Still feeling bad after gallbladder surgery
Posted , 7 users are following.
I'm so thankful that I stumbled upon this site. I'm in the same boat as many of you. Took the drs 6 weeks to find out that my gallbladder was completely dysfunctional with a HIDA scan. Went through with laparoscopic surgery and still having issues 6 weeks post surgery.
Typical day: wake up at 5 am to pee, then have a normal bowel movement. Back up at 5:30 with diarrhea and take a bile binder from the GI specialist. Back up at 6 am with more diarrhea. Drink a protein shake and try to get moving for the day. Probably one more round in the bathroom and then off to work. It's like Groundhogs Day 
. Usually I can get myself back on track around 10am and I try to eat small healthy meals every 2-3 hours. I also take protonix for reflux.
I'm not so trusting of my drs anymore. I think that they have done all that they can do but they have no answers for how to get over this. It's very upsetting. My husband has been amazing through all of this but it's frustrating since things are soooooo slow to improve. Will I ever get back to normal? How long will it take? Why don't the drs have an answer since so many patients have this after removal?
I take the bile binder and reflux medication. I still have daily diarrhea and my appetite is not normal. I've lost 35 pounds in the 3 months that this has gone on. Today was a bad day and I had to take my nausea medication again. Trying not to get too worked up and keeping up positive thoughts, but it's hard when you don't feel like yourself.
I've seen that a few of you tried acupuncture and felt better. Can you give me more information about this experience? I'm calling tomorrow and have high hopes. I'm also looking into some holistic options.
0 likes, 7 replies
Scottie13 Mlkeys
Posted
I’m 5 weeks post-op just now and apart from a few episodes of diarrhoea have been alright. And think they were caused by antibiotics for a wound infection (not much help I know).
Just wondering how long you’ve been on the bile binders for? What happens if you don’t take them? I’d never actually heard of them until I came on this site!
Having just looked up the side effects of protonix, they can be nausea and diarrhoea. Was this a side effect before you got the gallbladder out? Just wondering if it could be the protonix causing part of the side effects?
Your doctor should ideally be working with you to find out resolutions to this pretty major issue 😢😢. Sorry you’re feeling so fed up with them. Is there another doctor at the practice you could see instead? I know I try to always see my own GP as she knows me and knows I only go see her with major things, so not messing around or there for silly things. Really hope you get some help and start to feel better soon ?? Xx
Mlkeys Scottie13
Posted
My GI doctor called me yesterday and suggested coming off the medications (bile binder and Protonix) to see what my system will do on it's own since I've had so many medications this summer. I stopped the Protonix because my GP also thought that this medication could be causing the side effects. She said that we will know if this medication is the cause in about 5-7 days once it's out of my system. I tried to stop the bile binder yesterday and was in the bathroom with diarrhea 8 times! So I guess I still need this one.
My GI also said that he is referring me to a specialist at Temple University Medical Center since I'm not progressing as I should. My biggest problems are the diarrhea and little appetite and my stomach just feels upset all of the time. Saying my prayers that this new GI will have some answers!
Scottie13 Mlkeys
Posted
Yeah if you come off one first and it doesn’t help then you come off the other one and it does then at least that way you’d know which one affects you. Have read others on this site suggesting eating more fibre to soak up the excess bile as well. Know that’s not the easiest when you’re not feeling hungry. Sounds like a vicious cycle though! Fingers crossed stopping one tablet does the trick! 🤞🤞. Good luck with your GI appointment too xx
johnette_68826 Mlkeys
Posted
Hello,
I know its been awhile since you posted on here but how are you today? Did things get better? I hope you are well. I had my gallbladder removed 8 weeks ago and I am experiencing similar symptoms that you describe. Were the doctors able to find a treatment that helped you? Please send an update on how you are doing. I am trying to find answers and like you were frustrated with doctors who don't have any. Maybe the answer is my body is just taking time to adjust to not having a gallbladder.
biliarydyskines Mlkeys
Posted
did the doctor prescribe Colesevelam or colestipol for diarrhea ? I had diarrhea for 6 months , 2 to 3 times a day. But after taking colestipol for 5 days, it stopped.I have a non working gall bladder at 0%, No stones. Not yet removed my gallbladder .I also have gastritis. How do you feel now ?
nette0716 Mlkeys
Posted
I had my gallbladder out 4 years ago. Change your diet. Fat free, sugar free, caffeine free, high protein, natural sugars, found in fruits and veggies. I can eat meat but it must be grilled so the fat comes off of it. I cannot eat anything fatty at all. I made the mistake of eating a piece of cake at my son's birthday party this year, I was so sick. So it is a life change. Not all people experience the side effects, some people experience it for a short time and others have to live with it and change their lives. Be careful about alcohol consumption because remember your liver is now doing ALL the work. I drink a couple of beers or some wine, maybe once a month. It is all about taking care of you. It is frustrating, but the answer does not lie within the medical community, it lies within yourself. Eat healthy get as much exercise as you can and love yourself. It will get better.
stuart89727 Mlkeys
Posted
Please see my earlier post ,which looks very similar to yours
(My wife doesn’t do forums )