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What Causes Swelling In Abdomen After A Gall Bladder Surgery?
Question: Hi. I've had a gallbladder surgery in April 2014. Since then I've not felt well. I've had blood work done and was told: my iron is elevated (have to stay away from red meat), Had endoscopy done and was told: The acid in my stomach is elevated. Took pills and it helped but after 3 months I feel the acid is back. I've had MRI,Sonogram & other tests done and everything seems fine. For the last 2 weeks my stomach swells (especially lower abdomen). It is very uncomfortable for I feel pressure like I have to go to the bathroom.
Additionally, I feel pain on my left side. It hurts for about 2 minutes and then goes away. I am bloated every day.
My gastroenterologist said that that I have bacteria in my stomach and prescribed 2 week treatment with 8 antibiotics a day. I was worried these antibiotics will do a number on my liver but my insurance does not cover this medication so I don't know what can be done instead.
Someone please help?
Additionally, I feel pain on my left side. It hurts for about 2 minutes and then goes away. I am bloated every day.
My gastroenterologist said that that I have bacteria in my stomach and prescribed 2 week treatment with 8 antibiotics a day. I was worried these antibiotics will do a number on my liver but my insurance does not cover this medication so I don't know what can be done instead.
Someone please help?
Brief Answer:
Complete the course and add follow the guidelines.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
After reading carefully, I could get few points:
GB Surgery in March 2014- not feeling well since then - iron - Endoscopy - Tests including MRI normal.
2 weeks- lower stomach swells and feeling pressure like have to go to bathroom -
Left sided pain which lasts for 2 minutes- Gastroenterologist - antibiotic not covered under insurance - what can be done. ..
After studying the facts, I can guess that your problems can be due to following reasons:
After the gall bladder is removed, the bile flows continuously in the intestinal tract, a part can flow back to stomach to cause gastritis (so called increased acid production). It is normal to have acid in the stomach and has its own function.
Since there is no gall bladder the function of concentrated bile being admixed in the first part of the intestine on stomach emptying into it is not possible and hence some patients do feel many Gastrointestinal disturbances.
As said by your Gastroenterologist, there is a possibility of bacterial infection since some of your symptoms have started only 2 weeks back.
I would advise you the following:
Complete the course of antibiotics your Gastroenterologist has advised;
You can add Probiotic and activated charcoal tablets.
Avoid fatty, fried foods (you may not be already taking).
Low fat diet as the bile available is less.
Small frequent feeds, like the whole daily requirement of food to be taken in 4 divided parts- Breakfast- Lunch - evening breakfast - dinner spaces nicely.
Avoid all the foods and beverages which you must have observed by this time to cause you more problems.
No aerated drinks;
No late nights food,
Walk around after food.
Avoid stress and anxiety, one of the additional reasons for bloating.
AZO and feeling like have to go to bathroom. If AZO (Phenazopyridine) has to help, it helps in the initial 4 dosage. If it is not helping beyond 4 dosage you may stop it. Avoid iron as you are already doing.
I have tried my best to answer your queries and some tips our patients are helped with, may help you too..
Thank you.
Complete the course and add follow the guidelines.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.
After reading carefully, I could get few points:
GB Surgery in March 2014- not feeling well since then - iron - Endoscopy - Tests including MRI normal.
2 weeks- lower stomach swells and feeling pressure like have to go to bathroom -
Left sided pain which lasts for 2 minutes- Gastroenterologist - antibiotic not covered under insurance - what can be done. ..
After studying the facts, I can guess that your problems can be due to following reasons:
After the gall bladder is removed, the bile flows continuously in the intestinal tract, a part can flow back to stomach to cause gastritis (so called increased acid production). It is normal to have acid in the stomach and has its own function.
Since there is no gall bladder the function of concentrated bile being admixed in the first part of the intestine on stomach emptying into it is not possible and hence some patients do feel many Gastrointestinal disturbances.
As said by your Gastroenterologist, there is a possibility of bacterial infection since some of your symptoms have started only 2 weeks back.
I would advise you the following:
Complete the course of antibiotics your Gastroenterologist has advised;
You can add Probiotic and activated charcoal tablets.
Avoid fatty, fried foods (you may not be already taking).
Low fat diet as the bile available is less.
Small frequent feeds, like the whole daily requirement of food to be taken in 4 divided parts- Breakfast- Lunch - evening breakfast - dinner spaces nicely.
Avoid all the foods and beverages which you must have observed by this time to cause you more problems.
No aerated drinks;
No late nights food,
Walk around after food.
Avoid stress and anxiety, one of the additional reasons for bloating.
AZO and feeling like have to go to bathroom. If AZO (Phenazopyridine) has to help, it helps in the initial 4 dosage. If it is not helping beyond 4 dosage you may stop it. Avoid iron as you are already doing.
I have tried my best to answer your queries and some tips our patients are helped with, may help you too..
Thank you.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Answered by
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