Had my gall bladder taken out February '07, I'm still in lots of pain, any tips?

Question

I have tried all the things I've read online, high fiber diet, enzymes, all that jazz. But still, every time I eat I feel awful for the next (at least) two hours. I feel nauseous almost all the time, and I have heartburn like crazy. Anyone know if there's anything I can do before I resort to medication of some kind? Or could there be some issue my body's having with no gall bladder? I mean, they tell you you don't need one after all, but I've felt l pretty awful for as long as I can remember.

I'd really love a somewhat professional opinion. The surgeon I speak with periodically says this is all normal and that he can give me some pills for the discomfort, but I really don't want to be taking synthetic drugs for the rest of my life. Especially being only 23, that seems pretty ridiculous. Anyone in medical school or some doctor bored at his/her desk? Please let me know. Thanks so much...VERY appreciated!

I did go for a follow up, and he told me it was all normal (the surgeon). He told me also, if I kept having the diarrhea to come back and he'll give me some pills. I really don't want to take medication however.

Answer 1

Before they took out your gallbladder, did they work you up for a hiatal hernia? Your symptoms sound awfully alot like one. You don't mention anything about your body habitus, but if you are obese, you could be at risk for development of hiatal hernia, due to the increased intra-abdominal pressure from adipose tissue. It can also happen due to a congenital defect or weakness in the diaphragmatic wall. Did you see a gastro-enterologist to rule out other reasons for post-prandial abdominal pain prior to the surgery? If not, then you perhaps need a more thorough GI work up.

Answer 2

try another doctor. Pain since Feb means something is not right. Maybe you had some tools left inside after the surgery and can sue and make lots of money. Just kidding.

Your gall bladder helps with digestion and you may need to have a supplement to help artificially do what your gall bladder was doing. There is also the chance that the surgery was not done properly and needs additional work. A friends of mine had the same type problem and she had to have an additional surgery to correct the first surgery. She didn't get better until after the second surgery.

Lots of luck.

Answer 3

Well the gall bladder and appendix, according to the doctors organs we don't need. Of course in recent years they now admit the appendix is part of the immune system.

I think I would go to the health food store and see what you can do on your own. I have a lot of stomach problems and have found peppermint tea to be very helpful, drink it after meals.

Also aloe vera juice and some ginger are other things that may help. Sounds like you need to find a solution on your own, the doctors will only just keep giving you drugs.

Answer 4

This sounds a little hard to believe! Last February?? Havent you gone back to the doctor for a follow up?? Honey if you get this maybe you should take yourself to the ER cause you have waited entirely tooooooooooooo long.