post gallbladder surgery

[bluebird65]

I had gallbladder removed almost two months ago and am experiencing similar pain on a more chronic nature.  A gnawing type pain in right quadrant and middle epi gastric area. The pain is similar to the pain I experienced prior to the gall bladder surgery though much less and not an attack as much as continuous off and on.  I do not eat a fatty diet though am a big cheese eater.  I also just had a colonoscopy which found polyps that were removed.  Is the combination of these two things causing problems.  Will I have some post pain for a period of time that will go away?  

[hopefull10]

Hi, Sorry to hear about your discomfort.
I had my gall bladder removed last May and have a dull ache in my right side under the ribs and around the waist.I did have pain afterwards but as I was taking aspirin for a heart problem it turns out it was a stomach bleed because of a ulcer.
  Your doctor is the best one to advise you obviously but as all people are different it is good to know how others are feeling and coping, isnt it!  Hope you feel better soon.

[Banned1]

It sounds like you are one of the many who are suffering from the same symptoms as pre-surgery.  Make a follow-up with your Gastroenterologist, Surgeon and/or Primary Care Physician and let them know about your pain.   At this stage, there are MANY things that could be causing your pain. It is possible that a stone fell or was missed during surgery. Choledocholithiasis is the medical term for stones within the common bile duct.  If so, keep an eye out for fever and jaundice.  If you get a fever, rapid heartbeat or feel "weird-sick", get to the Emergency Room.  Like you said, it may just take a while to heal but some people don't heal at all.  I had my gallbladder removed in May 2008 and I'm still having severe pain.  When they went back in to do a sphincterotomy, they found more stones and bile.  Stones CAN form in the bile duct without a gallbladder.

I'm sure you're doing your own research because you're on this site looking for answers.  :)  There is a wonderful resource that I've found very helpful called "The First Principles of Gastroenterology":  http://gastroresource.com/GITextbook/en/Default.htm.   It's a free resource and you may find answers in it.

I've also found it helpful to keep a journal or a blog and your welcome to read mine if you want.  It's a great way to review your situation objectively and identify patterns in your symptoms, medications and pain level.  Hindsight is 20/20 and keeping a log might help you look at things more objectively.  

It's really difficult to deal with chronic pain.  And believe me, you're not alone!  Try to stay positive and reach out for support.  Talk to your Doctor, your family and/or friends, co-workers, church or social service volunteers or anyone you feel safe with.  Take care of yourself.  Good luck and Godspeed.

[Fuzzz]

I hope you find this article helpful.  

http://www.medfriendly.com/postcholecystectomysyndrome.html