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Suggest Remedy For Pain After Gall Bladder Removal Surgery
Question: I had my gallbladder out at the beginning of Oct. Afterwards, I experienced pain in the midsection and to the right and in the back, it continued to grow worse, took pain meds, but wasn't able to sleep or eat much. After a Hidascan, and CT, they determined that I had a small bile leak. I then had an ERCP that put a stint in the bile duct to heal the issue. But I became worse not better. I was admitted to the hospital for 3 days, given fluids, pain meds, and they checked my lipase and amylase levels to see if I had pancreatitis. That came back negative. I was released, was okay for about a week, but then started to get worse again. I then started to have extreme burning, gnawing, and restlessness, as well as a need to go pee frequently, however sometimes there wasn't much there. I had breast cancer in 2012, and was given Carafate to help with the effects of the chemo on my gut. I began to take that, and Omeprezole, then went to see my doctor again. He believes that it is the stint, allowing too much bile in my system, that I am experiencing bile reflux. He also prescribed Questran, and I am to see him again next week. I am scheduled to get the stint out the first of Dec. However, I am concerned that this will not solve the issue. In addition, I continue to have the same pain in my right side and back, and have itching and indigestion type symptoms that radiate up my back on the right side. I have lost 15 pounds, have XXXXXXX stools, and feel weak, and standing and moving around a lot cause my stomach to hurt worse. I am still taking Carafate, and Omprezole, and have added Zantac at night, since the Omprezole seems to wear off. I also have begun the Questran. I am trying to eat more, and am taking a probiotic, multivitamin, glutamate, and fiber. I know I need to get the stint out, but am concerned because of my weakened physical condition, and the fact that I am still having the pain.Any recommendations that I could look into would be appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Drain in the abdominal cavity, if thought ad necessity
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Read and re-read and could gather some points I would like to share with you.
To recapitulate:
GB out Oct- pain - bile leak- ERCP - stent- normal amylase and lipase- released- OK 1 week- worsened- Br ca, Carafate (Sucralfate)- Questran (Cholestyramine)- told that too much bile- vile reflus in spite of Questran; and other medicines- pain Rt side and back, itching indigestion- lost 15 pounds - XXXXXXX stools- weakness and tender on movements- treatment- need to get the stent out- pain +- need recommendations:::
The thumb rule is that whenever the the passage in the farther tube is patent the proximal (nearer the origin) leakage always heals.
In your case the small bile leak should close spontaneously if the stent is in place and working well , meaning not blocked. So the stent has to remain till it is confirmed that the bile leak has healed and stopped.
The pain and all associated symptoms can be due to the leaked bile into the peritoneum, this gets encysted in a normal course.
The secondary changes (after-effects) take time to recover.
If the scans are showing that there is still collection in the gall bladder fossa, it should be aspirated / drain kept to reduce the local toxicity and the pains as you have explained. This will dramatically reduce the pains ; please discuss this with your treating Surgeon.
I will advise in such patients he following:
Antibiotic cover.
Continue the medicines you have been taking.
Add On prokinetic like Domperidone- helps regularize the bowels, Pancreatic enzyme preparations / supplements.
"Wait and Watch" till the pains come down and the further investigations .
If the leak is persistent, Putting -in a drains in the abdominal cavity will help drain out the causative irritating factors and will reduce symptoms.
Incidentally : the hemoglobin and serum albumin should be in the normal range for the early healing process. Please get checked and get corrected if they are bellow the normal range. This will boost the healing process.
I hope this answer helps you well, please discuss these points with your treating Doctor and you will be alright sooner.
Drain in the abdominal cavity, if thought ad necessity
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
Read and re-read and could gather some points I would like to share with you.
To recapitulate:
GB out Oct- pain - bile leak- ERCP - stent- normal amylase and lipase- released- OK 1 week- worsened- Br ca, Carafate (Sucralfate)- Questran (Cholestyramine)- told that too much bile- vile reflus in spite of Questran; and other medicines- pain Rt side and back, itching indigestion- lost 15 pounds - XXXXXXX stools- weakness and tender on movements- treatment- need to get the stent out- pain +- need recommendations:::
The thumb rule is that whenever the the passage in the farther tube is patent the proximal (nearer the origin) leakage always heals.
In your case the small bile leak should close spontaneously if the stent is in place and working well , meaning not blocked. So the stent has to remain till it is confirmed that the bile leak has healed and stopped.
The pain and all associated symptoms can be due to the leaked bile into the peritoneum, this gets encysted in a normal course.
The secondary changes (after-effects) take time to recover.
If the scans are showing that there is still collection in the gall bladder fossa, it should be aspirated / drain kept to reduce the local toxicity and the pains as you have explained. This will dramatically reduce the pains ; please discuss this with your treating Surgeon.
I will advise in such patients he following:
Antibiotic cover.
Continue the medicines you have been taking.
Add On prokinetic like Domperidone- helps regularize the bowels, Pancreatic enzyme preparations / supplements.
"Wait and Watch" till the pains come down and the further investigations .
If the leak is persistent, Putting -in a drains in the abdominal cavity will help drain out the causative irritating factors and will reduce symptoms.
Incidentally : the hemoglobin and serum albumin should be in the normal range for the early healing process. Please get checked and get corrected if they are bellow the normal range. This will boost the healing process.
I hope this answer helps you well, please discuss these points with your treating Doctor and you will be alright sooner.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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