Question:
Gallbladder Attack AFTER it was removed?

I have been having these HORRID gas attacks (feels like gas, not sure what it is because I am not that gassy- if you know what I mean)... It feels like a GB attack, but I just had mine removed on 8/17/2001. I thought I read somewhere on this board (I've searched up & down) that I could have an attack after GB removal surgery- can anyone expand on this subject? Such as- what can I take for serious PAIN, how can I stop it once it starts- I need help- I am in SUCH PAIN!!!! How can Doctor confirm, or what should I ask Doc to look for... details, and lots of them- appreciated! HELP!    — Karen R. (posted on November 19, 2001)

November 19, 2001
OK, today's little episode was definitly gas (embarrassed to say) but just as painful as a gallbladder attack! Problem is that this has happened before, and it is mind blowing (the pain)! What causes it, what can I do to avoid it? What can I take to stop the pain? Show me the way and the light!
   — Karen R.

November 19, 2001
Fats cause gas stay away from them.. and take something like gas X or phase X for gas control walking helps move the gas.. toot as you walk..lol and pray no one is following you since surgery I have the longest and loudest gas.. and it is so bad it would clear the room walking helps.. Kathy
   — Kathleen M.

November 19, 2001
Hi Karen..I had my gallbladder out in 1986. I was ok for a few years and then I started getting the same attacks even after my gallbladder was out..Waking me up out of my sleep! At first I thought I was having a heart attack, but it felt the same as a gallbladder attack. I just went to a GI guy because I have elevated liver enzymes, and I asked him about the attacks I am getting. He said that sometimes granules of bile or "sludge" get stuck in the duct even after surgery. He spoke of a procedure that can be done but it is involved and not too many docs do it. I would have to go to NY and be seen by a specialist who can measure the pressure in the duct and possibly dilate it.I live in NJ and can make the trip , but I am still preop for WLS and I just don't want to go through any more than I have been through over the last year. I know exactly how you feel.I thought I was going crazy when I forgot got the pain.I would suggest that you talk to a GI doc and tell him/her that you are getting the same pain as a gallbladder attack, and they will advise you which way to go.I am at the end of my rope. My WLS is scheduled for Jan 3rd, 2002.If my attacks continue I will have to go seek help.good luck to you.<3
   — garyzgurl

November 19, 2001
I had attacks after I had mine taken out also---and it ended up being that the surgeon didn't get all of the stones out...I had to see a different doctor and he went down my throat into the bile duct and found a 1/2 of a stone that had been missed and then took it out that way...I haven't had any problems since. Yahooooo ! ;-)
   — Wendy W.

November 19, 2001
Contact your surgeon now and tell him whats occuring.Not to alarm you but a good friends wife had a gall stone obstruct her bile duct a couple years after her GB removal. It became serious, she ended up siezing in intensive care. They can do a blood test to make sure your OK, and I understand the procedure to remove remaining stones is not bad at all.
   — bob-haller