What Does My MRI Scan Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 3 Oct 2017

Question: Could my gall bladder be atrophied even if the Hida scan showed 79% function ?
Please see prior question answered by Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Dr. refused to do MRI as suggested. She said I didn't have a gall bladder, so had to "prove it" by getting an ultrasound. Then wanted to to endoscopy - I refused - no symptoms indicating ulcer or acid reflux.....She then relented, and ordered Hida scan, rather than take Dr. Kumars' recommendation.
Now is trying to say nothing wrong with gall bladder, but problems persist. Originally she said she was going to also check pancreas, but didn't. Still wants to do Endoscopy "we have protocol to follow". I quit seeing her, and made an appointment with another Gastro. I got copy of Hida scan - said gallbladder contracting and bile backing up into stomach -causing symptoms of gastritis. Eliminated citrus and tomatoes from diet, along with previous elimination of fatty foods.
Tested problem by eating a piece of cheese - problems exacerbated.
The next week tried peanut butter sandwich - problems exacerbated.
Getting some relief by taking a supplement containing collinsonia root and ovine bile salts prescribed by Oriental Medicine Specialist with Masters Degree ( MAcOM, Dipl. OM. LAc)
I still feel is my gallbladder causing problems.

Appreciate your opinion.

Thank you,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I suggest cholecystectomy

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to HealthcareMagic.
Yes,it still can be gallbladder issue,not just atrophied but also there may be bile reflux gastritis or gallbladder dismotility. Stomach and pancreatic issue is another possible options and it wouldn't be bad to do endoscopy. it will not reveal just possible ulcer or gastritis but also it may be used to evaluate common bile duct or pancreatic duct. If you ask me, I would start with dietary changes,low fat diet,reduce alcohol,coffee,spicy food. if there wont be improvement,I suggest to have laparoscopic cholecystectomy since I have seen patients in whom symptoms improved after surgery even if there wasn't pathological HIDA scan. I don't think that MRI is required to confirm indication for surgery. Wish you good health. feel free to ask further questions. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (21 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. I wish the Doctors here would take the time to explain.

I have changed my diet drastically, and find there are only a few things that don't cause problems. Since I have been dealing with this since the first of XXXXXXX - I am getting really bored with eating the same thing every day, and have lost a lot of weight (108 down to 96 lbs). Hard to explain how bad I feel. Don't even want to get out of bed.

Your message has given me hope. If I can only get my next Dr. to agree !
This sucker needs to come out !

Thanks for the good wishes - same to you !
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
follow-up consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.

Yes, please try to consult the surgeon directly about cholecystectomy since you symptoms are suggestive of gallbladder issue.

Also, during surgery, some other possible disorders may be noticed and repaired accordingly.

I hope that you will find a solution. It is not normal that this affects the quality of your life so much...

Wish you the best of health and a quick recovery

Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (4 days later)

Thank you very much for your advice and concern.

I did get a referral from ER Dr. on July 15th, to a surgeon.

He spent 5 minutes yelling at me saying "why are you here, Hida scan says 76% function, Why would I want to remove a perfectly good gall bladder?"

He didn't even examine me, only reviewed report. Didn't allow me to comment or ask questions. I noticed the comment on report later showing "symptoms of gastritis", and eliminated citrus and tomatoes at that time.

Obviously I need to consult with a different surgeon. Have already made an appointment (a month ago) to see a different Gastro - on Sept. 7th. She will probably want to do endoscopy. Hope can find friend to assist me with ride there and back-since they won't do without one. Any way, I hope she will recommend a better surgeon to consult with.

Thanks again for your support.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Yes, many surgeons have such attitude,unfortunately. However,this is not something that should be managed in ER as an urgent surgery. You should have appointment with hepatobiliary surgeon and then have scheduled surgery. but as I said,it would be wise to do endoscopy and verify stomach inflammation since concomitant gastric and gallbladder issues may exist and then stomach should be treated first before surgery. if you come to Europe,we can arrange surgery at any time:)

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj