Suffering

I think I would find another Dr.

Hi there,

I have the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS as you and was diagnosed with IBS, despite some pain in the gallbladder area. I had an ultrasound which came back negative.

I saw a new gastroenterologist yesterday and she told me that I have the classic signs of Bile Salts Malabsorption / Bile Acid Malabsorption (BAM), that's to say incredibly distended stomach full of gas, among many other things. This condition is very often misdiagnosed with IBS. She ordered a SeHCAT scan for me, as well as a test to measure the fat content in my stools.

Do you feel like you experience those symptoms all the time but that they get worse after eating fatty foods?

What does your stool like? Is the aspect normal? What about the colour?

Unfortunately, BAM can create gallbladder problems in the long run. I'm lucky I haven't developed gallstones so far. Make no mistake, left untreated, BAM can self-perpetuate AFTER gallbladder removal. So make sure you talk about your seemingly "unrelated" issues with a gastroenterologist.

Just like you, I was desperate until I met an awesome gastroenterologist yesterday, and now I am convinced that it will soon be the end of my ordeal.

Please speak to a competent GI specialist. It took me 7 doctors to find someone worthy of the "Doctor" title. Once you find that person, they WILL find what is wrong with you and provide you with a solution.

Very best wishes. I'm sure you will be fine. Just refuse the "IBS" diagnosis some pseudo doctors will give you.

PS: also, since your urine is dark, please ask for a full blood panel for both the liver and kidneys.

NHS? 

Infact why am i asking i know from your ordeal that you are.

Hi, I had my gallbladder removed last year in February. I had alot of the same problems. My dr put me on amaprazole to keep my gallbladder from acting up. The bloating the gas and the swollen adbomen is signs of gallstones. I usually had a cup of warm tea or a glass of water. If I were you, I would go see another doctor. It took up to two years to get my surgery date too. Because here in Edmonton , Alberta , our hospitals are really busy. Take care. And hopefully your surgery gets booked soon.

I’ve been to docs they put me on antibiotics I have a slight temp and higher blood pressure, also pain in gallbladder. He said he gives me the antibiotics as a precaution but if I worsen I need to go to hosp. I do think that is a bit crap, but I have taken his advice and am home now resting. 

I have a gall stone and am waiting for surgery. I have the same symptoms apart from the dark wee.

I also have loads of pain that is very uncomfortable and even more so after I eat anything...does anyone else have constant pain to this degree?

Hi please make sure you chase up the consultant about your situation and how your feeling. The symptoms you described I can relate too. It’s appears that the persons who shout of the loudest get the treatment and operations they need.  I soon realised if I suffered in silence I was left too it. 

I chased up the hospital through my doctors and calling myself numerous visits to hospital every time I was ill and pain bad. All the notes are recorded each time you visit for gallbladder related symptoms. Please make sure you get the medical help you need. 

It’s been a year for me and I’ve just had my operation last week. It’s a case of so many people on the list for operations it’s easy to be overlooked! If your I’ll ring the paramedics to take you to hospital and make sure your doctors are writing to the hospital on your behalf. 

Hope this helps thinking of you good luck Joanne 

Hi

I had gall bladder surgery 5 days ago here in the UK. My symptoms were exactly the same as yours except for the dark wee. 5 days on after keyhole surgery starting to feel the benefits of the op. Apart from the sore incisions - the bloatedeness has disappeared already and my appetite has greatly improved. Chase up your appointment. So glad my gall bladder has gone!