Re:Re: Gallstone

[Guest guest]

Don’t

get me started – I could vent on this issue for hours [grin].

Nearly every doctor tells us that removing the gallbladder usually causes no

problems. And most patients recover. And there are some situations

where you need to have the gallbladder removed, such as in your case. But

there are also 15% of patients (number is probably higher by now) who aren’t

helped or are made worse by having a cholecystectomy (gallbladder

removed). I’m one of the 15%, and had a perfectly normal

gallbladder removed because the doctors didn’t know about or didn’t

think to test me for Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. I should have asked

more questions, but it took me seeing several doctors (and 6 months) before I

found my current gastroenterologist who was able to diagnose my problem.

The pain level from my gallbladder malfunctioning were severe, and I couldn’t

have lasted longer so would have had it removed anyway.

My

first suggestion is to get some other opinions. Ask one or two

gastroenterologists or other doctors whether you do need your gallbladder

removed. Having gallstones is serious, though, and you may be wise to

have it removed anyway. A number of serious conditions can occur with

gallstones, so you don’t want to take chances. I’m guessing

ultrasounds and other scans identified a gallstone or two? But at the

very least you might want a doctor who is more helpful and has a better

attitude.

Also

make sure the surgeon has done a lot of cholecystectomies. You definitely

want someone who is skilled and experienced getting in close to your common

bile duct and gallbladder and liver…

You

might look for a gastroenterologist who is experienced and skilled enough to

remove gallstones through the ERCP. Mine does, and patients come to him

from all over the US as he can go in through the common bile duct and extract

gallstones. At least for some patients, I expect there are some he can’t

help. This might be an option for you in your area.

My

other suggestion is more of a supportive statement. If you do get your

gallbladder removed, you have a good chance of recovery and your body will

adapt to the loss. But it your body doesn’t, it isn’t the end

of the world either. It isn’t difficult to make adjustments to your

food choices to make your digestion work better, and even if you develop some

chronic symptoms, that can be dealt with as well. Many people do fine for

a year or two, then begin to develop problems. This, too, can be coped

with.

If

you want to research the problems that occur after a gallbladder is removed,

search for: post-cholecystectomy syndrome. But let me repeat, if

you have a gallstone or two that can’t get down the common bile duct,

then you don’t want to take any chances with developing serious (deadly)

complications.

Kim M.

SCD 6 years

Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction 6+ years

neurological & spinal deterioration 3+ years

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi all,

I've just be diagnosed with a mobile gallstone that apparently requires the

removal of my gallbladder (yikes!). I've read that removing the gallbladder

doesn't necessarily remove the pain, which is a worry. also, the doctor I saw

(very unfriendly), said that a gallstone had no effect on digestion and removal

of said organ would have zero effect on the rest of the digestive distress I

have. Does anyone have any experience of this?

Thanks

IBS/IBD/mass food intolerance - 40 years

SCD 3 months