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Posted 8/16/2012 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello again, folks. While I have worried a lot about my PC situation, I can sure see how so many patients die with PC, not from it.

Anyway, you may recall that in February, I had gall bladder surgery. It turned out to be extremely serious as the gb was necrotic/gangrenous. I was in the hospital a few days, but made an uneventful recovery.

Starting a few months ago, I noticed bowel movements were a little smaller. Starting August first, I've been having some constipation problems (regular small bowel movements, but not quite doing the job). Meanwhile, I am getting increased pains/pressure in the upper abdominal area. This is continuing 24/7. I am also generally not feeling well. I have no appetite, due to the bloating/pressure. I'm not sure what is going on. There is no back pain.

My GI doctor is very hard to get in to see. She ordered a gastric emptying test, but has not even seen me. The test is scheduled for Friday next week, but I'm not even sure I'll do that without seeing a doctor. I have a call in to my surgeon, too.

Frustrating.

Mel

 

Posted 8/16/2012 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Gall bladder surgery messes you up; it disrupts digestion; bile is hell. Google around. Docs underestimate the problem.



Believe it or not, I found that cirtrucel made all the difference in the world. A lot of people report the same.
Posted 8/16/2012 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

I would do the test if the doctor feels it is needed. She is just trying to get all the information up front. It is a valid test for them to do.

Just had a discussion with a GI doc about that sort of thing. Citrucel / fiber seems to be a standard suggestion.

Having suffered some ugly colo-rectal issues, I speak from experience. Don't just ignore the symptoms. If there is a problem, it will only get worse unless dealt with.

Posted 8/16/2012 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Nt ignoring it. Just frustrated that it is so difficult to see my GI doc

Mel

Posted 8/16/2012 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear you're still having problems there. I am about three out from my gallbladder removal and still get pains around the area. Nothing so bad that it needs to be checked out but I do mention it to my doctor from time to time.

I've found that my bowel pattern has changed, a lot. Constipation is just one of the joys. I still maintain a low fat high fiber diet and that helps but I've not had a problem like your describing.

It is frustrating not to get the time with the doctor you want. I hope can get the attention you need and they can figure out what is going on.

All the best,
Andrew
Posted 8/16/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Just trying to make a point. I was not aggressive enough in dealing with some colon problems, and wound up in a hospital, in a country whose language I did not speak, with doctors who spoke very little English, and no financial coverage for the treatments. I had to be drugged out for the 23 hour plane trip home. Ten was the start of my pain scale, not one.

I used "ignore", but probably should have said "don't take lightly", or "do the test and get to the appointment".

 

Posted 8/16/2012 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

If you know or can find out if your doc is on call at a hospital, sometimes you can be seen at ER, and get to see the DR., or at least they will give you an earlier appt.

Just a thought.

I can honestly say I have never missed my gall bladder in any tangible way. Every thing works the way it did. Hope they yanked the correct organ.

Goodlife
Posted 8/16/2012 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
I called my surgeon and his PA called me back,

She is pereplexed because I had no problems until this month. The surgery was in February.

She will be ordering some blood work and an ultrasound. I'd rather do that for starters.

Mel

Posted 8/16/2012 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Mel, Sorry you are having problems. Did you ever have diverticulitis? I used to have abdominal pain and feeling bloated. It turned out to be diverticulitis.
Posted 8/16/2012 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Never had divert.

I thought the pain for that is only on the left side. My pain moves and the bloating/pressure is throughout.

Mel

Posted 8/16/2012 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

Sorry you are having problems, after my niece had her gallbladder removed a few months out she started having the same pain as when she had gallstones...The Dr. found that the ducts where the gallbladder had been removed were clogged. They cleared them and the pain and bloating and constipation were gone....You may want to have that checked.
Posted 8/16/2012 9:57 PM (GMT 0)
I'm hoping the ultrasound gives a clue.

I might have to do a CT Scan of the abdomen.

I don't want to do that because I have had enough x-rays.

On the other hand, it is 8 months since my last scan, so I'll soon be due for that anyway

Mel

Posted 8/16/2012 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
blood tests and an ultrasound sound like a good place to start.

Hope they figure it out for you soon.
Posted 8/17/2012 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Sorry to hear about your health issues. Man... if it ain't one thing it's another, huh?

Hope you get this resolved quickly. My experience was like Goodlife's; I never missed my gall bladder.

But keep the faith, baby. There are a lot of simple things that could be causing your distress. Hope they get you fixed up soon.

Jonathan
Posted 8/17/2012 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. VERY frustrating because I finally got a reprieve from the monthly PSA anxiety and now this.
I had no problems when my gb was removed, but I am surmising that the current problem is related. Heck, this may just be a nasty case of constipation, but very weird.

Mel
Posted 8/17/2012 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Mel,

Sorry to hear you are having to deal with this.

I had extremely similar symptoms after I had my gallbladder removed 2 years ago.

I felt like it was the same pain as before it was removed. As it turns out, the pain which was under my sternum and right below, turned out to be silent GERD. The endoscope showed several areas of minor erosion in my esophagus due to stomach acid. Not big on having to take medicine for it, but it is simple enough to keep it under control.

Sure do miss a bloody mary though! :)
Posted 8/17/2012 7:40 AM (GMT 0)
Mel, my husband had his Gall Bladder taken out 3 years ago.  Recently, he went to the emergency room three times in July (total of 20 days) and has Diverticulitis.  Nothing he did would get rid of the intense pain.  July 24, he had 2 feet of his colon taken out.  Ron's surgery was quite serious but the doctor says he will soon be able to return to a more regular diet.  Tomatoes is on his forbidden list.

I wish you the very best with this major health concern!  It's not fun.  Please keep us posted.

Peace,

Aimzee

Posted 8/19/2012 8:55 PM (GMT 0)
Just updating. I'm no better, actually worse as I am unable to eat much. Just always full, bloated, nauseas, and mostly very small BMs. My guess is this is some kind of adhesions and some kind of partial bowel obstruction. Had blood tests and ultrasound Friday.

I have meetings at work all day tomorrow. My energy is low. No appetite whatsoever. This sounds a lot like what David is experiencing , but without the back pain.

I doubt if this is PC related. But it might be related to a February gall bladder surgery.

Mel
Posted 8/20/2012 12:30 AM (GMT 0)
Mel and David,

Please keep us updated on your situations and hoping for the best for both of you.

BOOGEE
Posted 8/20/2012 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
Ultrasound and blood work were all perfectly normal.

Mixed emotions. Don;t want to find anything bad, but I'm still miserable.

I asked about doing a flat screen simple x-ray, as that is what is often done to dx. a bowel obstruction.

They will get back to me and will also call the GI office as they feel I should be seen (this is from the surgeon's office).

Mel

Posted 8/20/2012 8:52 PM (GMT 0)
Mel,

You are a lot farther down the road than I am post SRT, but my bowels are all over the map, from loose to tight.

I am wondering if your problems aren't SE's from RT.

Goodlife
Posted 8/20/2012 10:07 PM (GMT 0)
Goid:

Could be.

Just don't know what is going on.

Hope I don't end up with a colonoscopy!

Mel

Posted 8/20/2012 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Mel. as you mentioned, don't rule out adhesions.....I suffered thru 20 small bowel obstructions.....and 7 emergency hospitalizations  from 2005 - 2011. I saw doctor after doctor...did so many tests that I couldn't keep track of all of them......it was finally determined to be adhesion caused.....it took several years trying to find a surgeon who would help.....I had 5 different surgical consults....none of the docs wanted to operate...too much risk, blah, blah ,blah...in the meantime I was afraid to do anything  not knowing when the next attack was coming. In Mar 2011 I finally found a qualified surgeon....did a full open surgery....took down tons of adhesions.Now a year later I get to worry about the cancer again.

Terry

Posted 8/28/2012 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Just an update. Pain has worsened and very little in the way of BMs. Nothing moves.

Very frustrating.

I still have no clue what this is. Could be adhesions or some blockage. I guess it could be PC, but I think that would be down on the list since it usually travels to bones.

No appetite and gut seems swollen somewhat.

Very similar to David's description.

Will see my family doctor tomorrow as I can't get in to see my GI.

Started work today and that went great, but I have a feeling a hospital visit is in my near future.

Mel

Posted 8/28/2012 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Mel, this is so obvious I hate to bring it up, but how's your diet? Are you getting plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits? Apples, prunes, and so forth. Lots of fber. I imagine you've already considered this is a possibility, but thought I'd mention it.
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