Re: To Leah - how to ercp go?

[Guest guest]

Hi Ronna--

Thanks for remembering! The procedure went well. And I finally discovered

the 'problem'--it was what I had suspected originally--disfunction of the

sphinter of oddi. Bile was not able to pass through the duct because the

opening was too narrow. The doctor saw this problem a year ago with my first

ercp--and stretched the opening at that time, which initially brought much

relief. It must have went back to normal a few weeks later, because the

problem started all over again. Anyhow, it took having this major attack

(and I don't understand the implications nor the proper terminology, but he

said my liver readings were in the 800's--which apparantly was super-high),

and actually seeing stones, to diagnose the problem. So on Wednesday, he did

make a cut to the sphincter. The ercp itself went great because this time I

was asleep for the whole thing! My liver and pancreas were checked

yesterday, and everything is normal. Doc says now that bile will flow easier

through the duct without getting trapped and forming stones. He told me that

I should stay away from fatty foods while the area is still tender for the

next couple of weeks, but other than that food doesn't really have an affect

on what this problem was (which I already kinda figured out on my own--I've

had days where I had trouble digesting chicken noodle soup, and even water!

Then I'd have days where things like pizza went through with no problem!).

Glad your house move went well. We went through with that a few months ago

in November--first move in ten years! By the way, I read that this sphincter

problem may be brought on by stress.....and that may line up with the major

move that I just went through. It was MEGA stressful--even though we just

moved a couple km's. The kids had to start at a new school, and had trouble

at first--and my whole life felt like it was turned upside down too. We are

taking in my husband's mentally handicapped sister (reason for the

move)--and that's been a pretty heavy load, too. It's going to be like

having a third kid (38 years old) for the rest of our lives. So maybe it was

all due to stress, but I have had this problem over the past three years

since I've had my gb out.....so who's to say?

So, I'm just laying low right now. I'm a little sore, and have to watch that

I don't do too much. I'm praying that this will be the end of all of this

trouble! On a happy note, I managed to lose almost 20 lbs over the past

month--just in time for spring, and ultimately swimsuit season! I had gained

a bunch of weight over the past year that was just NOT coming off--so there

was one blessing in disguise anyways (though I wouldn't recommend losing

weight this way to anyone!).

Cheerio, and all the best to you and what you decide to do about your

gallstones. I hope the flush goes well for you and that you don't go through

any more attacks. Ever!

Leah

> > Hi everyone-

> I haven't been online for a few days because of my house move

> (which was exhausting, but went well ..) I was wondering how the

> ercp went for Leah. Good luck to all the " weekend flushers " .

> I'm thinking of doing my first next weekend ...

> (still have unpacking to do this weekend)

>

> Ronna

[Guest guest]

Leah,

I assume when you say " liver reading " you mean your liver enzymes?

> my liver readings were in the 800's--which apparantly was super-

high),

> and actually seeing stones, to diagnose the problem.