To ask if anyone still gets stomach pains after gallbladder surgery

[Mammalamb]

I had gallbladder removed two years ago. For a month after the removal I had numerous problems (jaundice, severe pain). This went away with only a small amount of pain each month when I have a period. However the last fortnight the pain has returned and I’m just so fecking miserable. I’ve got a newish job (won’t be paid any sick leave and don’t want to take time off) and a toddler to look after. Just so, so fed up. Has anyone else had this, and how long did it take to go away? X

Yes I do get ghost pains but if they are severe you really should see your GP

I have once, and it was because I’d taken opiate painkillers, which for me trigger sphincter of oddi dysfunction. In some people it can be linked to gallbladder removal. I now avoid all opiates religiously and have never had it again. I think for some people specific foods can be a trigger.

I’ve been to GP and they’ve referred me for an ultrasound. The pain is making me very irritable and I am struggling to function. Sticking to a very low fat diet but still sore. Mind you I think tramadol has made the pain worse rather than better

Sadly yes it can happen - I think it's because the bastard stones can still form and get stuck in bile ducts. You might need to look at your diet, e.g. my friend (and source for this!) still can't eat spicy food without a flare-up

It's awful pain, huge sympathy

It feels like my body is trying to “push” something out and like someone is squeezing my insides!

It’s the tramadol.

It irritates thenbit that leads (or led) into the gall bladder.

I can no longer take tramadol or codeine because of this.

The pain started before I took tramadol ; but got a lot worse after I took it!

Any ideas for coping with the pain? I have no idea how I’ll cope with work tomorrow

Have you also had ulcers? Do go and get checked out by the Dr.

I am cynical about gall bladder surgery due to my dh's experience.

Never had ulcers before, but did have mild gastritis (only discovered as I had a number of procedures after my gallbladder was removed a couple of years ago). Waiting for blood results from GP ; hope they come back today

Bella the GP has asked me for a sample to test for the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. I hope it’s an ulcer rather than a problem with my bile ducts as the treatment if a stone is stuck in my bile duct may be an ERCP; which brings the risk of pancreatitis

If you have ulcers you will find your ability to tolerate spicy foods or rich foods will decrease. Good luck

Yup 8yrs after GB removal I still have pains down to tiny stones in biliary ducts. Try Buscopan for settle pain and an ulcer can cause pain too.

H pylori is a bastard but treatable with Omeperazole etc.

Good luck