Question:
Horrible cramping pain 18 months post op

I had my surgery dec 2000 . I am down to my goal weight and have been maintaining . About 5 months ago I started having pain in my stomach which feels like a charlie horse in my stomach. it lasts about one day and usually I end up in the er because the pain is so severe. The closest thing I can relate the pain to is labor. They have done all kinds of tests and cannot seem to figure out why this keeps happenening to me. I still have my gallbladder and they did an ultrasound which was normal. HELP    — Jennifer B. (posted on April 18, 2002)

April 17, 2002
It definately sounds like gallbladder trouble to me. Keep on top of it. Insist on more gallbladder tests if it keeps happening.
   — MARSHA D.

April 17, 2002
I just spoke with my cousin yesterday and it sounds like the gallbladder attacks she used to have. She had an ultrasound and they did not see any stones or abnormalities either. She kept having these attacks and begged for them to remove her gallbladder (she was certain that was the cause). Come to find out, her gallbladder was filled with stones. Unfortunately, the ultrasound is not always foolproof. Sometimes it doesn't pick up stones that are, in fact, present. Either get a second opinion or ask your doctor to do another ultrasound. You never know. Good luck!
   — Christie S.

April 18, 2002
I have to agree. From my "limited" experience with gallbladder pain I would think that is what it is. I had so much scar tissue from the RNY and a previous abdomial proceedure that it was hard to see the stones. But they were there just the same. If it is gallbladder it is'nt going to get better without getting it out.
   — Danmark

April 18, 2002
You need to get back to your surgeon. What you are describing could be a bowel torsion and self-resolving blockage (twisting of the non-functioning limb, with resulting build-up of intestinal fluids such as bile and pancreatic juices), usually caused by adhesions (scar tissues). This will not be seen by ultrasound, which will only show if you have stones in your gallbladder. A CT scan is the way to go, with someone who knows what to look for with an existing RNY bowel resection. Good Luck!
   — merri B.