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Abdominal pain after taking codeine post cholecystectomy

Hi there, I'm 39, I'm 5ft 10", and have not had weight problems and have enjoyed a balanced diet all my life.  In 1999 after the birth of my first child, I began to experience terrible pain after ingestion of fatty foods when people came to visit me in the weeks following the birth- I was diagnosed cholecystitis (which I was told developed in pregnancy) and had a laparoscopic removal of gravel from my gall bladder.   When my baby was 4 months old I had a severe headache and took paracetamol with codeine (16mg codeine) which I had taken episodically during my life with no adverse effect. Within 30 mins of ingestion I began to experience symptoms the same as when i had a gall-bladder attack and I went to the ED thinking I still had a bile stone trapped somewhere - the ultrasound of my liver was normal. I have take codeine at random times for severe pain  over 12 years since then, and every time I take codeine the same thing occurs - sudden severe abdominal pain that feels exactly the same as with cholecystitis-excruciating!  Milk helps a little but not much.   I've read a few things on the net and I now know there is a relation to Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction after gall bladder removal that may be triggered after ingestion of codeine, and there may even be a link to pancreatic cancer in later life.  I'd like to contact others experiencing similar problems.  Obviously I no longer take codeine and have not experienced an episode since.  Why don't doctors warn us post cholecystectomy of this possible occurrence?  A warning may have saved me one trip to hospital.  I'd like others who have had their gallbladder removed to know that this is quite a common occurrence and there is more documented evidence of this occurrence than there ever was in 1999. It may even be very bad for you.  
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Avatar universal
I had my gall bladder removed several years ago, I have had nothing but digestive problems ever since and random pin in my right side under the ribs ever since, depending on what I eat. I was prescribed Tramadol for pain and was rushed to A & E in excrutiating pain, they thought it was either my heart or an ectopic pregnancy the pain was so bad.  It is an intolerence to opioids since having my gall bladder removed. I wish I had researched it and opted for something else. There is absolutely no advise, no warnings about the effect of opioids from any doctor.  It is pretty obvious this is a huge issue and more research should be done, also more options should be offered to those who experience gall stones. I must be the only person that wasn't handed their gallstones in a jar aswell, I wonder if I ever had any. I will never take opiates again so have to manage on paracetamol
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Avatar universal
I Am 33 and I had my gall bladder removed when I was 21, I too get the same thing when I have codine, morphine, endone, or anything else similar. I found. Enoze works a treat. Its an ant acid you can get from a pharmacy and mix with water. Within minutes the pain subsides. This is a god send when in pain. Sometimes in rare cases I need to take 3 small glasses of enoze but usually 1 does the trick.
I have just had an emergency caesarian and could only have panadol neurofen and buepenophine  or something like that. It was sufficient but still had pain.
I also had a 14 mm kidney stone and they gave me fentenal which still gave me pain. They have suggested ketamine  when not pregnant.
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Avatar universal
I also had mine removed, pain was extreme for a few months. Thank you for sharing your story
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed 3 years ago. I was just prescribed Tylenol 3 with codeine yesterday for my flu-like symptoms. I took 1 and a half pills this morning at 4 a.m. and by 430 a.m. I was in the most excruciating upper abdominal pain in have ever experienced- just as bad if not worse than my gallstone pain, and in the exact same spot. The pain came in waves of 2 to 5 minutes (of pure hell) each with 5 minutes or so in between waves, and were accompanied by immediate profuse sweating. It went on for 2 hours like that, then stopped and I've never been so happy for pain to disappear. Thanks to this thread, now I know why. I juat flushed the rest of the pills down the toilet and will gladly put up with my body aches and headache with a smile on my face as that pain pails in comparison. Thanks for this info.
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Avatar universal
I also had my gall bladder removed, I just took half of a Tylenol 3. The pain is horrible, it radiates from just under the sternum to where my kidney is on the right side. I am not sure exactly why this happens, but the only thing that helps me is hot water. I am sure I will not take any more Tylenol 3.
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Avatar universal
I was diagnosed with gallstones after the birth of my first child.  I was too scared to go for surgery and hoped that if I waited someone would come up with an alternative to surgery or that it would just stop by itself.  They didn't and it did not.  My gallbladder was full of stones and I started off being rushed to hospital once every six months but after 5 years this had increased to once a month to the point and the my diet was becoming more and more limited to the point where everything set off an attack.  In the final months I was living on tomato soup and jacket potato's.  The final straw was when a stone blocked the duct and I started to go into liver failure.  I ignored my yellow colour, swelling and that I couldn't eat, drink or toilet for nearly a week and then finally I went to the doctor asking for antibiotics for a urine infection (that's what I had convinced myself it was).  They called an ambulance and the next I knew I was in a scanner having the stone dissolved and then in a bed waiting for surgery (still trying to talk myself out of the need for treatment).   Surgery was the best thing I did.  Although I am steadily putting on more weight, I am no longer in hospital.  Having said that the reason I came on here is because I have just found I cannot stomach Codeine Phosphate it has the same symptoms as a gallstone attack - pains, belching, vomiting, sweating, until I pass out with pain.  Maybe as used these for pain relief when I had a gallstone attack this is the reason why those attacks in the past became so frequent or severe - perhaps something a medical study could look into one day.      
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed seven years ago and have the same issue. I first noticed it with a prescription cough medicine. For as long as I can remember, Tussin with codiene has been the only thing capable of touching my cough when I become sick, and I'd never had any problems with it prior to having my gallbladder removed, but this is certainly not the case any longer. It took me a couple of times of taking it afterward to make the connection, but like all of you have said, it is the most excruciating pain I've ever felt in my life - even worse than the GB pain itself. It's like a vice grip around your stomach, ribs, and back, and the pain radiates through my abdomen and chest, even into my breasts. I feel like I'm dying, and that's no exaggeration. I literally feel like my insides are turning black and dying. I've been prescribed an antispasmodic, but it doesn't really even touch the pain.
Eventually, through my own searching, I finally learned the link between the medicine and the pain. It's caused by your Sphincter of Oddi - morphine and its opioid derivatives cause it to spasm, resulting in that pain. Look up sphincter of oddi disorder, and you'll see a lot of people in the same boat, and almost all (if not all) of the people that suffer from it are post cholecystectomy patients.
From what I've experienced and read, it seems that it's the natural class of narcotic pain medication (known as opiates)  that gives the most trouble (morphine, codiene, etc.) and the purer the medication, the worse the pain. Notice I say purity, not strength. Morphine is undoubtedly stronger than codiene, however both of them are naturally occurring, which is why they can both leave you susceptible to the reaction. I'd personally stay away from any and all opiates based on my personal experience with codiene and everything I've read about others' experience with morphine. I've never taken morphine, but you bet your behind that I list it right alongside codiene as an allergy.
Now the good news is that not all strong narcotics are naturally occurring - there are plenty of synthetic narcotics out there (known as opioids) that you have a good shot at getting relief from. Not all of them, though (personally speaking). What I've noticed, for me personally, is that I do okay with oxycodone (like Percocet), and not so okay with hydrocodone (lortab, Norco, etc.). I also handle Dilaudid quite well, which is an excellent choice if you need morphine-level pain relief. I've also heard that Demerol and Fentanyl are good choices.
In any case, I wish this connection between cholecystectomy and narcotic medication was more widely understood and communicated. Anyone who has experienced the pain knows that the connection is real, but we've all obviously also experienced being treated like we're crazy or making it up by medical professionals, which is extremely frustrating. Plus, it also needs to be communicated as a potential complication of the surgery, just so people are aware of it. It's really scary to experience!

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Avatar universal
Does this feeling go away? I took a Tylenol 3 + codeine yesterday. I've had my gall bladder removed during a liver transplant. I got a stomach ache and tight feeling in my upper stomach, near my transplant scar. Now it's 24 hours after taking the codeine and I still feel the tightness but the ache is almost gone.
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Avatar universal
ANSWER! It is GAS! (Just trapped in your chest) I have had this problem as long as I can remember and before i had my gall bladder taken out. I know this because for a long time now I have these same sharp excruating pains in my chest after eating sometimes. If I jump up and down, make myself burp it releaves the episode for a little. Gas pains are also not helped by pain medicine. I don't know why this isn't talked about more and why doctors don't give us this answer but I'm positive that is it. Try drinking something carbonated and making yourself burp.
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2 Comments
GAS? What absolute rubbish. I had my gall bladder removed about 6 months ago and was warned by a couple of people who had previously been through the procedure to be careful with Codeine. I have recently had the flu and was prescribed a Codeine based syrup to combat a nagging cough. Prior to taking it, I was unaware of the presence of Codeine and didn't bother to check. I wish I had. Within an hour, I was experiencing intense abdominal pain across the top part of my stomach, emenating into my back, very similar but far more acute than the pain experienced when I had the gall bladder issue. The trip to the casualty ward and subsequent tests found nothing. The pain lasted about an hour and then disappeared completely. I put it down to the Codeine. I have never had any issues with Codeine based drugs in the past but will be vigilant in avoiding them in the past.
It is absolutely NOT gas, I promise you this is pain you cannot explain it is also a pain that gives you spasms feels like you are in a vice, almost like childbirth pain, it is awful and not gas.
Avatar universal
I am so so so glad to of found this page. I had my gallbladder out about 8 months ago last August. Last December I had my wisdom teeth taken out and they perscribed me Tylenol with codine. Upon taking it I layed down and was talking to my BF when it hit me about 20-30 mins after taking it. BOOM excruciatimg pain that was in the middle of my chest and went allnthe way through to my back. It felt like someone blasted me with a shotgun smack in the middle of my chest. Just like my gallbladder attacks. Well i didnt know what caused it, so tonight i had a medical issue and took one not thinking about that night.OMG. OMG. PAIN!!!!! Same familiar pain, same time frame. Its so distinct, i immidiatly knew it was the medicine. This time it lasted hours. I have been so scared til i found this page, which is why i am choosing to tell my story. If i can help just one person ease thier mind to know they are not alone and not going to die (i really thought i might, told my BF to keep checking me to make sure i dont die in my sleep). Anyhow im still in pain nut at least i have an idea amd know to never take Morophine....thanks to all you that warned me and others, i never would have known to avoid it as well.
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed 35 years ago. I used to be able to take codeine, as long I ate something with it. Over the years it seemed like the pain got worse every time I'd take it. Granted I'd only take codeine once every few years as prescribed for root canals, etc. The last time I took it was for back pain that was keeping me awake, but the pain from the codeine was SO much worse! I swore then that I'd never take it again. I was in the hospital last year for diverticulitis & they gave me morphine. I told them I cannot take codeine, that it gives me terrible stomach pain. They acted like they've never heard that before, but said no problem, we'll give you morphine. Also, it was by IV not a pill, so I thought maybe I won't get stomach pain if I don't swallow a pill? Boy, was I wrong! That was the most excruciating pain I've EVER had! I'm glad that I was already in a hospital at the time, but it was extremely frustrating that everyone there kept saying it couldn't be the morphine causing the pain, it must be the diverticulitis. No, it was definitely the morphine. It is a very distinctive pain, nothing like it. The diverticulitis pain was much, much lower, and very mild by comparison. I've talked to my GP since then about it & he doesn't seem to understand why I have this pain either. I'm so glad to have found this site, I finally understand why! My GP said if codeine and morphine both cause pain, there are other pain drugs you can take, but I can't remember what they were. I think they started with a "d"? Is there any pain medication you all can take without getting this awful stomach pain? I've got shoulder surgery in a month & I'm afraid I won't be able to take anything for the pain.
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed 35 years ago. I used to be able to take codeine, as long I ate something with it. Over the years it seemed like the pain got worse every time I'd take it. Granted I'd only take codeine once every few years as prescribed for root canals, etc. The last time I took it was for back pain that was keeping me awake, but the pain from the codeine was SO much worse! I swore then that I'd never take it again. I was in the hospital last year for diverticulitis & they gave me morphine. I told them I cannot take codeine, that it gives me terrible stomach pain. They acted like they've never heard that before, but said no problem, we'll give you morphine. Also, it was by IV not a pill, so I thought maybe I won't get stomach pain if I don't swallow a pill? Boy, was I wrong! That was the most excruciating pain I've EVER had! I'm glad that I was already in a hospital at the time, but it was extremely frustrating that everyone there kept saying it couldn't be the morphine causing the pain, it must be the diverticulitis. No, it was definitely the morphine. It is a very distinctive pain, nothing like it. The diverticulitis pain was much, much lower, and very mild by comparison. I've talked to my GP since then about it & he doesn't seem to understand why I have this pain either. I'm so glad to have found this site, I finally understand why! My GP said if codeine and morphine both cause pain, there are other pain drugs you can take, but I can't remember what they were. I think they started with a "d"? Is there any pain medication you all can take without getting this awful stomach pain? I've got shoulder surgery in a month & I'm afraid I won't be able to take anything for the pain.
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1 Comments
phethidine is a great strong pain killer but very addictive
Avatar universal
I had my gall bladder out 22 yrs ago at six months pregnant. Last night I took a Tylenol/Codeine for a toothache. Within 30 minutes my stomach was in excruciating pain which caused my blood pressure to plummet and I eventually blacked out (my poor 7 yr old ran in the bedroom and told his 10 yr old sibling he thought I was dead.) It took two hours of horrible pain and fading in and out before the codeine passed far enough. Trust me, I will be more than careful of what I take from now on! I appreciate all that have responded to this board, I feel like I am not crazy! And, like others, I would like to know why this is NOT a warning on the medicine!
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Avatar universal
Hi there. I'm not sure anyone will see this because the threat seems quite old now but I had an episode today that was insane and when I looked it up, I found this threat. I recently had my gallbladder out and took a couple t3s and Just like everyone on here has said. The minute it starts to kick in boom! I could not believe how much pain I was in. It felt JUST like a GB attack. Crazy. I was convinced I would have to go to the ER but it died down.. then started again. It was really tough to decide if I should go bUT after throwing up I felt better. It was a good 4 hours before I started to feel normal again. That was the worst pain I have ever felt. Horrible. I know for sure it was the T3s. Thank you to everyone who posted their stories. Without people sharing their experiences you will never know half the info out there
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Avatar universal
Such a relief to know why I felt so awful after a normal dose of tylenol 3 a few months after gallbladder removal.  It felt very similar--pain when taking a breath that goes from mid-belly to the back.  I will never again take codeine/morphine based painkillers.  I have had tramadol for pain and it is a wonderful alternative with absolutely no nausea or abdominal pain.  I'm so glad that there is still a good option out there!
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Avatar universal
I see this  is an old post but I'm so happy to find it.  I have thought I was having a heart attack after taking codeine post gallbladder surgery.  It is so excruciating and no doc has ever been able to say why.  Did not know relationship between morphine and codeine and had the same reaction with morphine.  Now I know to avoid both like the plague.  
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Avatar universal
Had my gall bladder removed in 1990. Went to hospital last week to have neck surgery. Was giving a shot of morphine. 10 mins later I had crushing chest pain clammy, sweaty, painful. I was rushed to the ER my surgery was canceled. Stayed in ER 6 Hrs then into hospital. Everyone said heart attack. Then I was cleared no heart attack. They said it was because I got a shot of morphine and no gall bladder. I lucky to be writing this...
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed May of this year, after developing gallstones during pregnancy. Yesterday I was prescribed Tylenol #3 by my dentist after starting a root canal. A few hours after taking it, I started having severe upper abdominal pains. I was actually driving, the sitting seemed to make it worse. I haven't felt pain so bad in a long time. It was almost worse than gallstones. I got very sweaty, felt some flutters in my chest. It was so scary. I took a Nexium, & Tums, nothing helped. It lasyed for hours. The awful pain went into my back. I woke up with it, still having it but not as bad. I took tge same pills during my pregnancy for the stones & had no issues with it. I read this is very common. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I go back to the dentist today, I hope they don't think I'm crazy when I mention this!
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1 Comments
I know this is old post but after getting root canal treatment yesterday I took Solpadol which containscodeine. I had gall bladder removed 2 yrs ago. The pain I suffered was like a gall bladder attack which lasted 4hrs. After reading this blog I now know not to touch anything with codeine in it.  
Avatar universal
i too have had the same pains.  i also cannot take many other pain killers and it appears that nurofen and paracetamol are pretty much the strongest i can take which makes it difficult following surgery.  i find that when an attack does occur that Buscopan helps relieve it pretty quickly.  some foods trigger it off too.
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Avatar universal
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!! I had my gallbladder out 5 years ago, even though I had no gallstones, just general discomfort, and gallbladder "not working".  General discomfort went away.  
Twice since then I've had these horrible attacks, breaking out in sudden cold sweat, nausea, feeling of suffocating, and feeling like a vice is around my midsection. Once after high fat meal, once with the flu, and now the 2nd time exactly 30 minutes after taking tylenol with codeine.  Thought the first time was a fluke.  Took this time for an abscessed tooth.  The side effects MUCH worse than the tooth pain.
I searched the internet for side effects, didn't find anything until this.  I feel better, but am concerned if I ever get an illness with intense pain requiring a narcotic.
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Avatar universal
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS!!! I had my gallbladder out 5 years ago, even though I had no gallstones, just general discomfort, and gallbladder "not working".  General discomfort went away.  
Twice since then I've had these horrible attacks, breaking out in sudden cold sweat, nausea, feeling of suffocating, and feeling like a vice is around my midsection. Once after high fat meal, once with the flu, and now the 2nd time exactly 30 minutes after taking tylenol with codeine.  Thought the first time was a fluke.  Took this time for an abscessed tooth.  The side effects MUCH worse than the tooth pain.
I searched the internet for side effects, didn't find anything until this.  I feel better, but am concerned if I ever get an illness with intense pain requiring a narcotic.
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Avatar universal
Thank good ness.for google
Currently waiting for codeine to wear off... In agony  ...at least.i know now why

I only get it with higher doses.of codeine... Cold relief.capsules not a problem
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Avatar universal
I had my gallbladder removed a little over 2 years ago. I am having random severe pain as well. The pain comes usually after taking Tylenol and just last night I took 2 Advil for a headache and I got the same pain. It feels like the same pain I had before I had my gallbladder removed. I have been hospitalized a few times for this reason and the doctors think I am there just to get some dope. I took a CT scan and nothing came up. Now I do not go to the hospital when the pain comes. I am always anxious now because I know I can be anywhere when this severe pain occurs. I am thinking about seeing a neurologist because I do not know what else to do. I wish i could just warn the world not to get this surgery because there are natural alternatives. Has anyone found any technique that at least reduces the pain? Any suggestions?
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1 Comments
I have the same problem from just taking Tylenol - without any codeine. Excruciating, crushing pain like someone put my rib cage in vice grip. Sweating, severe nausea, awful! I cannot take any Tylenol any longer and am allergic to aspirin and Ibuprofen. Regret getting my gallbladder removed.
Avatar universal
to whomever this helps! omg NOW I KNOW WHY!!! I've had my gall bladder removed like over a year ago and have not had any symptoms until i got sick and was given tylenol with codiene OMG ! thought someone was crushing my chest and squeezing my ribs! had to go to ER for that they didnt find nothing and stupidly took it again cuz i forgot!!! like 6 mos later and when i had the old familiar pain again inflamming my chest I said what the heck i never had problems before taking codiene! so now I know why. Lately too i've been noticed i been having bad pains when i had something too greasy so i now i decided to look it up. The doctors never said what i can and cannot eat ! ugh!! now i know why!!!thanks guys
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