More on gallbladder, small ducts

July 28, 2005

I want to weigh in and say that I have NEVER spoken to

ANYONE who didn't wish fervently they had NEVER had

their gallbladder out! My mother was never the same

after hers, and my best friend's sister got down to 93

lbs, and simply could not hold any food down, and this

went on for almost a year. She lost her job and her condo

and almost, her life. Their grandmother went through the

same thing. Now, having said that, I do know that things

have improved since then, as the surgery is not nearly as

invasive, but if I were you, I would choose my surgeon with

great care, and think three times before you agree to this.

As to small duct disease, my own understanding of this is

that the small duct in the tail is either atrophied or it goes

into spasms and is unable to drain the bile and enzymes

that are the pancreas's output. Of course, the resultant

swelling is very painful, and almost always goes through

to the back. I also am told that inserting a stent properly

is an art, and I will say that, for all our differences, Dr.

Lehman hit it head on (no pun intended) on the first try.

(But they had to do a second endo to remove it; now, I guess

they just absorb) It gave me only brief relief and I found that,

after15-20 ERCP's, plus about 6 or 7 other major surgeries I

was where Kathleen is - DONE with surgeries!! Now, they call

them " procedures! HAH! This is the equivalent of calling panc

pain " some discomfort " !

I agree that surgeons have tunnel vision where cutting up the

human body is concerned. I used to go under very hopeful,

with a positive attitude, but it got down to the point where I

refused to allow any more except for the islet cell transplant

procedure, and wouldn't you know, the Xplant team turned me

down. Well, they said I no longer had enough viable cells left in

the 40% of the panc that was left, and it was so scarred by the

repeated attacks as to have almost no healthy cells. At least I

still do not have diabetes! And I WOULD'VE had enough cells

if I hadn't let them take most of the panc out in the FIRST place!

Of course, back in 1979, there wasn't much choice. They told me

it was that or an early death. Anyway, I am a firm advocate of

waiting until you have no choice before letting anyone do ANY

kind if cutting! No wonder they used to call docs " sawbones " !

Best to all, , in Indy

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