Still having same pain after gallbladder removal
Posted , 12 users are following.
I had my gallbladder removed (keyhole) a few days ago and I feel that my incisions are healing nicely and I'm moving around much better than the day after the survey but I'm still experiencing the referred pain around my right shoulder blade, made worse when I try to eat something (I haven't eaten anything more then a graham cracker or banana)
I know it's still early after the surgery but should I still be experiencing this kind of pain?
The pain I'm having isn't from gas, it's different.
Has anyone had this experience after surgery? Am I still just healing on the inside? Im terrified that this won't get better! As much as I'm trying not to, I'm beginning to regret having the gallbladder removed.....
1 like, 38 replies
cynthia89958 Keefe
Posted
Hi Keefe
?Chances are it is healing going on, you have had an organ cut out away from your liver and phantom pains are somewhat common place.
?If you are concerned though, or have red flag syptoms like fever, pain that cannot be controlled with normal meds, any jaundice, vomiting etc, get back for a checkup as sometimes random stones remain stuck or there may be infection or bleeding below the surface.
?I'm 3 weeks post op and still have random pains sometimes and tiredness, possibly as I contracted a chest infection after surgery as well.
?Only time will tell if we are going to benefit from this surgery, healing can take weeks and adjusting to life minus gallbladder up to a year it seems, though most adjust much sooner.
?Good luck, let us know how you get on, hope it will be good news for us both.
cynthia89958 Keefe
Posted
Forgot to say, I'm not a pharmacist or expert myself, but if you are taking any meds containing codeine, beware as this can actually cause pain in the remaining bile ducts as it causes them the swell or spasm - in some patients, not all, but I have heard a few folk affected post gallbladder removal.
?I was perscribed codeine for post op pain but never needed it luckily.
carol64083 Keefe
Posted
Hi if you have any concerns contact your doctor. I had my gallbladder removed nearly two weeks ago. I felt good after surgery then all of a sudden I was in agony. A stone was left and gave me the same pain as a gallbladder attack. MRI scans and ct scan showed my liver was angry looking and I've now got a cyst on my pancreas. It's been a nightmare. Blood results way to high. I would suggest you speak to your gp if you have any concerns in your recovery.
bev5555 carol64083
Posted
Hi Carol I've just read your post and very interested to know what the outcome was for you and if it was resolved? My story is similar to yours. I had my gallbladder out 2 weeks ago but ended up in A&E last week with severe off the scale pain. CT and MRI don't show anything but my liver function tests are abnormal. My consultant is meeting with the radiologist tomorrow to go over my scans again to see if anything was missed. Was wondering if you had an ERCP to remove your stone left behind?
Thanks
Bev5555
JonnaFromNY Keefe
Posted
Hello-
Agree with all that has already been posted here - contact your doctor if you sense things worsening in any way from where you are at now. I remember having intense pain in that area for the first 10 days, truthfully, after surgery - they try to downplay it in the states as Out Patient surgery, and "minor" but it still is major surgery and removal of a bodily organ. You are doign the right thing of eating very light and no/low fat while your body adjusts to everything. Each day should hopefully get a little better for you -
Jonna
Keefe
Posted
Thank you everyone for your responses, I really appreciate them.
I had to call my surgeons office today to schedule a follow up appt and after the receptionist heard of my current symptoms, she had the surgeon speak to me on the phone.
He said that he does not think having my gallbladder out helped me since my symptoms are now worse. He said I shouldn't be feeling like this. He had me go for a blood test to check liver function this morning, still waiting on the results (the phlebotomist actually cried when she saw me and prayed over me, very sweet lady) . I'm also supposed to try to get in to see my GI asap, unfortunately, he's on vacation (of course) for the next couple of weeks.
I spoke with my gp's office and they sent a message to my Dr to see if she could fit me in because her schedule is booked right now so I'm waiting to hear back.
I'm in a tough spot...I have 2 toddlers, no close family that can help and my husband desperately needs to go back to work....I don't know what to do.
I have constant pain in the side of my right rib cage that wraps around to my back and shoulder blade that gets worse when I try to nibble on anything light. My trust is doctors have been tried by this.
Thank you again for your responses! I'm feeling very lost and I'm trying to find strength to continue with this...I thought I felt bad before my gallbladder surgery, now I wish I could turn back time because I've made myself worse
katherine42413 Keefe
Posted
Hi Keefe, I've been following your discussions and I wonder if you've got something called sphinctor of oddi dysfunction. I'm due to have my gallbladder out in a few weeks but they've already told me that they don't think all of my symptoms are due to my gallbladder but my gallbladder is only functioning at 14% so that has to come out. I am in constant pain with it getting worse after eating.This dysfunction occurs quite alot and is difficult to diagnose which is why they want my gallbladder our first. It is more noticeable with people that have had their gallbladder removed as bile constantly drips into the intestines. There are tests they can do and they will give medication initially as its this sphinctor that's spasming that causes the pain. Have a look on the web and see if the symptoms fit what your experiencing. Are you taking any painkillers as those with opiates can make it worse in some cases. Of course it may not be this but its worth looking it up. If it is you will need to be referred to a consultant that knows about this as not all are specialists in this specific area.
Keep in contact to let us know how you are getting on.
Keefe katherine42413
Posted
Hi Katherine!
Thank you for the information! I looked into sod and from the symptoms I have, it could be a possibility. I plan on asking my Dr about it when I get to speak with her.
My hida scan result was 48%, so not really low, but since the cck replicated my pain my drs all thought having my gallbladder out was the answer. My surgeon told me there was a chance that the surgery may not help, but I had no idea it could make things worse!
I'm taking a low dose of hydrocodone and my surgeon told me to add in some motrin also. The hydrocodone helps to take the edge off but, still feel the pain! I'll have to be careful to make sure I'm not taking to much and causing myself more pain in case I'm dealing with sod. I'm having extreme anxiety about all of this because I'm terrified I won't be able to care for my babies again so I have stayed taking a low dose of xanax which surprisingly tales the edge of the pain a little!
I appreciate your response!
I wish you well in your surgery!
Is the dr you're currently seeing educated about sod?
katherine42413 Keefe
Posted
Hi Keefe, no problem, the good thing with this site is we can share experiences and knowledge. If you have this then they can treat it but its finding someone who know's all about it. I'm lucky as my physician and surgeon seem quite knowledgeable. I know its difficult to live a normal life, I'm the same some painkillers if I take the dose they want me too it'll knock me out and because I have to work I don't take anything until I'm home but you have different issues as you have children. They did originally give me nifedipine which is a calcium channel blocker that should help to reduce the spasm but it does have some side effects so I had to stop taking them.My surgery's not until 1st March and I'm struggling most days and I just want my life back and eventhough I know the surgery is unlikely to cure all at least its a start.
Let me know how you get on with your blood results, you should get them back tomorrow.
If you want to private email me, your more than welcome. Keep in touch and don't worry too much, take one day at a time, its not easy I know.
anca_03849 Keefe
Posted
roxanne44666 Keefe
Posted
Thank you for replying to my post and guiding me here. I have an appt today at 3:30 with a dr to see what it is that's causing me this pain on the right side of my back. Everything you have described I am feeling the same way
I really do hope I get some answers soon.
Keefe roxanne44666
Posted
I hope your appt went! We're they able to give you any above or prescriptions to help with the pain?
I see my GP tomorrow, hoping she can help me with a pain management plan that's nether then the one I'm on now! I desperately need to get back to my mommy duties!
roxanne44666 Keefe
Posted
Good morning, they had me take an ultra sound which they will call me either today or tomorrow with answers. They took blood work to check for white cells but from the email I just received, looks like it came out normal. All the prescribed me was ibuprofen 600mg. The dr said he wants to see what's causing me this pain first without prescribing me something strong. He also mentioned to me that what I am feeling isn't normal after a GB surgery. All I can do now is wait.
Keefe roxanne44666
Posted
As awful as this is, I'm going through this with you and I hope you can find a little comfort in that.
I hope that your ultrasound brings you answers! Waiting really is the worst. I don't feel like the drs are understanding how much pain we're going through.
Are you able to eat anything? Soft foods? Are you able to get any liquids in?
katherine42413 roxanne44666
Posted
Hi Roxanne, I've been following your conversations with Keefe and I'm wondering what the reason was for removing your gallbladder, did you have stones or a low ejection fraction? Go back to your doctor if the pain gets too much as you do need to function.
As Keefe said a few of us are following these discussions and we're here if you need some support. Its not easy the waiting for the phone to ring or get a letter through the door, its just frustrating.