Gallbladder aftermath; high liver enzymes

[jagsbear]

I had my gallbladder removed two years ago and ever since had nothing, but problems. Two days after the procedure, I had severe pain (worse than childbirth) and had to call an ambulance, because I seriously thought I was dying. After lots of tests and pain medication (that never worked), they opened my bile ducts and placed a stint in my pancreas. This caused me pancreaitis and hospitalization for five days. Seemed to be better for a while,  then it happened again about six months later. Now, it happens every few months and they go in and open my ducts. It's now back again and the dr doesn't even know what to do. So, I'm going to the University Hospital to try to get answers. I have been on liquid diet since Friday and now get diarrhea even when I eat Jello. Oh and I forgot to mention, my liver enzymes are always high when this happens. I'm so frustrated. Has anyone experienced anything similar?  If so, has anything helped?

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, your symptoms could be due to Sphincter of Oddi Disease or Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, which is a rare condition. The simple combination of biliary type symptoms, common bile duct dilation, and elevations of liver function tests, when retained stones have been ruled out makes a strong argument for type I SOD. The vast majority of patients will see significant relief of symptoms following an endoscopic shincterotomy in this category. It is interesting that in many cases of SOD the symptoms are actually worsened by removal of the gallbladder as it was acting as a bellows or reservoir and masking the dysfunction downstream. Please discuss this with your doctor am sure he will provide further assistance. Regards.

[mrcranny]

I am sorry to hear that someone else is going through the same thing I'm going through.  I'm actually to the point where I think my time might be limited and the pain is almost unbearable.  I am a very strong 46 year old male craftsman/builder that is brought to tears by this pain.  I have no answers for you but your not alone and I hope your condition gets better.  

[jagsbear]

Thank you for replying. It seems so odd that so many of us are experiencing many of the same problems, yet no answers! I wish the best for you as well.

[mrcranny]

I agree.  I have read so much much about this that it's clear that the GB serves a more important role in our digestion than doctors think.  My symptoms have calmed down a bit but I still have a constant side ache.  I just read that opiate type pain killers produce bile duct spasms.  Why would a doctor prescribe a medication that can make the problem that I'm coming in for worse?  Because most don't really care enough to do any research on their patents or the meds they are prescribing.  After the patients leave their office that's it.  Very sad.  

[Margot49]

So sorry to read this!!  Feel so bad for you.
Long story but I have been sick with GI issues for some time and worsening.  I referred myself to Stanford, still no definite diagnosis but on Gabapentin, Linzess, Zofran, etc.  I did have a low HIDA scan, 18%. Saw a surgeon who said removing it might help, not help at all or make me worse.  My GI doctor here won't even see me unless I am considering having my gallbladder out.  Reading what you have gone through is exactly why I am afraid to do that as I don't need to be any sicker then I am.
He also wants to do a liver biopsy at the same time.  Never heard if that and sounds like more pain and possible complications.  
I so hope you find some relief and thanks for sharing.