IBS/Gallbladder removal

jlhcrh3

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put this, and I'm sorry if it's not.

Let me give you some background before I ask my question.

I have had stomach pains and other stomach/intestinal issues since I was in 4th grade. They had me try all sorts of things like cutting out dairy, etc. and testing for diabetes, and none of it worked. They figured I was making it all up. So years later and many doctor visits later, they just said, Well you have IBS. No information or tips or anything. Then finally in high school I was referred to a GI specialist. He examined me once, and said yes it must be IBS and acid reflux. I had an upper endoscopy (which came back good) and was put on 2 different meds. No other examinations or anything. Then last year (right before memorial day weekend) I started having the worst pain I'd ever had, and I just dealt with it because I knew if I went to the doctor, they'd say it was just a regular stomach ache i was making up or something. Well a few days later I was in so much pain my dad finally convinced me to go to the ER. Ended up, I had a gallbladder FULL of gallstones, and terribly infected. I had it removed, and was out of the hospital in a few days. But ever since then, my stomach problems have gotten worse, I think.

So here is my question:

Is there anyone with IBS or that has had trouble after gallbladder surgery, but found relief by a certain diet, or losing weight, or anything? Any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

jlhcrh3

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to put this, and I'm sorry if it's not.

Let me give you some background before I ask my question.

I have had stomach pains and other stomach/intestinal issues since I was in 4th grade. They had me try all sorts of things like cutting out dairy, etc. and testing for diabetes, and none of it worked. They figured I was making it all up. So years later and many doctor visits later, they just said, Well you have IBS. No information or tips or anything. Then finally in high school I was referred to a GI specialist. He examined me once, and said yes it must be IBS and acid reflux. I had an upper endoscopy (which came back good) and was put on 2 different meds. No other examinations or anything. Then last year (right before memorial day weekend) I started having the worst pain I'd ever had, and I just dealt with it because I knew if I went to the doctor, they'd say it was just a regular stomach ache i was making up or something. Well a few days later I was in so much pain my dad finally convinced me to go to the ER. Ended up, I had a gallbladder FULL of gallstones, and terribly infected. I had it removed, and was out of the hospital in a few days. But ever since then, my stomach problems have gotten worse, I think.

So here is my question:

Is there anyone with IBS or that has had trouble after gallbladder surgery, but found relief by a certain diet, or losing weight, or anything? Any info would be helpful.

Thanks!

ngwife4life

I have to tell you - I have a similar story! Only my problems started when I got into high school and they figured the stress of all AP classes was too much and was triggering IBS. I had my gallbladder out in 2007 and it took me a good year before I felt like I could eat normally. I still have to watch it with eating fatty stuff and now that I've started really changing my eating habits, just one slice of pizza can make me feel like complete crap. Why kind of foods trigger your problems or are you unsure? Sorry I'm not much help but just wanted you to know that you're not alone and it DOES get better!!! :flowerforyou:

jlhcrh3

Well, I was told after my surgery to avoid fatty foods, and I do try. I have noticed after eating them that I feel awful. but I also randomly feel really bad. Thats what's so frustrating is I'm afraid to go places because I don't know what my stomach will do. It was doing better, but yesterday and today it has been bothering me. Granted, not as bad as before my "lifestyle change", but it's still really bothersome! When you started eating healthier did it get any better over time?

erikazj

Hello

You might also find this thread interesting:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/52545-digestive-trouble

I think if it has been suggested to you to avoid fatty foods and you feel worse after eating them, it may be best to try and avoid them as much as you can. I've had IBS for years and it can be an awful thing, although I don't know about the gall bladder thing I'm afraid (one of the things I was tested for, but didn't have fortunately). I have found that keeping a food diary can really show what triggers things off - stuff you might not even think of.

I would say go back to your doc and ask for advice on what you should be eating, or see whether he can refer you to a dietician.

Good luck with it, I hope you feel better soon.

Erika x

renae77

I hope you do start to feeling better. I also had lots of problems with my stomach and was told it was acid reflux for over a year. I knew it wasn't acid reflux that was causing me all the pain I was having. I had to complain constantly to get sent to a specialist. I also had lots of gall stones but since my gall bladder removal I have felt tremendously better. I do also have acid reflux but it isn't bad enough to stay on prescription drugs. I take OTC meds for acid reflux and try to stay away from extremely fatty foods so I don't feel the need to run to the bathroom right after eating. Good luck to you and I hope you find out soon what is causing your troubles.