Gallbladder removed still having problems

[mrcranny]

I had my gallbladder removed 4 years ago and have had nothing but problems.  I have pain and discomfort everyday that radiates from my right rib cage to my back.  Last year I spent a week in the hospital with gallstone pancreatitis and had to have an ERCP to remove gallstones from my bile duct.  Now its June 2014 and I’m having the same symptoms.  I had to visit the ER last week because of severe abdominal pain and blood tests showed elevated liver enzymes again.  I  had an ultrasound and it revealed dilated ducts that drain the liver but showed no obstruction.  Its been a week and my liver enzymes have returned to normal, I feel fine but the side ache is still there.  I’m not jaundice or feeling sick or have anymore attacks but I sure am worried.  

Over the past few years i have developed wrinkled finger nails on my thumb and middle finger of the right hand which seems to be clearing up.  I’ve been tested for hepatitis, limes disease and all other numbers on my blood tests are normal.  I am a very healthy and active 46 year old male.  5’8.5 170 pounds, light drinker, no recreational drugs, have a really good diet and get regular exercise.  I enjoy coffee but have recently given it up and take tramadol for knee and joint pain which I think is related in some way.  

Any input would be much appreciated.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, your symptoms could be due to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). The diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is frequently a challenge. 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 arguement 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. This is a possibility, so please discuss this with your doctor. Regards.

[linkin2012]

Hi I too have SOD cannot eat meat, fibrous veges and need to have a very low fat diet. see if that helps. cheers