Expert: Robert Borucki Date: 7/19/2008 Subject: Reflux, nausea, vomiting after gallbladder surgery
Question Three years ago I had my gallbladder removed. Three weeks ago, I
eperienced severe, intractable, excruciating chest pain. I went to my local
emergency room, where they ruled out heart, but found my liver enzymes
elevated. Both the internist and the GI specialist said I had thichened bile
secretions and crystals in my bile duct. I had an ERCP with sphincterotomy,
and I was released the next day. Two days later, my original symptoms
returned, and I returned to the hospital, where they found my liver enzymes
elevated even higher than at my first admission. After a day of testing and
medication, I left the hospital with Urso, Bentyl, Prilosec, and instructions for
a low-fat, high-fiber diet, to be eaten in small meals. I took the meds and
followed the diet recommendations. So the following day, I developed a rash,
which spread over my entire body. I then sought the services of a new
internist, who took me off all meds, and started me on Zantac and Benadryl.
The rash is now gone, so I stopped taking Benadryl. I continue taking the
Zantac, And I still have acid indigestion, and heartburn. Do you have an
opinion?
Answer Yes... I don't think all the diagnosis/issues have been identified. It is not that common to obstruct after a gall bladder removed and the GI specialist should look for other causes of the elevated liver functions also, like viral hepatitis or scar tissue or a tumor pressing on the bile duct or other problems. So basically, you need to get back to the GI specialist and make sure they have checked you for all appropriate possible diagnosis'
