I too think a HIDA scan is the only reliable test. My daughter was very sick at 10 yrs old. and was sent to the ER by a covering pediatrician to have her appendix removed. Luckily, a surgeon who sees a lot of gall bladder disease was on duty. He did tests for 2 days (ultrasound, xray, cat scan, blood, urine)and found no gall bladder problems. He then started to second guess himself and ordered a HIDA scan. She had no function after 30 minutes. Within an hour she was in surgery and after a few weeks was back to normal. They seem to think her problem was genetic as she was their youngest patient ever. Also, her pediatrician hadn't in 25 years seen a case so sudden or so young. The HIDA scan was the only test to confirm the problem. I would say if there is any way you can get it done, do it. At least you will know if its the gall bladder or not.
Boy do I wish I had found this site years ago. I, too, had my gallbladder removed, and although I don't have the awful pain, I've inherited other problems:
-bloating, poor digestion, acid buildup, extreme difficulty losing weight, bad breath
I asked, prior to surgery, were they sure I didn't need the gallbladder and was told the liver would essentially take over the job.
Obviously I need to see a doctor (gastroentologist???) and I'm hearing a lot about ensymes---is this something I can pick up from the health food store?
Sorry for being so naive--but that's where I am.
I just wanted to wish you the best of luck with your surgery. I hope not having your gallbladder is less stressful/bothersome for you than it has been for me and many others. I had my gallbladder removed in April of 2001 and continued to have problems till November when I was diagnoses with Acute Pancreatitis. They put me on digestive enzymes and things have gotten a whole lot better. Again, best of luck to you.
I'm about to have surgey too have my gullbladder removed it is at this point I ask myself what is the function of the gullbladder and will I be better of without it really?
Have you had a HIDA scan? That will detremine if you have a gallbladder that is not functioning. I had no stones and it looked fine on all the tests, except the HIDA... That showed it was only working at 10% and needed to come out.
I have gastroparesis and sometimes the pain is even in different locations. I have had doctors disagree on gallbladder vs gastroparesis. The chills and shakes can also come from low blood sugar if you are not digesting properly. I agree, see a specialist. My doctor is trying but her treatment may make me worse just because she doesn't have the right knowledge so I am looking for a specialist myself. Good luck.
Yes you can have Gastroparesis without Nausea and Vomiting. The most common way to diagnose Gastroparesis is with a Gastric Emptying Study. Sounds like you need to find a specialist.
Colleen
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