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What Causes Discomfort In Left Flank And Back Area Post Gall Bladder Removal?

Posted on Wed, 27 May 2015

Question: Hello! I have a concern with a stomach issue I have been dealing with for about 3-4 days now. I have had my gallbladder removed about 6 months ago but my discomfort is stemming mostly from the left flank into my back (the back pain can sometimes radiate into my neck and right side a little) and left front to mid front. Sometimes the pain will extend down my left arm to my elbow. My stomach and abdominal is bloated some and there is tenderness and a mild soreness feeling in the front part of my stomach and a burning, gnawing feeling in my abdominal area (mostly my left side). I also have some neck stiffness and mild headaches and a little trouble with heavy mucuous the more I eat. I haven't had a real problem like this since before I had my GB out. I had recently dealt with extreme stress and had ate some high fat food to deal with stress when normally I eat lean meat eat high fat in moderation and that is when this came about. I have a history of chronic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, GERD, a hiatal hernia, and before I had my GB surgery, I had one blood test show that my pancreatic enzymes were slightly off but were corrected after two days with eating a low fat diet. I am not feeling sick but just maybe a little nauseous in the morning that goes away mostly during the day. I have been taking sucralfate prescribed by my doctor as directed four times a day and it seems to be helping some, I also take omeprazole 40mg and I have an appointment scheduled but I just thought I would gain more insight since this worries me a little. Thank you for your time and help!

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post Cholecystectomy Syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in
Most GI symptoms that you have described can be attributed to high fat dies which is not easily digested after removal of gall bladder

The other symptoms are surely related to your stress

I would suggest you manage your stress levels, avoid fatty, fermented and spicy meals

Take Omeprazole with domperidone twice a day before breakfast and before dinner for a minimum of two weeks and taper it down to once a day for another 4 weeks or so

Take a good probiotic for two weeks and continue sucralfate

Hope this helps
DO write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (2 days later)

Thank you for your answer! I greatly appreciate your time but I just had one more concern. I am also experiencing some constipation (which I probably guess are from the med I am taking) but when I do go, my stool is mostly a yellow color with a little green and white discoloration and a foul odor. It also hurts a little in the front pelvic region when I go too. I don't mean to be too graphic but this was just another concern that I was having. I am also having some back stiffness on the left side radiating into the back of my neck and have a little bit of trouble swallowing certain things like water. I can only sip it slow. I figured this is probably constipation too or my hernia. Thank you again for your time!

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems more of collitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in again
I would suggest you get your stool examined
It could be because of collitis or secondary to inadequate digestion

Anyways a probiotic advised will help resolve the situation

Back stiffness and difficulty in swallowing has nothing to do with gall bladder surgery nor with constipation

If there is serious difficulty in swallowing go for an upper GI Endoscopy

Hope this helps
Wishing you a healthy life ahead

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj