The symptoms described in the article were very similar to what I experienced shortly after the birth of my daughter. I delivered via C-section and returned home after four days in hospital. I didn’t feel very good but attributed it to my first experience with a C-section and all that goes with it; however, the pain worsened. I called the hospital and the nurses there assured me it was just constipation caused by the surgery, and that I should take a laxative to get things moving. After doing that, I still felt awful — even worse than before — with sharp pains under my right ribs that made me double over in pain. My husband decided I needed to go to the hospital emergency room.

I spent the next three days in hospital undergoing several blood tests, x-rays and more. I was also seen by a gastroenterologist and my OB/Gyn. They thought I had a blood clot in my lung but when tests showed that wasn’t the case, they decided I had gallstones. Testing revealed I didn’t have gallstones so I was then told I needed a nuclear test to check the function of my gallbladder. It showed I still didn’t have gallstones but the gallbladder was barely functioning. I was scheduled for removal surgery. Shortly afterwards the surgeon came to check on me and told me that I had one of the worst looking gallbladders he had ever seen.

Thanks to my experience when my mother-in-law had a similar experience a few years later, we were able to figure out the problem sooner. She didn’t have to suffer the way I did. I hope you choose to print my letter because I know it will help others. I am thankful I had caring knowledgeable physicians who didn’t give up just because the answer wasn’t staring them in the face.

DEAR READER:
You are certainly correct that not all gallbladder pain is caused by gallstones. Your physicians and hospital staff were correct to continue testing you rather than simply giving up. You also were able to help another person when she developed similar symptoms.

I have printed your letter in the hopes that it will help others who may be suffering from similar experiences. Gallbladder removal often does not cause ill effects although some people may experience mild aching or gas pains similar to a gallbladder attack even after surgery. Fortunately, most improve after a few weeks.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Gallbladder Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

About 20 years ago I had gallbladder removal surgery. It caused my bowel movements to be very irregular. While reading an old folk medicine book written by Dr. Jarvis one day, I came across a simple remedy. The doctor told to simply drink a mug of hot water one half hour before breakfast every day.

Figuring it harmless and at worst would fill my bladder a little faster, I decided to try it. I could immediately feel the water emptying my stomach of the contents from the night before. Within just a few days I was completely regulated. It was amazing.

I told my doctor of this simple remedy and he said it was one of the best. When I asked why no one ever mentions it, he responded that most patients, and doctors, feel that it is too easy. I guess in today’s society, medication is king and cheap and easy just isn’t good enough anymore.

DEAR READER:
This is novel remedy I had nearly forgotten about until your letter arrived on my desk. The action of the hot water works to speed sluggish digestion similarly to how warmed apple or prune juices do. Perhaps the key is simply the temperature of the liquid and the time it is consumed.

Other simple remedies include eating prunes, increasing fiber intake by consuming more whole grains or using Metamucil, using stool softeners or laxatives sparingly or using over-the-counter products such as Digestive Advantage for Constipation.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Gallbladder Disease”, “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “Constipation and Diarrhea”. Other readers who would like copies should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 per report to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Apparently it had shrunk since they couldn’t find it. What caused this? Is it bad? Is it necessary to have a gallbladder? Did mine disappear because it was no longer needed? Should I be taking some kind of treatment to replace the function of the organ?

DEAR READER:
I cannot tell you why your gallbladder has shrunk or disappeared. Perhaps it was never there or you had it removed during another surgery. The cause is unknown but chances are it has been that way for a while.

The gallbladder is an organ that holds bile before it is moved into the small intestine. Bile is a greenish brown substance that aids absorption of nutrients. Removal of the gallbladder does not usually lead to adverse effects but is only done on individuals who experience gallstones or sludge that cause pain and symptoms.

If you are truly concerned about your missing gallbladder, I recommend you talk to your primary care physician. He or she can review your medical records and find out if you had gallbladder removal surgery or refer to you to a specialist for further testing.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Gallbladder Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

Within 30 minutes after eating, I have a spasm in my side (where the gallbladder was), feel a pinching sensation and then have the urge to have a bowel movement (BM). The first five or six hours of nearly every day are spent running back and forth to the bathroom. Often the first BM is normal but as the day progresses they look like dark sand mixed with liquid.

I have had several tests done throughout the past four years but no one seems to be able to pin point the case. During one test, I was told there were two spots caused by the staples from the surgery.

I am in constant pain and suffer from infections at least once every two months. I cannot lie on my back at all and if I am on my right side for too long my incision site starts to hurt and develops a heavy feeling. I feel as though something is going to burst in the right side of my lower chest. I was given morphine for the pain but don’t like it. I have real pain and no one to turn to for help. My doctor and the operating surgeon haven’t done anything for me other than antibiotics when I develop an infection. I just want to feel better. Please help.

DEAR READER:
I urge you to seek a second opinion from a gastroenterologist. A new look at the situation with fresh eyes may reveal something that the other physicians have missed. It is possible that your problem is coming from the staples themselves or there may be painful “sludge“ that became trapped in the area of surgery.

Because you do not specify what tests you have had I cannot comment about what you have had done. However, I believe it in your best interest to have a colonoscopy if you have not already to ensure that you do not have a physical cause for your chronic diarrhea such as polyps or cancer. The new gastroenterologist may wish to order additional testing to assess proper bowel functioning.

I recommend that you try taking an anti-diarrheal medication such as Imodium or Digestive Advantage to reduce your frequency. This will not only improve your quality of life, it may also reduce your chances of developing another infection. You may also wish to add more fiber to your diet, such as Metamucil which will bulk up your stools making them more solid.

To give you related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports “Gallbladder Disease” and “Constipation and Diarrhea”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 (per report) to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title(s).

Can you give me any insight into this phenomenon?

DEAR READER: Your experience appears to be common among individuals who have had gallbladder removal surgery. In fact is it so common it has been titled postcholecystectomy syndrome. It occurs in 5-40% of all patients following gallbladder removal.

Symptoms may include persistent upper right abdomen pain, gas, bloating, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. Diarrhea from this disorder can be eased by taking the medication cholestyramine.

Pain that persists should be followed up with your gastroenterologist to ensure that another condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, or sludge in the bile duct are not to blame.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Gallbladder Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.