Emailed Gi woman

[XanaDUer2]

Having pain today esp on my left side. At the end of my rope. Surgeon said takes 6 weeks for post surgery gallbladder to settle down. I don't think its that. Depressed and anxious

[Wonder Why]

1. Don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Doctors have yet to prove they are God in spite of their attitude at times.

That's why medicine is an art, not a science. And it's called "practicing". You don't hear plumbers claim they are "practicing".

Good luck and the best to you.

[XanaDUer2]

4. Ty

You're kind too respond

[hlthe2b]

2. There are many issues that may be at play but assuming your surgeon is correct and that

it is just going to take a few weeks for the pain to calm down after the surgery (which can be true), rather than another cause going on (which only a second opinion--perhaps from a gastroenterologist) might resolve...

So assuming the above, then the ongoing pain is the focus. Chronic pain, including abdominal pain, can trigger a feedback loop. That means that even after the immediate source of pain is removed or reduced, the brain and central nervous system can continue to receive and feed back pain messages in a continuous loop. So, the brain perceives pain because it is "used to receiving those messages" and therefore you feel pain. Now, pain has positive purposes (to alert you that something is or continues to be wrong, needing attention) but when these feedback loops are activated, then the pain needs to be addressed. But, typical local pain medications, including anti-inflammatories are not going to address the feedback loop, seemingly "stuck." In this case your overseeing physician, whether your primary care or your surgeon can either try a drug that is specific to this upper-level "perception of pain" (like gabapentin or amantadine as examples). Or they could refer you to a pain clinic. But, if there is an ongoing cause for the pain outside of the "stuck" perceptual mechanism then these drugs may not help. A pain clinic might offer other alternatives so if all are convinced the primary cause has been addressed then that might be a good referral.

I think this is at least worth a discussion with your surgeon/primary care--especially if a second opinion has rendered an opinion in agreement that no other cause for your continued left-sided abdominal pain exists.

I'm sorry you are going through this and have to become your own best advocate. Our medical system is far too obstacle-filled for many of these kinds of issues.

[XanaDUer2]

3. Ty

Thorough thoughtful. Aleve helps a bit. I want to see what the GI woman responds about this. Maybe further diagnostics? Pain was across stomach, too. Ulcers? I'm very stressed the majority of the time. Diverticulosis? Its just scary and terrible. Thanks

[hlthe2b]

5. All of those etiologies are possible. Best get the GI specialist involved.

Be careful with your NSAID dosing for that reason right now. Definitely don't dose too high, too frequently and of course don't mix with aspirin. Maybe take some omeprazole (Prilosec) or famotidine (Pepsid) as a precaution--albeit not at the same time.

[XanaDUer2]

6. I need to get some

I always think CANCER. im 59 soon. Mom died at 60

[hlthe2b]

7. Your scans prior to cholecystectomy were unremarkable and I'm sure they performed biopsies on the

tissue after removal, so I'd not think that way... All of us are vulnerable, certainly, but positive thoughts! There are a lot of highly treatable conditions that are far more likely--including gastric ulcers, as you say.

[XanaDUer2]

8. Had two abdominal xrays

Completely normal. I was floored. Trapped gas? Something?

[Wonder Why]

9. And she should avoid narcotics as much as possible. I just had stomach surgery a week and a half ago and

haven't touched a single one of the opioid pills they gave me. The last time I turned in opioid pills prescribed for me to the sheriff's office, the deputy said they sell for $40 a pop when illegally sold so I kiddingly asked for them back. They have their uses but they are dangerous not only because they can cause dependence but because they can mask serious issues and they suppress normal bodily functions.

[XanaDUer2]

10. They gave me 8

I took half then 1 then projectile vomited then no more

[HeartsCanHope]

11. Sorry you're having pain.

I had pain off and on after gall bladder surgery. Not saying you shouldn't talk to your surgeon, but if I did too much it hurt for several weeks. I know it's easier said than done, but try not to worry and talk to your doctor's office. Will be thinking of you. Take care.