmffm7
      ffmffm7 papote53

      Posted

      You're welcome. Hope everything goes well.

  • Libtec
    Libtec Leni75

    Posted

    Yes, I'm getting this as well. It's a joke that the doctors do not warn about this side effect before offering to remove your gallbladder. 7 months in and no improvements. For anyone who is suffering with A gallbladder not functioning correctly but have no gall stones Do Not Remove your gallbladder . Try heal yourself in other ways as having your GB out causes so many additional side effects.

    • papote53
      papote53 Libtec

      Posted

      You can say that again. ;-)  Same here, they said taking out the gall-bladder (which I had no bad symptom) will cure me from the chest/rib-cage pain and lack of air.  Nothing, actually worse and now I have barrets and bile.  What is worse is that they take no responsibility and much less care. ;-( 
  • megan0612
    megan0612 Leni75

    Posted

    I have the SAME exact problem!  It has been 14 days since my gallbladder removal.  Everyday all day, I have severe chest pain, heart burn, and back pain.  Tried Pepcid and Protonix and nothing helps!  Any suggestions?? 
  • vera52096
    vera52096 Leni75

    Posted

    Lenini feel like you and I are in the same boat. I also am 31, found out I had gallstones during my 1st pregnancy. I started having back and chest pain 2years after my last pregnancy- the pain started 2/17. I have my gallbladder removed 12/17 because they were convinced that was causing my refered pain. Since my surgery I have been redluxing bile. Every morning. I went and had a endoscopy done and I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus also. I am wondering how you are doing and if you were able to find any relief from the bile reflux? 
  • kira85169
    kira85169 Leni75

    Posted

    Hi Leni,

    Did your issues with reflux ever resolve? i just had gallbladder removed two weeks ago and I am having similar issues. Hope you found a solution!

  • rachie38
    rachie38 Leni75

    Posted

    Yes I've had it for a few weeks and it's very annoying!, omezaprazole 30mg helps me and indigestion remedies and bicarbonate of soda mixed with water and just drink it and now and again coke mixed with water. I find that sauces make me worst so does chocolate and cake I think you need to cut out everything cheese kills me too I've been to the doctor hitting a brick wall every test is OK nothing wrong so I don't think they understand how annoying it is. I get pain in my arms and that as well right in my shoulder blade it's how I know I've pushed the boundaries I. Just go have a lay down and usually it passes or next day it will try eat smaller portions of food throughout the day and straight after take some indigestion remedies it may take ages before you feel. I know someone who is only better now after three years years after removal x

    • ann55375
      ann55375 rachie38

      Posted

      i remember LENI postings when i had mine out. i am getting better three years on now but have to watch what i eat and still get an odd flare up. omeprazole did not suit me so i had to stop it. drink plenty water.

  • vicki19082
    vicki19082 Leni75

    Posted

    Hi Leni,

    I know this was posted a long time ago but i was wondering how you are doing now? I have just been diagnosed with 6 gallbladder polyps one of which is 9mm. I have severe acid reflux (probably bile reflux) and pain in my right upper rib area with pain in my right shoulder too. I am going to the doctors to discuss as the Omeprazole which was prescribed for the reflux doesn't seem to be working and I am anxious about polyps becoming cancerous. I am quite sure that my reflux is due to the polyps on my gallbladder. I am worried though that people have said their reflux got worse after gallbladder removal. Any thoughts. Thank you

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