Lap Chole 4 yrs ago, still having GI problems

[chloe1019]

So 4 years ago I had a Lap Chole and everyday since then I have had severe stomach cramping followed by a "dumping" foul-smelling diarrhea. I get pain under my ribs daily also.  I have heard several people c/o this post op but I am starting to wonder if it is normal to last this long.  I feel as though I am getting used to it but I do not feel like its normal.  Just wondering if its worth investigating further or am I just gonna live with it?

[jenny06xx]

sorry to say this but .............
i had my gallbladder removed laproscopic 6 years ago when i was 18.........(i also had pancreatitis caused by the gallstones so was told it comes out or i die!!)
immediately after i got home i had constant severe diarrhea that i took immoduim for i was on them 2 years till i complained so much coz they just werent reliable i was tried on various different things cholestramine, ammitriptyline , buscopan etc then given codiene the codiene works but only because the side effect of taking an opiate based med is constipation!! ....
im now 25 and still have the constant diarrhea but lately 6 weeks ago i started to get severe stomach pains under my left ribs that then moved to the right now i aslo get severe cramps from my belly button upwards to my ribs and nothing will stop this pain im waiting for another referal to a gastroenterologist but it could take 6 months (im in the uk)  so in the meantime i have to deal with it !!
i hope someone has a reply that could help at least 1 of us coz i cant live like this anymore if it wasnt for my kids i definately would not be here now!!
jen

[WorriedOne84]

Hey!  There seems to be a long list of people that have experienced problems after gallbladder removal.  What you are describing maybe be "dumping syndrome."  From my understanding that occurs when excess bile drips into your intestines and causes diarrhea.  There are medications you can take to help that not happen.  You should check with a doctor.

As far as the pain on your right side, I'd like to know what's causing that as well.  I had my GB removed in December and am still experiencing a number of stomach issues.  Thankfully I don't have diarrhea but I have abdominal tenderness (breastbone to belly button as well on the right side), burping, and some random tightness in my chest and right side.  Never had heartburn in my life until after my surgery.  Now I've experienced that a few times recently. Have an appointment with a gastroenterologist in a couple weeks.  Certainly hope that this is not something I'm going to have to deal with for the rest of my life.  I've only been dealing for a few months so I can't imagine what it would be like to be battling this for the 4 years as you have.

Hope you feel better soon!  Best of luck!