Who here has had gallstones and/or gallbladder removal? UPDATE:FINALLY GOT THE HIDA!

[RachelNinja]

Honestly, I'm shocked. The test was painful and uncomfortable, and it still turned out normal.

I don't have definite results yet, but the food didn't seem to move very much at all. So the 2 techs that were there both said "That must be your problem" because they kept looking at the screen and the stomach is the only part that stayed lit up.

If I tested positive for H Pylori, then that would explain the slow stomach emptying.

What an eventful couple of days it has been! I still feel terrible. I still have pain in my right side, and I don't know why the stomach (left side) would cause pain in my right side. I will have a ton of questions for my doctor when I see him next!

Oh no! I'm sorry the test came back negative. I know you were kind of hoping for a positive so that the problem could finally be diagnosed and treated. I'm sure in the long run, you'll be able to see why this is a good thing

I forgot about the "sluggish stomach" thing. Everytime I have an endoscopy, my gastroenterologist reminds me that I have a "sluggish stomach." It doesn't contract at the normal rate that it should, which means digest is much slower. If I eat more than I should, I get pain and I feel sick. He told me to eat smaller meals throughout the day (which totally stinks on days like Thanksgiving).

During the first endoscopy I had in college, the doctor also found the H. Pylori bacteria. That was what made me VERY sick. I was put on antibiotics (?) for that. The treatment for that actually worsened all the symptoms, but it was necessary to get rid of it. Afterwards, I felt much better.

I don't know how much of an encouragement this will be (I know that if/when people said this to me when I was sick, sometimes it didn't help) ... sometimes we need to be sick a little longer because suffering creates such a strength in character. If anyone knows about perseverance, it would have to be you and anyone else who has been in your situation. Going for test after test ... people didn't understand why I was truly hoping for a positive result. Even if it were a "bad" thing like a disease or something, there was that urge to just have an answer. It took forever to get that answer (and there are still unanswered questions that can be very discouraging) ... but in the long run, I "needed" that long time period because I really changed as a person through it. I HAD to become much stronger because of it ... and it was noticeably stronger because my friends and family all commented on it.

I hope the same happens for you. Of course, I came to that realization AFTER the fact. I know it's difficult as you're actually going through it, but I pray that you'll have some clarity and understanding during this trying time

 

[cherbear]

Oh no! I'm sorry the test came back negative. I know you were kind of hoping for a positive so that the problem could finally be diagnosed and treated. I'm sure in the long run, you'll be able to see why this is a good thing

I forgot about the "sluggish stomach" thing. Everytime I have an endoscopy, my gastroenterologist reminds me that I have a "sluggish stomach." It doesn't contract at the normal rate that it should, which means digest is much slower. If I eat more than I should, I get pain and I feel sick. He told me to eat smaller meals throughout the day (which totally stinks on days like Thanksgiving).

During the first endoscopy I had in college, the doctor also found the H. Pylori bacteria. That was what made me VERY sick. I was put on antibiotics (?) for that. The treatment for that actually worsened all the symptoms, but it was necessary to get rid of it. Afterwards, I felt much better.

I don't know how much of an encouragement this will be (I know that if/when people said this to me when I was sick, sometimes it didn't help) ... sometimes we need to be sick a little longer because suffering creates such a strength in character. If anyone knows about perseverance, it would have to be you and anyone else who has been in your situation. Going for test after test ... people didn't understand why I was truly hoping for a positive result. Even if it were a "bad" thing like a disease or something, there was that urge to just have an answer. It took forever to get that answer (and there are still unanswered questions that can be very discouraging) ... but in the long run, I "needed" that long time period because I really changed as a person through it. I HAD to become much stronger because of it ... and it was noticeably stronger because my friends and family all commented on it.

I hope the same happens for you. Of course, I came to that realization AFTER the fact. I know it's difficult as you're actually going through it, but I pray that you'll have some clarity and understanding during this trying time

I know what you mean. But it's just been a couple years off and on with feeling sick, and I feel like I'm at the end of my rope. I can't live like this ANY MORE. Not to mention, I can't miss anymore work, and I can't afford any more tests!!! I think I've persevered enough and it's time that I get some answers. It shouldn't have gone on this long, and it did only because the doctors kept writing me off. Believe me, I'm different than I was last year already because I have been much more assertive about getting what I deserve. I will not back down and I want this problem solved!!!

I didn't realize they could find the H Pylori with an endoscope. I had an endoscope last year, and if I had it then they would have found it, right?

thanks for the encouragement and hugs!

 

[cherbear]

I just received a call from the Nurse Practioner and all the bloodwork I did week before last came back just fine. So I don't have H Pylori. Whether the doctor calls me or not, I will find out the results of my Gastric Emptying Scan today and I will let y'all know!

 

[sb4k]

As much as I absolutely can't stand to be sick or need surgery, I am thankful that so far they think it's just the gallbladder. I did have a few other symptoms and timing issues that make me wonder if that is it, but I feel for you that so far everything is coming back negative. It took me 6 months to get this far, I hope your tests come back with something.

 

[Poohbear123]

I lost 5 lbs from my surgery which brings me down to 91 lbs! I am 3 months post-op and can eat much more fat than I could in the beginning, which is the good news in all this. I still stay away from fried foods and high fat goodies like ice cream, but at least I didn't have to give up my favorite foods completely. My nutritionist gave me the tip to eat a small apple right before I eat some really fatty foods. Doesn't keep me from "dumping" (can't we come up with a better term ) but the fiber helps in digestion later on.

Oh, and I have trigger foods that send me to the bathroom 30 minutes later too. I hope one day that lets up a bit. It's hard to have a social life when you know a fun trip to the bathroom is about to hit ya!

Cool, thanks for the Apple tip, will go buy some today! Yesterday was BAD! I had chicken strips and baked beans.....well I thought I DID! Couldn't tell 20 min later!

 

[cherbear]

I went to the hospital and got the results myself! I've learned that is the way to do it if you want answers. What a shame I have to pay for something that my doctor already has and should call me with. (It's only $1 since it's one page but it's the principle of the matter!)

here are the FINDINGS:

A time activity curve was generated. The T-1/2 emptying time of the stomach is approximately 477 minutes. This is significantly delayed. The findings are consistent with delayed gastric emptying. This may be related to gastric outlet obstruction or gastroparesis. Clinical correlation is recommended.

so the final IMPRESSION: Delayed Gastric Emptying

477 minutes! That's 8 hours!! No wonder I feel so horrible!
The "normal" emptying time is 60 minutes---which means my stomach is emptying 8 times slower than it should be. That seems pretty severe to me!! I just hope they can find out what is causing my stomach to be so slow! (Gastroparesis just means the stomach doesn't contract like it is supposed to) I know I didn't have any obstructions last year, because they would have seen it on the endoscope--so unless I've developed some type of obstruction over the last 15 months, it can't be a blockage.

Has anyone ever had this or known someone who has? I'd love to be able to hear people's experiences with this. (Should I start another thread to gather some people who have had gastric emptying problems? )


I forgot to add that I called the GI doctor to ask them if they had the results and the nurse called me back, saying that he should look at them this afternoon. She said if he feels it is urgent, he will call me. I told her, I hope he does, because I feel terrible.

 

[cherbear]

As much as I absolutely can't stand to be sick or need surgery, I am thankful that so far they think it's just the gallbladder. I did have a few other symptoms and timing issues that make me wonder if that is it, but I feel for you that so far everything is coming back negative. It took me 6 months to get this far, I hope your tests come back with something.

I wish it was mine. With all my symptoms I really could have sworn it was. Now I feel kinda stupid for starting a thread on gallbladders and the tests show nothing related to my gallbladder.

Oh well, It seems I have helped other people out, so I'm glad I was able to bring some people together in that way.

Now I need to find some folks who have the same problem as me.

Cool, thanks for the Apple tip, will go buy some today! Yesterday was BAD! I had chicken strips and baked beans.....well I thought I DID! Couldn't tell 20 min later!

I love apples. I read that they are not good for me with a slow emptying stomach though!

What do you mean you couldn't tell?

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Wow - 8 hours!!
I hope they figure out why so you can feel better soon.
Keep us all posted. Maybe someone out in Dis world knows why this is happening.

 

[minniecarousel]

Hey, cherbear. Sorry it's not your GB. My DDIL is having issues too, and hers isn't GB and her "stomach-emptying test" was OK too. It must be frustrating to feel so lousy and not know what's wrong. I hope you get some more info on your "sluggish" stomach.

Hang in there.

 

[NJMomma]

Hey CB. Sorry about the test results Hopefully the doctor can give you some guidance - I am sure you already googled this. Keep us updated and feel better .

 

[Pooh nut]

Hey Cherbear,
I am in the same boat as you it would seem. I never really thought it was my gallbladder though. My initial symptom was extreme acid reflux almost 14 months ago. I had the upper GI test with the results showing extreme irritation in my esophogus. I was initially put on Nexium 40mg twice a day for 2 months. This did help to reduce the inflamation and subsequent pain but did not slow the reflux. So next test.
Upper endoscopy showed gastritis and 3 small ulcers not caused by H. Pylori bacteria. 2 weeks later next test.
Gastric emptying scan showed 445 minutes. Started Reglan 4 times per day. One month later next test.
pH Bravo test where a computer capsule is attached about half way down the esophogus. It is small and this is done while "under" like the endoscopy. It measures pH levels for 2 to 4 days and then harmlessly falls of and is passed through the system. You go to the doctor on 2nd or 3rd day and a scanner gathers the info before it detaches. It felt odd but was really no problem. It showed some acid still was being produced and causing some irritation. I was told that on high dose ppi's like 40mg Nexium x2 this should not be happening. Next test.
Monomerty is were they place a very small tube, almost wire thin, through the nose and have you swallow it. You then swallow sips of water while it reads the pressure up and down the esophogus. Didn't really tell much new here. For some reason food get sorta stuck at the opening to my stomach but eventually goes in. The assumption is the long acid damage has done some permanent or long lasting damage to the sphincter contolling the opening to my stomach.
So that is where I stand now. Next appointment is end of June and we will discuss some options.
As far as symptoms as of now. I feel full for hours after eating very little. My weight loss has become a concern. As of tonight I am 42 lbs lighter than 9 months ago and have dropped to 144 lbs. The long delay in gastric emptying can be quite painful in a dull ache kind of way. Nausea is a concern as well but the Reglan does seem to help in that depatment. BTW I am a 40 yr old male 5' 9" tall. I have tried just about every natural remedy on the market to no avail.
I am an attorney so stress is a minor part of life but not a major concern for me or my doctor.
Just know that you are not alone in this odd condition. As a matter of fact we are doctoring together . Well sorta.
Keep us posted and I will try and keep you updated as well.

 

[cherbear]

Wow - 8 hours!!
I hope they figure out why so you can feel better soon.
Keep us all posted. Maybe someone out in Dis world knows why this is happening.

Still no news from the doctor...

Hey, cherbear. Sorry it's not your GB. My DDIL is having issues too, and hers isn't GB and her "stomach-emptying test" was OK too. It must be frustrating to feel so lousy and not know what's wrong. I hope you get some more info on your "sluggish" stomach.

Hang in there.

wow, both tests were negative? Best wishes to your DDIL!! I know how it feels to keep going without any answers.

Now I have my "answer" and still NOTHING from the doctor's side of things...what a shame!

thanks for posting!

Hey CB. Sorry about the test results Hopefully the doctor can give you some guidance - I am sure you already googled this. Keep us updated and feel better .

thank you!

yeah, I've been a googling nut!

 

[cherbear]

Hey Cherbear,
I am in the same boat as you it would seem. I never really thought it was my gallbladder though. My initial symptom was extreme acid reflux almost 14 months ago. I had the upper GI test with the results showing extreme irritation in my esophogus. I was initially put on Nexium 40mg twice a day for 2 months. This did help to reduce the inflamation and subsequent pain but did not slow the reflux. So next test.
Upper endoscopy showed gastritis and 3 small ulcers not caused by H. Pylori bacteria. 2 weeks later next test.
Gastric emptying scan showed 445 minutes. Started Reglan 4 times per day. One month later next test.
pH Bravo test where a computer capsule is attached about half way down the esophogus. It is small and this is done while "under" like the endoscopy. It measures pH levels for 2 to 4 days and then harmlessly falls of and is passed through the system. You go to the doctor on 2nd or 3rd day and a scanner gathers the info before it detaches. It felt odd but was really no problem. It showed some acid still was being produced and causing some irritation. I was told that on high dose ppi's like 40mg Nexium x2 this should not be happening. Next test.
Monomerty is were they place a very small tube, almost wire thin, through the nose and have you swallow it. You then swallow sips of water while it reads the pressure up and down the esophogus. Didn't really tell much new here. For some reason food get sorta stuck at the opening to my stomach but eventually goes in. The assumption is the long acid damage has done some permanent or long lasting damage to the sphincter contolling the opening to my stomach.
So that is where I stand now. Next appointment is end of June and we will discuss some options.
As far as symptoms as of now. I feel full for hours after eating very little. My weight loss has become a concern. As of tonight I am 42 lbs lighter than 9 months ago and have dropped to 144 lbs. The long delay in gastric emptying can be quite painful in a dull ache kind of way. Nausea is a concern as well but the Reglan does seem to help in that depatment. BTW I am a 40 yr old male 5' 9" tall. I have tried just about every natural remedy on the market to no avail.
I am an attorney so stress is a minor part of life but not a major concern for me or my doctor.
Just know that you are not alone in this odd condition. As a matter of fact we are doctoring together . Well sorta.
Keep us posted and I will try and keep you updated as well.

wow! That's a long road you've been down. Yes, the pain in the delay is horrible. Does it cause pain in your right side too? I get more pain in my right side than I do my left, which is why I thought it was gallbladder (not to mention, the back/chest pain, shoulder pain, and not digesting lettuce...have you had any of these symptoms? specifically the lettuce thing?)

that computer capsule thing doesn't sound fun. Did you feel any different with it? I'm SO worried about how much all this is going to cost me!! I hope medicine will cure me all up!

You sure lost a lot of weight! My goodness! My husband is your height and weighs about 170 pounds (he's got some muscle, but is pretty thin!) I am just shy of 5 feet tall, and weigh 107 today, so I don't have too much to lose! If I go on for another month like this, I'll likely be under 100 pounds. Anything under 98 for me would be unhealthy.

I can't believe your next appointment isn't til the end of June! These doctors really kill me! I really hope this road of struggle ends for you soon. They need to find out what's wrong! (Don't you just wish you could eat a steak and baked potato like a normal person? I'd kill to be able to do that again)

Please keep me posted! I'm very concerned for you!

 

[MarieS]

My oldest son has delayed gastric emptying, but he has cerebral palsy and other medical issues. He's had some of the tests a PP mentioned. For him he has very low tone and poor peristaltic action which causes food to move very slow through his system.

As for me, I found something to distract me from my gallbladder recovery--a root canal! Yuck! I have to go back for several more appointments until this tooth is all taken care of. Ugh.

Cherbear I hope that you and Pooh nut find some relief from your symptoms soon. I can imagine how discouraging all of this is for you.

 

[cherbear]

My oldest son has delayed gastric emptying, but he has cerebral palsy and other medical issues. He's had some of the tests a PP mentioned. For him he has very low tone and poor peristaltic action which causes food to move very slow through his system.

As for me, I found something to distract me from my gallbladder recovery--a root canal! Yuck! I have to go back for several more appointments until this tooth is all taken care of. Ugh.

Cherbear I hope that you and Pooh nut find some relief from your symptoms soon. I can imagine how discouraging all of this is for you.

I hope your son is doing okay!

sorry about your tooth! My husband has had his share of those!

thank you! got an update coming up next

 

[breezy1077]

Hey, cherbear. Sorry it's not your GB. My DDIL is having issues too, and hers isn't GB and her "stomach-emptying test" was OK too. It must be frustrating to feel so lousy and not know what's wrong. I hope you get some more info on your "sluggish" stomach.

Hang in there.

I agree cherbear, I hope you get answers and relief soon. I haven't posted back, but I've been keeping updated. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[duckfan78]

I recently had a HIDA scan and the results were 30%. I know that below 35% is not good. my surgeon said I can either leave everything as is or have the Gal Bladder removed.

I do have pain and sometimes its worse than other times.
Has anyone had this happen and had their GB out and were feeling better after the removal? I don't have stones either.

 

[Calliaz]

Cherbear,

I hope you get some answers soon. One thing I wanted to note regarding delayed gastric emptying. They will often prescribe Reglan. While it works, some people have problems with depression and other side effects when they take it for a long period of time.

There is another medication, domperidone/Motillium, that has the same benefits for gastric emptying but has fewer side effects. The only problem is that it is not for sale in the US (it has been used for years in Europe and isn't approved here because the process is expensive and it's a cheap generic drug). If you do end up taking Reglan and have side effects, it's good to know about this and ask your doctor. Some will write a prescription so you can order it from out of the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domperidone

 

[cherbear]

Cherbear,

I hope you get some answers soon. One thing I wanted to note regarding delayed gastric emptying. They will often prescribe Reglan. While it works, some people have problems with depression and other side effects when they take it for a long period of time.

There is another medication, domperidone/Motillium, that has the same benefits for gastric emptying but has fewer side effects. The only problem is that it is not for sale in the US (it has been used for years in Europe and isn't approved here because the process is expensive and it's a cheap generic drug). If you do end up taking Reglan and have side effects, it's good to know about this and ask your doctor. Some will write a prescription so you can order it from out of the country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domperidone

thanks! I'm on Reglan now.

I do find it's causing side effects. I don't feel like myself, in general. I've been feeling tired. But at the same time, I've been feeling restless. That's been REALLY hard to deal with, especially at work today (first day back since I've been on the Reglan) My doctor said that the symptoms would lessen in a couple weeks (do you think that is true?)

I think you (or someone else) had mentioned that other medicine before, and I did bring it up to my doctor and he indeed said you can only get it in Canada.
I didn't realize I could order it from Canada! How would I go about doing so?? If I could get that instead I would definitely do so!!!


Ya know, I thought I had posted this here, too, but apparently I have been lax with my updating here. I had a bad experience last week. Click here to read all about it.