QuestionI had my gallbladder taken out about 10 weeks ago. I had colon cancer surgery last year and, while recuperating, kept going back into my local hospital with stomach problems (I had a temporary colostomy bag) and eating problems. The doctors here said it was my gallbladder and pancreatitis causing it - caused ultimately by my lupus. Anyway, my lupus dr. thought something to do with my stomach was perhaps blocking the medication so wanted me to see my local GI - and the first thing they wanted to do was take out my gallbladder (although I have had no problems in the past year since my cancer surgery).
My problem? For the last 10 weeks, I have had diarrhea after ANYTHING I eat or drink - even water! This does create a REAL problem as my MS (which I also have) makes me have bowel incontinence - so I am extremely insecure and linked closely to my bathroom. I have gone back to my local surgeon but all he said was I needed to watch closely what I eat and determine what causes the diarrhea. Well....EVERYTHING causes it! There is nothing I can eat that does not make me run to the bathroom - and usually immediately after I eat - especially if it is any amount of food at all. Needless to say, I have lost about 18 pounds since my surgery and 8 of those were in the last two weeks (from one appt. in Houston to the next - which caused them great concern). Is this normal? I know that nothing can be "sticking" as it doesn't have time. First of all, I have very little appetite (a conditioned reaction, I think) and then, if I should eat any amount at all, I go to the bathroom for the next couple of hours - at least. My bottom hurts all the time and I feel rotten and lethargic, too.
I can't believe everyone goes through this after this type of surgery. I have heard every kind of story but inevitably, I am told that is "normal" after gallbladder surgery! If so, as many people that have had it, it would seem that the world should be full of skinny people!
Should I see another dr. about this? I know this cannot be good for my system - with all my autoimmune disorders, especially.
Thanks!
AnswerHi Linda,
Diarrhea is common after gallbladder surgery, but this has been going on too long and the weight loss is a definite concern. There are medications that will slow he diarrhea. Ask your surgeon about them. if you don't get satifaction, then I would see a Gastroenterologist for the diarrhea issue. The chronic diarrhea is serious as you can loose electrolytes which can lead to other serious complications.
