Biliary Duct Stent

[restless23]

In 1997 I had to have my gallbladder removed. I lived in Bixby, OK and was having the surgery at a new hospital in Broken Arrow, OK. It was supposed to have been done Laparoscopically. When I woke up, I had two drains and a large incision. I was told by the doctors that it was a rough surgery, but went well. They said it appeared that my duct may have been malformed, but all is well. I left the hopsital with both drains. The smaller drain was removed within six weeks, but the large one, which I emptied twice a day and logged the amount, was  removed almost three months later. I did not realize then, and for many years, how extensive that surgery must have been. A while after that, the palms of my hands were always red and splotchy, sometimes turning blue to purple. Sometime later, small red splotches appeared on my chest. My GP said that these, and the splotches on my hands must be some form of Roseacia and nerves.
    During the years since, when I have had to take drug test for emplolyment, or labwork done, my Liver Enzymes and my Triglyceride levels were always elevated. This happened each time, and every time. I was told by several doctors that this was simply a result of a fatty liver. I was also told that  the indigestion, the burning all down my throat, the fullness I felt in my abdomen, was all typical after Gallbladder removal.
    The first weekend of January 2008 I was home feeling very uncomfortable, I was hurting and swelling under the ribs on my right side, hurting so bad my back was killing me, my urine a deep orange color. I looked pale, pasty. I tried all kinds of antacids, heating pad, etc. FInally went to a walk in Clinic. After running the lab tests, they called me in and said I wouldn't be charged for the visit, but that I must get to the Hospital immediately. The ER doctor ordered a large pannel of tests, I had a CT done. He said hopefully it was just diverticulitis, and that could be remedied with rest, change of diet, and Antibiotics. They set up an appointment with a Gastroenterologist, he ran tests and immediatley had me do an Ultrasound. It was abnormal, Liver and Kidneys all looked good though. He is the one that discovered it was my Biliary Duct that was constricted. Several more test later, an ERCP and stent.
    Later on I was told I had to see a specialist, and had to go toTulane in New Orleans. A specialist in the Abdominal Transplant Clinic would do the biopsy and other things.
When I met the specialist, upon sight he commented on my palms, and my chest, and that I was Jaundiced. He said these were dead give aways that it was something with the liver. Several tests, and trips to New Orleans later, he told me that when I had my gallbladder removed, it was nicked, and that scar tissue apparently had closed the biliary ducts (tree) and this would cause my liver to malfunction, and if left untreated, I could die. He said there was no other way this could have happened. And that a stent could have and should have been put in immediately. The duct would have been able to stay open on its own after removal of the temporary stent. They said this occurs in  Approximately 0.2–0.5% of patients undergoing gallbladder surgery or other operations affecting the bile duct develop biliary stricture.
    Eleven years later I have to have the stent replaced every six months, and will have to continue this until they decide to put me on the Transplant list. I am having severe pain where my scar is. Could this be scar tissue? My Liver is fine, but you cannot get the duct without the liver. I am financially drained, and drowning in Medical bills.

[CalGal]

Restless, try and track down your records - it's at least worth a try. And don't give up on talking to a lawyer. Most of all don't be ashamed. If you don't ask, you won't know. And who knows, something good could come out of it - give it a try.

[restless23]

Thank you SO much for responding, I wasn't sure if I was doing this forum thing right. I don't even know how or where to search for my records. And it was so many years ago. I was told that the time limitation was 1 year after discovery, the most three. But, they said "discovery" is the date of the surgery. I'm ashamed to speak to an attorney because I am not even sure of the exact date of the surgery. Or of the surgeon.
Things have taken a turn for the worst. I have been haviung the stent replaced evry six months, but I am experiencing alot of pain. My last stent was placed in late May, and I am going in tomorrow for the replacement. I hope this makes the pain go away, but am realistic.
I only make $20,000.00 a year, and my out of pocket is $5,000.00. I am single and afraid of losing everything.
Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[CalGal]

Restless, I am so sorry to hear what happened. The extent of what went on must have been quite extensive and it sounds like your common bile duct was damaged during the initial surgery. It's too bad you don't have the records of that surgery - it might be a good idea to try to get hold of them, if possible. I never typically advocate legal intervention, but in this case I'm wondering if there's isn't something you might be able to do even at this late date.