Hida Scan No Gallbladder found

I just had my Hida scan yesterday and was told my gallbladder couldn't be found. so now waiting on the doctors to call me and tell me what comes next. Any advice on foods I should eat to start prepping, I know they will probably say surgery and I want to be able to take minimal time out of work.

How long eta should I be out of work?

Im nervous. I know its a common surgery, but you never know
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Replies

  • meridianova
    meridianova Posts: 438 Member
    if the scan said you had no gallbladder... are they doing surgery to put it back?
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I just had my Hida scan yesterday and was told my gallbladder couldn't be found. so now waiting on the doctors to call me and tell me what comes next. Any advice on foods I should eat to start prepping, I know they will probably say surgery and I want to be able to take minimal time out of work.

    How long eta should I be out of work?

    Im nervous. I know its a common surgery, but you never know

    Um what?! I'm legit confused on what you're prepping for.

    Don't change anything until there's something to change.
  • FredDoyle
    FredDoyle Posts: 2,273 Member
    if the scan said you had no gallbladder... are they doing surgery to put it back?
    Uh, ya. Perhaps they meant diminished function?...
  • darkguardian419
    darkguardian419 Posts: 1,302 Member
    What?

    I mean, I've lost my keys, or my phone... but a gallbladder? How do you misplace that?
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    I'm sure the doctors will get this figured out. On the bright side it could be worse than a missing gallbladder.

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  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    if the scan said you had no gallbladder... are they doing surgery to put it back?
    Or surgery to find it?

    OP, not trying to be a smartie, but maybe you don't remember having it taken out as a kid?
  • skippygirlsmom
    skippygirlsmom Posts: 4,433 Member
    I'll assume they want to remove your gallbladder because it's no functioning properly. I had my removed years ago and I could have gone back to work a few days later. The only thing that hurt was my chest from the gas they used during surgery. I started to walk around the hospital about an hour after I got back from recovery to move the gas along and get rid of it, once it was gone I was ready to leave. My doctor wrote me out of work for 2 weeks, but I honestly didn't need it, so I spend 2 weeks laying on the beach LOL

    The big things I cut down on were fats and caffeine, he also told me to eat smaller meals (6 meals a days) instead of 3 bigger ones. It's been about 18 years and I haven't had any trouble at all.
  • Cliffslosinit
    Cliffslosinit Posts: 5,044 Member
    If anything special needs to be done, diet, etc.
    You Doctor will tell you...if not ask him.
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  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    My brother has 6 wisdom teeth and 4 extra arteries. It was determined that he was supposed to be a twin. :laugh: Maybe your unborn twin ate your gallbladder in the womb.
  • TheBigFb
    TheBigFb Posts: 649 Member
    Gallstones right?
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  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    I've heard of people being born without a gallbladder, but now I'm genuinely curious as to why you would need surgery. If you have a gall bladder and it isn't working right, then there is often surgery to remove it. But I've never heard of someone receiving a transplanted gall bladder.

    Perhaps the OP can clarify, but I'm thinking this is a question for your doctor who already knows what is going on and should know how to treat it.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    So if your gallbladder couldn't be found that means it's blocked right? So they'll be removing it?

    If you aren't having any complications or digestive issues now, there's nothing to prepare for until the day before surgery. You'll have to fast a certain number of hours before the surgery, I'm sure. Until then, if you aren't having any problems with the way you're currently eating then don't worry about it. Many people have issues with fats when they have gallbladder issues so eating a very low fat diet helps them.

    I had my gallbladder out in late 2010 because I had one very large stone that was visible with the naked eye in an X-ray. Since it was never coming out on its own, and my grandmother had had her gallbladder burst on her for the same reason, my gastroenterologist decided the gallbladder needed to come out. Until that gallstone was found, while looking for something else entirely, I had no indications that I had a problem with it. No food issues, no pain. I didn't change anything before the surgery, and after the surgery things didn't change much, either. I can still eat fatty or fried foods without any problems but then, I don't usually eat a lot of them at one sitting anyway.
  • bane0317
    bane0317 Posts: 60 Member
    When I was having pain from my gallbladder it was determined that it was not functioning correctly - ejection fraction near single digits. My doctor advised me to go on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast). Since it took over two months to properly diagnose and schedule surgery to remove I found that as long as I stayed below 10% fat it didn't act up. Getting my gallbladder out really helped me.

    That being said however, my husband had similar issues but getting his out was one of the worst things he has ever done. We had different surgeons due to mine retiring. He suffers from post-gallbladder syndrome and his digestion is nothing like it used to be. He suffers from severe IBS-D with bad stomach cramps. He has often said he would rather have the mild pain and nausea back. One Gastroenterologist he has seen said that doctors are finding out that a percentage of people are better off dealing with symptoms vs. having it removed. Not trying to scare you but want you to have different perspectives.
  • kefryar
    kefryar Posts: 77 Member
    I just had my Hida scan yesterday and was told my gallbladder couldn't be found. so now waiting on the doctors to call me and tell me what comes next. Any advice on foods I should eat to start prepping, I know they will probably say surgery and I want to be able to take minimal time out of work.

    How long eta should I be out of work?

    Im nervous. I know its a common surgery, but you never know

    Assuming they couldn't find your gallbladder because it's covered up with a lot of scar tissue which is common with gallbladder issues?
  • T1DCarnivoreRunner
    T1DCarnivoreRunner Posts: 11,502 Member
    I just had my Hida scan yesterday and was told my gallbladder couldn't be found. so now waiting on the doctors to call me and tell me what comes next. Any advice on foods I should eat to start prepping, I know they will probably say surgery and I want to be able to take minimal time out of work.

    How long eta should I be out of work?

    Im nervous. I know its a common surgery, but you never know

    Assuming they couldn't find your gallbladder because it's covered up with a lot of scar tissue which is common with gallbladder issues?

    The Hida scan uses tracers that travel with bile, and imaging similar to an MRI. I would think that the tracers can be seen through scar tissue, and so if the liver cannot release bile into the gall bladder, then they wouldn't see it because the tracers are not there (in the gall bladder). If that is the case (the liver cannot release bile into the gall bladder), then that is a whole different problem.

    Ultimately, I think we are all still unclear regarding the OP's situation and question. Also, it is something she really needs to talk with her doctor to understand.

    My experience: Several years ago, I started having gall bladder flare-ups that were extremely painful and would last hours. These would happen once every month or 2. They did an ultra-sound and found no gall-stones, but a lot of sludge. I tried a gallbladder purge diet that I found - basically fasted for several hours to start on an empty stomach. Then drank straight lemon juice (acid to break down sludge further) and extra virgin olive oil (lubricant to ease passage) alternating every 15 min. I can't remember the quantities, but I didn't make it for much more than an hour because olive oil just tastes awful. This is something I found online and it was supposed to last 4 hours, but even after not much more than an hour, it worked enough to stop further problems. I haven't had a flare-up in 4 years.
  • SkepticalOwl
    SkepticalOwl Posts: 223 Member
    Usually this means acute inflammation of the gall bladder, sometimes requiring surgery. That's why the OP is asking about prepping.

    OP, you should be asking your doctors these questions, not an internet forum.
  • JennDoesKeto
    JennDoesKeto Posts: 244 Member
    ok sorry to not be so clear on my OP

    Had the HIDA scan done, after an hour no trace, after two hours no trace, after three hours no trace of the injected radio active dye. Hence they couldnt find my gallbladder (her words not mine). I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday to discuss surgery.

    I trust my doctor and this surgeon he had removed a tumor off my back last year when no one else would touch it as it never came up on scans.

    My question was to find what others have typically done prior to surgery to prep if they have had this surgery done to remove the gallbladder.

    Im currently on watch as Im in danger of it bursting and if I have any issues I have to immediatly go to the ER. This is why I asked if there was anything reccomended to others Pre surgery, just in case I want to be prepared. Food wise.
  • Zerodette
    Zerodette Posts: 200 Member
    Ask your doctor, not a bunch of strangers on the web who have no idea what a hida scan is or what the results mean. Coming to a place like this for support is fine, but not advice. You want advice you can actually trust.
  • pepperpat64
    pepperpat64 Posts: 423 Member
    ok sorry to not be so clear on my OP

    Had the HIDA scan done, after an hour no trace, after two hours no trace, after three hours no trace of the injected radio active dye. Hence they couldnt find my gallbladder (her words not mine). I have an appointment with a surgeon on Friday to discuss surgery.

    I trust my doctor and this surgeon he had removed a tumor off my back last year when no one else would touch it as it never came up on scans.

    My question was to find what others have typically done prior to surgery to prep if they have had this surgery done to remove the gallbladder.

    Im currently on watch as Im in danger of it bursting and if I have any issues I have to immediatly go to the ER. This is why I asked if there was anything reccomended to others Pre surgery, just in case I want to be prepared. Food wise.

    As others have said, that's a question only your doctor can answer. I'm surprised he didn't give you a list of pre- and post-op instructions.
  • GothyFaery
    GothyFaery Posts: 762 Member
    When I had surgery a few months ago, I was told a lower sodium diet would help with feeling sick right after waking and also would help the recovery process... I didn't listen because I like my sodium and everything came out fine.
  • JennDoesKeto
    JennDoesKeto Posts: 244 Member
    ok so coming here to ask what others were told prior to surgery is a bad thing? wow just wow.

    to think I actually thought I could get others experiences to get an idea of what I am in for.

    Thank you to those who actually responded kindly.

    To those who keep saying talk to your doctor, yeah am doing that Friday (see previous post), wanted to kind of find out other experiences I like to be prepared for things.
  • pepperpat64
    pepperpat64 Posts: 423 Member
    ok so coming here to ask what others were told prior to surgery is a bad thing? wow just wow.

    to think I actually thought I could get others experiences to get an idea of what I am in for.

    Thank you to those who actually responded kindly.

    To those who keep saying talk to your doctor, yeah am doing that Friday (see previous post), wanted to kind of find out other experiences I like to be prepared for things.

    Oh okay then. Before I had my last colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist said to eat nothing but chocolate cream pies the entire week before. He has a real sense of adventure, that guy.

    Edited to add: But since you're having gall bladder surgery, and bile is green, then maybe key lime pies would be more appropriate?
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member
    I've heard of heartless but never this
  • Derp_Diggler
    Derp_Diggler Posts: 1,456 Member
    ok so coming here to ask what others were told prior to surgery is a bad thing? wow just wow.

    to think I actually thought I could get others experiences to get an idea of what I am in for.

    Thank you to those who actually responded kindly.

    To those who keep saying talk to your doctor, yeah am doing that Friday (see previous post), wanted to kind of find out other experiences I like to be prepared for things.


    I have no experience with being told I am missing an organ, but I would get a second opinion.

    Ok, internal organ.
  • newhealthykim
    newhealthykim Posts: 192 Member
    It's a really simple surgery now. Three small scars on your stomach and chest. They will probably glue you back together. I don't remember any prep for the surgery, but it was my bf who had it done. I think there was no food 12 hours before? That's it. I think the only think after surgery was gentle foods, but no high in fat foods (like fried food). That will change over time, but without the gallbladder to help process fat, it's just easier on you. I think he was back to work two days after surgery. I believe pain was the only problem. Pain killers were oxytocin, which he couldn't drive on. That's it.

    If you are in danger of it bursting, I'm not sure why they didn't do the surgery ASAP. It doesn't take a week to prep. Ask a lot of questions on Friday or call early and ask why they are not doing it now in an ER.
  • La5Vega5Girl
    La5Vega5Girl Posts: 709 Member
    i am still confused as to what the surgery is for if you have no gallbladder?

    in preparation for surgery, do not eat anything heavy, such as meats, dairy. try to stick to foods that are easy to digest. my husband had to have an emergency gallbladder surgery (to remove it) and he didn't avoid anything because they took him in without warning and he was fine.

    **ETA my husband happened to have his surgery on a friday and went back to work monday. (desk job)
    my aunt had her gallbladder rupture and was off her feet for a month after her surgery so it will depend on what surgery you have (my husband's was laproscopic, my aunt had to be cut open) and also what type of work you do.
  • HereLieWe
    HereLieWe Posts: 233 Member
    I've heard of heartless but never this
    You've never heard of "guileless?" (okay, slightly different pronunciation, but close enough.)
  • Sharon_C
    Sharon_C Posts: 2,132 Member
    ok so coming here to ask what others were told prior to surgery is a bad thing? wow just wow.

    to think I actually thought I could get others experiences to get an idea of what I am in for.

    Thank you to those who actually responded kindly.

    To those who keep saying talk to your doctor, yeah am doing that Friday (see previous post), wanted to kind of find out other experiences I like to be prepared for things.

    OP, no one is being mean. In fact, they're being the opposite. This is a medical issue. Not a fitness or weight loss issue. This is serious stuff and no one wants to give medical advice. We're not doctors and if someone here is, they're not YOUR doctor. We're not equipped to give medical advice. You need to speak to your doctor, who knows your history and your body way better than any of us.