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What Causes Diarrhea After Gallbladder Removal?

Posted on Mon, 8 Dec 2014

Question: About 5 months after gallbladder removal I am having loose stools. They have been ongoing for about two weeks. I also have crohns disease. I had been on humira but have since switched to entivyo but my GI Dr said it takes 10 weeks to get full affect of entivyo and I'm at 7 weeks...I had blood work done in XXXXXXX and last week with all the crohns markers cbc, c diff, sed rate and liver functions and all is normal. Had stool sample and that was negative. Also had ct scan with and without contrast in July as well as an MR enterography and all that was normal. I have a second MR enterography scheduled for next week. ... I'm on prednisone because Dr believes my issues stem from being in a crohns flare. Prednisone has helped but still having loose stool and urge to go to bathroom particularly in the morning. Is this a crohns flare or post gallbladder issue? Since scans were good in July should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
can be post gall bladder removal diarrhea

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I understand your concern.The problems you are having can be due to gall bladder removal.In most cases, the diarrhea stops soon after the surgery. Rarely, it may last for years.If taking steroid is not diminishing your problem,then post gall bladder chronic diarrhea can be one more diagnosis.

If I were your doctor, I would have suggested anti diarrheal medications and medications that absorb bile acids.I would advice you to eat smaller and frequent meals and increase fibre in your diet. You may also consider limiting foods that can make diarrhea worse in general, including:

Caffeine
Dairy products
Greasy foods
Very sweet foods

Hope I answered your query.Feel free to ask more.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (14 minutes later)

I have changed my diet and it has helped but little...can I take Imodium in addition to prednisone without inference? My doctor just told me to stay on the prednisone 20 mg indefinitely until my next Mr enterography in a week...I'm not thrilled with that plan.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Welcome back,

I can suggest you to take Imodium only when needed,after consulting your physician.Since, I did not assess you physically,it would be difficult to give you a confirmed affirmation.

Hope I have answered you.If you have no further clarifications,please rate this answer and close this discussion.
Wish you a speedy recovery!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (30 minutes later)

One last question...the smelly gas and bowel movements and stomach pain starts in morning or late at night...during day I'm ok since I take prednisone around 9 am. ... Is that consistent with crohns? Also the prednisone gives me energy so I'm able to work and exercise. The last time I had a crohns flare I was in bed for months. Can you have a flare and still be able to exercise and work?

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depends upon how severe the flare is

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir,

Thank you for writing back!

Both the conditions you are having can cause problems hand in hand.So it is very difficult to say anything without further assessment.

Focus on your diet, esp your dinner,which might be a causative factor for your problem.Do not go for vigorous exercises now. If you do not feel physically weak,then you can just do light exercises at home.

Hope this helps.Take care!
Please close this discussion and rate it,if you have no clarifications.You can always ask me direct questions if you want later.Thank You!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad