Hello Dr. Baillie, I am a 8 year post-cholecystectomy patient.  I began experiencing an intolerance to narcotic pain  killers 6-8 months after my gallbladder was removed.  Anytime I would take codeine or any other narcotic drug, I would get the most horrible pains in my upper gastric area right in between my ribcage. The pain radiates throughout my back. I also get very nauseous and sometimes have a bout with diarrhea afterwards.  I ve noticed that the last couple of spasms began after I started having a feeling of emptiness or hollow sensation in my stomach? So I ve been able to somewhat predict when the pain would strike and plan to be at home for most of that day :-(   I thought that the other trigger for these pains (they start like contractions because the pain or tightening sensation builds before it s at it s worst) was high fatty foods.  So I altogether avoided fatty foods.  I ve lost 35 lbs. since last year.  Whereas the pains or spasms were coming very rarely, only in an instance where I ate a high fat meal or taken a med that caused the onset of symptoms ( once a year) now I am having spasms every month!  They appear to happen 1-10 days before my  menstruation cycle starts.  I am 40 years old and do not drink or smoke.  I do not have any other health problems.  I just want my life back. I feel like my gastronomic issues just escalated after the gall bladder removal.  I can t travel or spend meaningful time with my family because I never know when a spasm will hit.  My doc just completed a colonoscopy, small bowel follow, CT scans, xrays and all tests are normal including my blood tests.  I have not been given an ultrasound.  Is that unusual?  The issue appears to be undetectable!  I had another spasm and had to call my GI doctor and beg for something to treat or prevent these horrible spasms.  His nurse called in Bentyl.  I am steadily dropping weight and my family is very concerned about me.  Please help me to get my life back!!! I am looking for a different doctor in Durham, NC that can help me find some answers.  If not in Durham, I will even come to Winston-Salem to be seen in your clinic.  You don t know how much I need and appreciation your help.  :-) Warmest Regards, Rhonda