back again.. the more i think about things.. its like im obsessed with feeling this way now...but the more i think about the gallbladder problem, it apears to me like thats what it was the whole time..the cardiologist says that the "feelings" i was having were not heart palpitations.. took 3 darn years but i think this is the problem..the constant movement in my chest and pressure.. not stop every day is throwing me into a constant state of anxiety and fatigue...but i dont know if ill ever be the same old me again even if it does get fixed..i should have seen a GI in the first place not the last. all the other health issues i could live with .. this is horrible... and the doctors keep feeding that BS to you like " whats ur worst fear"..or " its all in ur head" or "you need councelling".....> NO what i need is the FCKIN presure in my chest OUT.... thats what I NEED. i was a regular person before this shyt...IM SO PISSED. and no one understands the pain i go through or what its been like for me. yea just imagine pain and discomfrot that never goes away.... ever... even in ur sleep.. i had 2 sleep studies... they told me i didnt have sleep apnea but i wasnt dreaming at alll,, been tested for narcolepsy.. didnt have it.. i just want this nightmare over. does anyone out there no what i am talking about at all..??? sory if i sound crazy.. im so tired of this.
EDWARD1 I was wondering how you are feeling now, I have had alot of the same symptoms for over 2 years now, my ejection rate on GB test was 80%, I have had all of the tests including heart, I get palpitations, chest pain and pressure, I also get pain under lower right rib and a feeling like something pushing outwards on my right rib, this feeling never goes away, so after all of this testing my surgeon finally said he will take galbladder out, Im having it removed on Oct 31st, I also have heartburn all of the time, and because ive had these symptoms for so long I have anxiety attacks almost everyday now, If having my galbladder out dosent help I just dont know what im gonna do, I cant keep living like this!!! 
I am so thankful to find this post. I have been absolutely miserable since 6/21/12. I have had stomach problems that seemed to start one day out of nowhere and they have never stopped. On June 21 I ate a very late lunch, nothing too exciting some salad and jambalaya. Within 10-15 minutes, I felt this horrible pressure in the epigastric region and then felt queasy, and started having burning and tingling down both my arms, my heart starting beating fast, and I had pressure in my chest. I thought there was something seriously wrong with me and that I was having a heart attack or something. And as soon as the symptoms started that day I had what I think was a full blown panic attack. I have never had a panic attack before this. I had some issues with anxiety and flying, but never ever like this. It took 3-4 hours to come down from the first episode. I wrote it off that I was really stressed with work and it was an isolated incident. But unfortunately I was very wrong. Starting with my next meal, which didn't happen until lunchtime the next day I couldn't eat without having the same symptoms, nausea, pressure in epigastric region, burning and tingling down my arms, fast heartbeat not to mention I had no appetite whatsoever so eating was very challenging. I also just did not feel like myself and I knew something was not right. Keep in mind I am a health professional and I am pretty medically savvy, but I had no idea what was going on. The next 2 weeks after that, things got progressively worse. I couldn't eat without feeling awful. The pain and discomfort would subside several hours after I ate, but then over time started to be constant, just worsen when I ate. I started losing weight, and was thrown into a constant state of anxiety. I want to know what person can relax when they feel unrelenting burning and tingling in their arms and their heart is beating a mile a minute and they can’t eat. When I checked my pulse it would be 90 or so, which I know is considered a normal resting heart rate, but my normal heart rate was 65-70 before this.
Within a few days of the first episode I went to my GP, told her my symptoms and she thought maybe dyspepsia. I also asked if it may be my heart and she said “no” after doing some stethoscope listening. I know I am only 31 and in good shape, good diet overall, but this chest pressure I was having didn't seem right. I have never had problems with indigestion or heartburn before this started but I decided to try the meds she recommended. I took Pepcid AC and Prilosec, each 2x/day. I had absolutely no relief from this. On the Saturday after that appointment I was getting worse and the pain had changed from just epigastric to include the area below right ribcage. I started getting shaky like chills and shortness of breath. I went to the ER. The ER doctor said "definitely sounds like gallbaldder" so I had an ultrasound. Well the ultrasound results showed gallbladder looked fine, as well as my kidneys, liver, aorta, etc. He gave me an Rx for Cipro 500mg and Flagyl 500 mg (metronidazole) both twice a day in case it was an intestinal bug. I starting taking the antibiotics and my problem kept getting worse and worse. I could not eat anything without getting sick. At this point I couldn't sleep well, my anxiety was not helping. On July 4th, I took a huge nose dive. Because eating was such a horrible experience my diet consisted of ensure, nuts, fruit, some chicken broth here and there. The night of July 4th I was feeling worse and worse, my stomach pain was out of control (probably a 9 on the pain scale) and it was shooting through to my back, I was having diarrhea, extreme nausea, intermittent dizziness, and a horrible headache. I also felt like I was in this weird fog, and my vision wasn't right or something (kind of like what EDWARD1 mentioned in his post 7/22/11. I stayed up all night thinking the worst was happening to me...was I having an aortic aneurysm? Right kidney failure since my right back was hurting so bad? Sometimes as a medical professional I wish I didn't know so much about what can go wrong. I was in agony for 12 hours and had to have my husband take me to the doctor because I was so sick. So there I was back at my GP, I could tell by the look on her face I was looking pretty bad. My stomach pain was so bad, and I was trying not to vomit in her exam room. She gave me carafate (a medication that helps coat the stomach) and Zofran and Phenergan for the nausea. I had a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis the following day and had to stay in the hospital for a bit after that to get some fluids via IV since my diarrhea was so bad and I could have no water before the CT scan, I was very dehydrated. Well guess what, the CT scan showed nothing, just a couple of small cysts on my ovaries, which apparently the kind I have is very common and can change from month to month. Went home after CT scan still feeling sick and could not eat hardly at all. A few days later I had an upper endoscopy because they thought I may have a bad case of gastritis. That showed nothing as well other than very over active peristalsis, but was negative for h pylori and celiac disease. They also did and EKG that day and my doc said it looked "beautiful", and that my heart was fine. He also said I would probably start feeling better in just a few days, WRONG.
After the endoscopy I was having terrible headaches (mostly on the left side of my head- weird), same stomach pain in epigastric and RUQ (right upper quadrant) area, chest pressure, increased heart rate, constantly felt like I was in a fog, my anxiety was through the roof, and I cried all time because I could get any relief whatever I did...NONE. I was so unbelievably uncomfortable all the time. During all this I had blood work several times to check for everything, kidney and liver function (amylase and lipase), liver panel, a CBC panel, metabolic panel, gluten allergy (IgA and IGG), vitamin B12 levels, D vitamin levels, mono SPOT test, thyroid function. I also had my stool checked for everything...blood, c. diff, white blood cells, shiga toxins, e coli, shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, and other parasites. All were NORMAL! At this point I was questioning whether it was all in my head, but deep down I knew something was wrong. I still felt horrible.
Back at my GP and she gave Rx for amitriptyline 10mg at bedtime in case this was related to IBS and to help with mood. She asked if I was depressed and I said yes. But I was not depressed before I got sick. I am also taking lorazepam up to 1mg daily to help with anxiety. The amitriptyline allowed me to finally sleep at night but the side effects aren't the greatest. I also started taking Buspar 10mg daily divided into 2 doses. Ok, so after being on these meds no stomach relief, still can’t eat without bad reaction, some help with my anxiety. Lorazepam would somewhat make my stomach pain tolerable, but not all the time.
At this point you are probably asking why I haven't been to a GI. Well when you live in Alaska, Seattle is the closest place. I was not going to spend all that money and time to have the GI tell me, sorry there is nothing we can do for you. I needed some sort of lead. I was getting so discouraged at this point. I had lost over 15 lbs (5’8” starting weight at 146, now at 130) and still losing. On a gluten free, dairy free, fat free diet in case all this was due to a food allergy. And my tests were normal, normal, normal…but I felt far from normal, I knew there was something that wasn’t right and all these symptoms were not due to anxiety and depression alone. I just kept saying to myself there has to be a reason I cannot eat!!
After this, I was sent for a HIDA scan, MRI of my abdomen, and MRI of my brain (due to all the burning and tingling I was having after meals). I had all 3 tests performed 8/6/12. Both MRIs came back completely normal, and my doctor said my HIDA scan was normal too. But my ejection fraction was 84%. I knew from the research I had done this was not necessarily normal. I then talked to 2 separate general surgeons and my brother-in-law who just graduated from med school. All 3 had heard about a hyperactive gallbladder and gave me some research articles showing that patients with an ejection fraction higher than 80% often have relief when the GB is removed. Meanwhile I have been prescribed Bentyl 20mg up to 4x/day. It is an antispasmodic for the GI tract and has taken me from completely and utterly miserable to just feeling sick and uncomfortable.
I am getting my gallbladder removed in the next 2 weeks. I am hopeful this will be it! I WANT MY LIFE BACK. I am very nervous, but I am willing to take a gamble and both surgeons I talked to feel pretty confident this will get rid of or significantly improve my symptoms. I know this is so long, but I wanted to share my story to all of you who are dealing with GB issues. DO NOT give up and don’t stop praying, you are not crazy. I am so sorry all of you went through or are still going through this. I will post again after surgery, I promise.
Within a few days of the first episode I went to my GP, told her my symptoms and she thought maybe dyspepsia. I also asked if it may be my heart and she said “no” after doing some stethoscope listening. I know I am only 31 and in good shape, good diet overall, but this chest pressure I was having didn't seem right. I have never had problems with indigestion or heartburn before this started but I decided to try the meds she recommended. I took Pepcid AC and Prilosec, each 2x/day. I had absolutely no relief from this. On the Saturday after that appointment I was getting worse and the pain had changed from just epigastric to include the area below right ribcage. I started getting shaky like chills and shortness of breath. I went to the ER. The ER doctor said "definitely sounds like gallbaldder" so I had an ultrasound. Well the ultrasound results showed gallbladder looked fine, as well as my kidneys, liver, aorta, etc. He gave me an Rx for Cipro 500mg and Flagyl 500 mg (metronidazole) both twice a day in case it was an intestinal bug. I starting taking the antibiotics and my problem kept getting worse and worse. I could not eat anything without getting sick. At this point I couldn't sleep well, my anxiety was not helping. On July 4th, I took a huge nose dive. Because eating was such a horrible experience my diet consisted of ensure, nuts, fruit, some chicken broth here and there. The night of July 4th I was feeling worse and worse, my stomach pain was out of control (probably a 9 on the pain scale) and it was shooting through to my back, I was having diarrhea, extreme nausea, intermittent dizziness, and a horrible headache. I also felt like I was in this weird fog, and my vision wasn't right or something (kind of like what EDWARD1 mentioned in his post 7/22/11. I stayed up all night thinking the worst was happening to me...was I having an aortic aneurysm? Right kidney failure since my right back was hurting so bad? Sometimes as a medical professional I wish I didn't know so much about what can go wrong. I was in agony for 12 hours and had to have my husband take me to the doctor because I was so sick. So there I was back at my GP, I could tell by the look on her face I was looking pretty bad. My stomach pain was so bad, and I was trying not to vomit in her exam room. She gave me carafate (a medication that helps coat the stomach) and Zofran and Phenergan for the nausea. I had a CT scan of my abdomen and pelvis the following day and had to stay in the hospital for a bit after that to get some fluids via IV since my diarrhea was so bad and I could have no water before the CT scan, I was very dehydrated. Well guess what, the CT scan showed nothing, just a couple of small cysts on my ovaries, which apparently the kind I have is very common and can change from month to month. Went home after CT scan still feeling sick and could not eat hardly at all. A few days later I had an upper endoscopy because they thought I may have a bad case of gastritis. That showed nothing as well other than very over active peristalsis, but was negative for h pylori and celiac disease. They also did and EKG that day and my doc said it looked "beautiful", and that my heart was fine. He also said I would probably start feeling better in just a few days, WRONG.
After the endoscopy I was having terrible headaches (mostly on the left side of my head- weird), same stomach pain in epigastric and RUQ (right upper quadrant) area, chest pressure, increased heart rate, constantly felt like I was in a fog, my anxiety was through the roof, and I cried all time because I could get any relief whatever I did...NONE. I was so unbelievably uncomfortable all the time. During all this I had blood work several times to check for everything, kidney and liver function (amylase and lipase), liver panel, a CBC panel, metabolic panel, gluten allergy (IgA and IGG), vitamin B12 levels, D vitamin levels, mono SPOT test, thyroid function. I also had my stool checked for everything...blood, c. diff, white blood cells, shiga toxins, e coli, shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, giardia, and other parasites. All were NORMAL! At this point I was questioning whether it was all in my head, but deep down I knew something was wrong. I still felt horrible.
Back at my GP and she gave Rx for amitriptyline 10mg at bedtime in case this was related to IBS and to help with mood. She asked if I was depressed and I said yes. But I was not depressed before I got sick. I am also taking lorazepam up to 1mg daily to help with anxiety. The amitriptyline allowed me to finally sleep at night but the side effects aren't the greatest. I also started taking Buspar 10mg daily divided into 2 doses. Ok, so after being on these meds no stomach relief, still can’t eat without bad reaction, some help with my anxiety. Lorazepam would somewhat make my stomach pain tolerable, but not all the time.
At this point you are probably asking why I haven't been to a GI. Well when you live in Alaska, Seattle is the closest place. I was not going to spend all that money and time to have the GI tell me, sorry there is nothing we can do for you. I needed some sort of lead. I was getting so discouraged at this point. I had lost over 15 lbs (5’8” starting weight at 146, now at 130) and still losing. On a gluten free, dairy free, fat free diet in case all this was due to a food allergy. And my tests were normal, normal, normal…but I felt far from normal, I knew there was something that wasn’t right and all these symptoms were not due to anxiety and depression alone. I just kept saying to myself there has to be a reason I cannot eat!!
After this, I was sent for a HIDA scan, MRI of my abdomen, and MRI of my brain (due to all the burning and tingling I was having after meals). I had all 3 tests performed 8/6/12. Both MRIs came back completely normal, and my doctor said my HIDA scan was normal too. But my ejection fraction was 84%. I knew from the research I had done this was not necessarily normal. I then talked to 2 separate general surgeons and my brother-in-law who just graduated from med school. All 3 had heard about a hyperactive gallbladder and gave me some research articles showing that patients with an ejection fraction higher than 80% often have relief when the GB is removed. Meanwhile I have been prescribed Bentyl 20mg up to 4x/day. It is an antispasmodic for the GI tract and has taken me from completely and utterly miserable to just feeling sick and uncomfortable.
I am getting my gallbladder removed in the next 2 weeks. I am hopeful this will be it! I WANT MY LIFE BACK. I am very nervous, but I am willing to take a gamble and both surgeons I talked to feel pretty confident this will get rid of or significantly improve my symptoms. I know this is so long, but I wanted to share my story to all of you who are dealing with GB issues. DO NOT give up and don’t stop praying, you are not crazy. I am so sorry all of you went through or are still going through this. I will post again after surgery, I promise.
Post Edited (butterflyAK) : 9/11/2012 8:55:54 PM (GMT-6)
Hey Edward 1! Just wondering how you have been since your gallbladder was removed? I have the EXACT same symptoms as you and am beginning to feel crazy. My ejection rate was 96% and am being told that it is normal. This has been going on for a year and I am unable to live the life of a normal 31 year old. Please let me know how it if going. Thanks!
Well it has been 2 1/2 weeks since I had my gallbladder removed. The surgery was no big deal, and not very painful, but made me very nauseated for about a week. BUT it wasn't the solution...the right side of abdomen still hurts all the time. I am still having a really hard time eating without PAIN, and I am still losing weight, now lost over 20 lbs. But they cannot figure out what is causing it. Only thing they can find is extreme digestive motility. So then, why are my bowels so hypermobile? No one seems concerned about it. Most evenings I get home from work, try and eat some rice or other bland food, and then put ice on my stomach. The ice seems to help with the pain, or at-least act as a diversion. I am still on anxiety and depression meds. When I take lorazepam it does help my stomach pain, maybe because it acts as a muscle relaxant as well. But obviously I cannot keep taking that. I am not giving up. I am going to the University of New Mexico hospital to see a GI and whatever other specialists I need to see. I refuse to believe this is all anxiety related. There has to be a way to manage my symptoms. I cannot live with horrendous stomach pain any longer. I used to love food...now it just seems like a job to feed myself. Everyday is a real struggle. I am determined to get my life back. Good luck to everyone and keep faith.
So glad I found this website, I have been dealing with gall bladder problems for a long time. I have a dull ache on my right side all the time. It started 5 years ago and I had an ultra scan and HIDA scan both normal. Then 3 years ago another bad pain and another ultra scan and HIDA scan but I was put in hospital as they thought I had a bowel obstruction, after all kinds of xrays, CT scan,etc. the obstruction cleared after 5 days in hospital. One year ago was at an amusement park at a family reunion and ate alot and only went on one ride the merry go round. We stayed for the fireworks and after walking back to the car, I was very nauseous and started dry heaves, couldn't breathe, shaking,sweaty. My daughter called for the park paramedics and they thought I had food poisioning or heart attack and rushed me to the hospital about 20 miles away. There they gave me something for nausea and to calm me down, in 3 hours I was fine. A few weeks ago, after a heavy dinner at 6 and at home alone I started the same symptoms again and thought I was go ing to pass out, I sat on the bathroom floor and started calling people to take me hospital after 3 times of no answers, I was about to call an ambulance and someone called back, they came right over and took me to hospital. Same exact symptoms the ER looked up on the hospital computer as they all share information. Went to doctor the next day and he scheduled ultra sound and HIDA scan, ultra sound normal. HIDA scan done the next day and as they added the CCK at the end I was in intense pain and they helped me off the table and over to the ER again. They gave me meds to calm me and for nausea, they took blood and waited for the test results, I thought well we found the issue the gall bladder as same symptoms, but ER doctor said he is discharging me after 5 hours in the ER as the HIDA scan and blood work is normal, the ejection rate of the gall bladder was 85%, called my doctor and saw him the following day and still in pain. He looked at results and said hyperactive gall bladder you need it out. I see the surgeon in a few days and see what he has to say. It's been 3 days and I still have the pain and have lost weight as I don't eat much and missing days of work.
I have been in New Mexico since my last post. And...I finally have a diagnosis. I have LYME disease. Turns out all my abdominal pain was due to the lyme and my liver trying to detox everything. To Edward1, maddybear23, and kim34 you are not crazy and you need to find a lyme literate doctor and be evaluated for lyme. I was lucky to see a neurologist by chance and she knew what I had right away even before the lab work came back. ALSO, traditional lyme blood tests are not accurate and you need to find a doctor who knows what they are doing. I was diagnosed off of my labwork sent to a lyme specialty lab in CA, my CD 57 results, and my clinical symptoms. Also 2 weeks of antibiotics will NOT kill lyme. I am going the homeopathic route. But with LD it is important to build the immune system as well as get tested for heavy metal toxicity and address that as well. In addition, I have candida which is very common in LD patients. I have been on treatment for 3 1/2 weeks and I feel 50% improved already. Most of my health costs are out of pocket because they are homeopathic and include tons of supplements and IVs of Vitamin C and Chelation. Thank the Lord my parents are helping me. I am able to eat normally now. However, I have excluded gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet which helps reduce inflammation. I have stopped losing weight :). My brain fog is improving, burning and tingling only in the A.M., headaches essentially gone, still having some chest pressure, depression and anxiety still there but much less. I also have more energy and cry less. I am far from being restored to my old self, but I am confident this the correct diagnosis. I have learned so much about LD in the last 6 weeks. To all... please watch lyme documentary on Netflix or youtube called 'Under Our Skin'. To anyone on this forum...ABDOMINAL PAIN CAN BE A SYMPTOM OF LYME DISEASE. If you have had every test imaginable like I did and you have NO answers, please find a lyme literate M.D. and get evaluated. If anyone has questions I would be happy to help. I will keep checking back. Good luck to everyone and don't give up!!!
You all -- especially butterflyAK with the Lyme Disease diagnosis -- need to read up on mold illness. It is believed that Lyme Disease is actually mold illness, ditto chronic fatigue. This is why food does and does not exacerbate your problems and why doctors don't know how to treat you. You want to look up Environmental Medicine doctors who treat mold illness. You can also find immediate relief through acupuncture. My child and I both were exposed in a mold-infested home (the mold wasn't visible -- it was in the walls via window and roof leaks) and have all of the symptoms people here have described. The reason why you are having heart palpitations is that mold blooms at night and your adrenals are going off in a reaction to the mold. Mold derails your whole immune system and you also probably have food sensitivities because of this. about 25% of the population is genetically susceptible to this. Regular doctors don't' know anything about mold illness. Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker discovered it about ten years ago. He has no get rich quick scheme behind his efforts -- his message is that it's a huge problem, doctors don't get it, you have to get yourself (and keep yourself) out of moldy places (your home, your workplace, schools, courthouses, etc). In my experience, alternative medicine offers the only viable treatment (except prescription-strength glutathione and supplements) but only if you get rid of moldy clothes, bedding, furniture, and move to a place with no water damage.
Perfect Health, you are right about the mold. My doctor who is an M.D. but treats everything homeopathically did a full work up on me for mold as well. She wanted to eliminate any confounding factors that would exacerbate the Lyme or prevent me from healing. Luckily all my mold tests came back negative. Since I have been on treatment over 4 months most of my physical symptoms have completely resolved. Just so weird twinges here and there. I am however still struggling with depression and anxiety. I am predisposed due to family history and the Lyme causes anxiety and depression in itself, so it has been a major obstacle for me. I never had problems with emotional health before the Lyme, so I am hoping it will improve with my treatment. I will probably be on the Lyme treatment for at least another year.
FYI...I tested positive for an antigen which makes me magnesium deficient. I now take a Mg supplement and my heart palps are gone! Don't know if it's the Mg or my Lyme treatment working. I also get regular acupuncture.
I am also well enough to be back at work. I encourage everyone who is suffering from health issues to get a full work up by a good homeopathic doctor since he or she will usually look at the whole system. But that is my biased opinion. I wouldn't have said that before I got sick with Lyme, I was pretty much strictly allopathic and I am a health care professional. But when all allopathic medicine failed me, homeopathic medicine was the only treatment that has improved my health thus far. Good luck, many blessings, and excellent health to all of you.
Diagnosed w/ LD Sept 2012. Symptoms are: abdominal pain, heart palpitations, hand tremors, headaches, insomnia, depression, anxiety, night sweats, burning and tingling legs and arms, blurry vision, brain fog, weight loss. Positive Igenex results, CD57 score of 25, candida, high levels of mercury & lead in urine. Also diagnosed with bartonella and XMRV. Treating homeopathically w/ BW formulas.
FYI...I tested positive for an antigen which makes me magnesium deficient. I now take a Mg supplement and my heart palps are gone! Don't know if it's the Mg or my Lyme treatment working. I also get regular acupuncture.
I am also well enough to be back at work. I encourage everyone who is suffering from health issues to get a full work up by a good homeopathic doctor since he or she will usually look at the whole system. But that is my biased opinion. I wouldn't have said that before I got sick with Lyme, I was pretty much strictly allopathic and I am a health care professional. But when all allopathic medicine failed me, homeopathic medicine was the only treatment that has improved my health thus far. Good luck, many blessings, and excellent health to all of you.
Diagnosed w/ LD Sept 2012. Symptoms are: abdominal pain, heart palpitations, hand tremors, headaches, insomnia, depression, anxiety, night sweats, burning and tingling legs and arms, blurry vision, brain fog, weight loss. Positive Igenex results, CD57 score of 25, candida, high levels of mercury & lead in urine. Also diagnosed with bartonella and XMRV. Treating homeopathically w/ BW formulas.
Who is the doctor you saw in New Mexico? I've been doing a mold illness protocol and that was helping until the last six months when all hell broke loose and I have a hyperkinetics gall bladder and can hardly eat anymore either. Thanks! Lisa
Hi! I am new to the forum. I am so happy I found this Hyperkinetic Gallbladder topic. I just got diagnosed with that today. I went to the ER on January 15th and we ruled out kidney stones, ovarian twist, obstructions, and appendix. I have never been in so much pain or so sick in my life. I stayed home for a few days and immediately changed my diet. I managed to get through two more days of work before the pain came back and I have been out since January 21st. My life has revolved around pain management. I'm one of those types that HATE medications and its the only thing keeping me comfortable as the tests and doctors took their sweet time. I got a small bowel xray, ultrasound (no stones),and then the Hida scan. My Hida results gave me my diagnosis for hyperkinetic gallbladder. I pretty much understand it as the gallbladder is trying to be Hercules. Pumping too much and too hard. My primary doc referenced me to a surgeon and I go on Tuesday, February 4th. A whole new week to go. 3 weeks of constant and pain and nausea. Mind you, I am 24 years old, 140 lbs, 5'6", and I have not had children yet. I did read that emotional stress is related to this issue and poor diet. Dairy and caffeine I think are my triggers. I knew for years I had problems with dairy. I ignored signs leading up to this diagnosis, like diarrhea on a daily basis, higher cholesterol, my chiropractor even told me my migraines were related to my gallbladder!!! It looks like surgery is the most recommended avenue and there is not a lot of other treatments out there for it. Considering that I have only had the pain for 2 going on 3 weeks do we think that I may have better luck going to "normal" after surgery? I will of course talk this out with my surgeon but I am appreciative of feedback and support. Thanks!
I have been suffering for 5 months with gallbladder releasing bile even without eating and am in a lot of pain and suffering is there any treatment out there without removing the gallbladder.
Hello,
I am new to this forum, and have been reading the previous posts. I have pain behind the lower rib on my right side. I had an Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy, HIDA Scan, blood tests - normal. I had a more recent Endoscopy last month. I also have Gastritis. Other than that, I've been watching what I eat, but my PA wants to refer me to surgery to have my Gallbladder removed. I am skeptical about the surgery "after effects" because some folks end up with chronic diarrhea. I would not want to live with that! If they remove your Gallbladder, they remove the organ that holds the bile produced by the liver, so without something to hold the bile, and release when needed; it goes directly into your intestines, causing irritation. I'd have a lot of problems with that.
I have explained to my PA that my Gallbladder releases too much bile at times, when there is a trigger (i.e. eating something that irritates my GI system) and that I am not able to digest food fats very well. In my opinion; my Pancreas is not releasing the necessary enzymes to break down food fats, my Gallbladder is releasing too much bile, and it ends up in my intestines. Thus, loose stools, cramps and diarrhea.
MSG is a huge trigger, as well as Carrageenan. MSG is also sold on store shelves where the spices are. It's a flavor enhancer, not a spice - an "excitotoxin" that tricks your brain into believing that you need to eat more of the foods you eat, and is sold as ACCENT or AJINOMOTO. It's also making us fat! You will also find it mixed in powdered spices such as crab boil, and in BBQ sauces, but remember, it's not a spice.
I am back to 119 lbs. after being ill for almost two months, and on a paleo-style diet. Afraid to eat much of anything else that may cause me any distress.
I have started reading lots of food labels, after a lot of trial and error; I narrowed it down to those two things. I am checking my fridge and pantry, and avoiding fast-food (they put MSG in their liquid shortening), restaurants (the stuff can already be in there), and watching what I eat. MSG is found in many processed foods, frozen foods, chips, processed lunch meats, sausage, bacon, pizzas, broths, Chinese foods, Ramen soups, some beers. MSG is listed on some food labels as "natural flavor(s)."
Carrageenan is a stabilizer and is found in some brands of ice creams, sour creams, non-dairy coffee creamers, custards, puddings, some Almond milks, canned pet foods, etc. Check and read the labels! Carrageenan is much cheaper than Guar Gum, Locust Bean, or Gelatin, which were used to emulsify and thicken foods. The FDA allows food manufacturers to put this junk in our foods because it's cheap. Carrageenan is also found in aircraft de-icers. Yikes! Neither MSG nor Carrageenan have any nutritional value. It could be food-grade or non-food grade, it can and does end up in our foods! Who is going to check? The FDA? As long as the food manufacturers give them money, and free spa treatments, who cares?
I would keep a diary of what I have eaten in the past couple of days, and check the labels. Check your pantries. Organic foods may have MSG, or Carrageenan - as both are "natural." Also, some fruits and vegetables are sprayed with liquid MSG before being sold in markets. Do a little research. I ended up with flu-like symptoms, and my Gallbladder feels like it's being squeezed, cramps and burning in my stomach, tingly feeling in my extremities, rapid heart beat, my tongue feels strange and tingly, tightening of my throat, and numbing of my lips, sweating and flushing, nausea - lightheaded and about to black out from the distress. A lot of inflammation and irritation of my GI system. My intestines hurt, and sting. I've been feeling much better since I've been checking the labels of foods I eat, and actually controlling what goes into my foods.
I would like to know how those who've had their Gallbladder removed, have been coping, and if positive or negative? Is your life better than it was before surgery, and was it the answer? Thank you for all the information I can use to learn and compare to my symptoms. I still do not want to have my GB removed. I do not believe that it's the answer.
I am new to this forum, and have been reading the previous posts. I have pain behind the lower rib on my right side. I had an Endoscopy and a Colonoscopy, HIDA Scan, blood tests - normal. I had a more recent Endoscopy last month. I also have Gastritis. Other than that, I've been watching what I eat, but my PA wants to refer me to surgery to have my Gallbladder removed. I am skeptical about the surgery "after effects" because some folks end up with chronic diarrhea. I would not want to live with that! If they remove your Gallbladder, they remove the organ that holds the bile produced by the liver, so without something to hold the bile, and release when needed; it goes directly into your intestines, causing irritation. I'd have a lot of problems with that.
I have explained to my PA that my Gallbladder releases too much bile at times, when there is a trigger (i.e. eating something that irritates my GI system) and that I am not able to digest food fats very well. In my opinion; my Pancreas is not releasing the necessary enzymes to break down food fats, my Gallbladder is releasing too much bile, and it ends up in my intestines. Thus, loose stools, cramps and diarrhea.
MSG is a huge trigger, as well as Carrageenan. MSG is also sold on store shelves where the spices are. It's a flavor enhancer, not a spice - an "excitotoxin" that tricks your brain into believing that you need to eat more of the foods you eat, and is sold as ACCENT or AJINOMOTO. It's also making us fat! You will also find it mixed in powdered spices such as crab boil, and in BBQ sauces, but remember, it's not a spice.
I am back to 119 lbs. after being ill for almost two months, and on a paleo-style diet. Afraid to eat much of anything else that may cause me any distress.
I have started reading lots of food labels, after a lot of trial and error; I narrowed it down to those two things. I am checking my fridge and pantry, and avoiding fast-food (they put MSG in their liquid shortening), restaurants (the stuff can already be in there), and watching what I eat. MSG is found in many processed foods, frozen foods, chips, processed lunch meats, sausage, bacon, pizzas, broths, Chinese foods, Ramen soups, some beers. MSG is listed on some food labels as "natural flavor(s)."
Carrageenan is a stabilizer and is found in some brands of ice creams, sour creams, non-dairy coffee creamers, custards, puddings, some Almond milks, canned pet foods, etc. Check and read the labels! Carrageenan is much cheaper than Guar Gum, Locust Bean, or Gelatin, which were used to emulsify and thicken foods. The FDA allows food manufacturers to put this junk in our foods because it's cheap. Carrageenan is also found in aircraft de-icers. Yikes! Neither MSG nor Carrageenan have any nutritional value. It could be food-grade or non-food grade, it can and does end up in our foods! Who is going to check? The FDA? As long as the food manufacturers give them money, and free spa treatments, who cares?
I would keep a diary of what I have eaten in the past couple of days, and check the labels. Check your pantries. Organic foods may have MSG, or Carrageenan - as both are "natural." Also, some fruits and vegetables are sprayed with liquid MSG before being sold in markets. Do a little research. I ended up with flu-like symptoms, and my Gallbladder feels like it's being squeezed, cramps and burning in my stomach, tingly feeling in my extremities, rapid heart beat, my tongue feels strange and tingly, tightening of my throat, and numbing of my lips, sweating and flushing, nausea - lightheaded and about to black out from the distress. A lot of inflammation and irritation of my GI system. My intestines hurt, and sting. I've been feeling much better since I've been checking the labels of foods I eat, and actually controlling what goes into my foods.
I would like to know how those who've had their Gallbladder removed, have been coping, and if positive or negative? Is your life better than it was before surgery, and was it the answer? Thank you for all the information I can use to learn and compare to my symptoms. I still do not want to have my GB removed. I do not believe that it's the answer.
Post Edited (dakotahrose) : 6/25/2014 5:19:03 PM (GMT-6)
Hi everyone I have been reading a lot of forums on this topic. I am a 28 year old Male very healthy. My story- about five months ago I started have severe heartburn and bad acid reflux I will admit that my diet was really bad. Long story short about 3 months ago one morning I woke up vomiting uncontrollably and had a slight fever. I could not even hold down water. I slowly stabilized and went through the week. about a week later I started having lower abdominal pains so bad that I went to the ER. The ER found my AlT liver enzymes to be 147 and AST 58 but could not figure out anything else. CT scan was good. I followed up with a specialist and as I started slowly to speculate was this my gallbladder? I did more blood tests, endoscopy that showed ok besides acid reflux. My liver enzymes eventually went down and I was cleared but still did not feel well. I started then having upper right quadrant pain that radiated to my back and severe burping which I had also head months ago too. So now I have done a US and HIDA which shows my gallbladder as 91% normal but possible hyper dynamic - which I guess means hyperkinetic. I have been working with my primary care doctor who has been helping me out a lot and suggest I do not need surgery as of now. It has been very frustrating as to everything I have researched on this issue is so many different opinions. I suffer from pain so bad sometimes I cannot do anything to extreme nausea especially if I try to work out and fatigue like I have never had before. Both my doctors are saying it is my gallbladder acting up. This had been going on for six months now and I am almost at a lost of what to do at this point.
So glad I decided to try and Google "hyper active gallbladder" again.... back in April/May I went to the urgent care for upper right quadrant pain... they suspected gallstones... x-rays didn't find anything... told me if I experience fever, nausea, vomiting to go to the ER... the next day I was in distress and my husband had to pick me up from work and take me to the ER... once there they couldn't figure out why I didn't have gallstones. They set me up with a GI who scheduled different scans and tests and finally the last option was a HIDA scan... I have no idea what my numbers or readings were... but they stopped the test halfway through and told me that whatever doctor reads the scans was going to love mine... they ended up referring me to a surgeon to discuss having my gall bladder removed.. while speaking with the surgeon he informed me that having my gallbladder removed may not even fix the problem and could make things worse and that he really didn't recommend it being as though there was a 40% chance I may still have problems but the option was mine... I opted not to have it removed and started eating less breaded fatty/greasy foods and more grilled stuff... just this past week I started noticing I was feeling nauseated and sickly again.. and this morning I woke up to massive pains again... My surgeon I met with told me that hyper active gallbladder new thing and they don't have much information on it... when I have more time I want to read through all the threads... but we don't have internet at home and I am not supposed to use my work computer for this stuff but very curious to read the previous posts.
FYI a little more info:
I am 30 year old 5'6" 180lb female, had 1 child when I was 18 and suffer from Kidney Stones, many UTI infections, and for 5 years kept having labs done by my regular MD which would all come back as elevated liver enzymes, vitamin d deficiency, high calcium.. and then spent4 years at an endocrinologist.... and all they would do is up my dosages of vitamins and redo my labs. My mother suffers from gallstones often, my dads side of the family is all diabetic and obese.
FYI a little more info:
I am 30 year old 5'6" 180lb female, had 1 child when I was 18 and suffer from Kidney Stones, many UTI infections, and for 5 years kept having labs done by my regular MD which would all come back as elevated liver enzymes, vitamin d deficiency, high calcium.. and then spent4 years at an endocrinologist.... and all they would do is up my dosages of vitamins and redo my labs. My mother suffers from gallstones often, my dads side of the family is all diabetic and obese.
Post Edited (Stefff) : 11/16/2015 12:37:18 PM (GMT-7)
I have been diagnosed with a Hyperkinetic Gall Bladder based on a HIDA Scan score of 85. I have experienced many of the symptoms others have listed. I am currently waiting for an appointment with a surgeon to discuss gall bladder removal. My family doctor has been my advocate and found a willing surgeon. While waiting to meet with the surgeon he instructed me to avoid as much protein and fat as possible. This is not a sustainable, long-term diet - just temporary. This diet has done wonders to help me feel better. Both protein and fat trigger bile production. I can tolerate a little more protein than fat, but have to watch both. No meat, fish, nuts, cheese, Tofu . I have found many fat-Free or low-fat options. I am living on cereal, salads, veggies, soups (without fat/protein) and bread. I also try to get normal fiber and eat smaller portions. Several times I either unknowingly consumed some fat or tried a small amount. Each time I paid the price of the return of all the bad symptoms. Actually, this diet is a pretty good test to see if a hyperactive gall bladder is the problem. When I follow it, I feel like a normal human being.
Just wanted to tell my story briefly as I read this thread when searching for "hyperkenetic gallbladder" or "overactive gallbladder" on the web. I had strange throbbing pain on the right side of my abs anywhere between my pelvis and chest. I also had nausea at random times throughout the day. Sometimes these symptoms would get worse, and sometimes they would get better--there didn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to when they came and went. I had an endoscopy and found out I had acid reflux and gastritis. Took meds for three months, but was still having the same problems. Went through abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, then HIDA scan. No abnormal results showed up, except that my symptoms were aggravated during HIDA. Afterwards, I found out I had an ejection fraction of 88%. First surgeon I talked to said all was normal and I shouldn't change anything. Second surgeon told me yes, it sounds like your gallbladder is bothering you, and I have reason to believe we should take it out! After 9 months of intermittent pain and discomfort, I'm finally pain free after having my gallbladder removed last week! I was not a typical case, and I would still be in pain if I hadn't gotten the second opinion. After the surgery, surgeon confirmed that my gallbladder was indeed inflamed. Best of luck to all out there suffering with gallbladder issues!
I have been experiencing acid reflux, Indigestion, Bloating, belching, nausea, sour stomach and taste in my mouth. Symptoms really started to arise about 4 months ago and I cant eat anything spicy or fried or I will have a awful stomach ache and indigestion and reflux. I have had endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound and everything was "normal". HIDA scan came back 100% Injection Fraction doc says normal but everything I've read is Hyperkinetic Gallbladder. They just keep prescribing me different meds and I am tired of doing to run around. let me know your thoughts.
Hi Lincolne3, I've been suffering for about three years now but the last year has been the most steady discomfort. Upper abdominal pain radiating around to my right side and into my back, nausea, lack of appetite, diarrhea several times a day, hiccupping, and bloating. I told my gastroenterologist in February that I was determined this year to find out what is going on. I kept asking if it could be my gallbladder but the doctors did not seem to think that was the problem. After having an endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound and several other tests, I finally had a HIDA scan. My ejection fraction was 99%. Normal is about 35 - 75%. I was told that I have a hyperkinetic (overactive) gallbladder. I was glad to finally have a diagnoses but when I met with the surgeon, he said there is only a 40% chance that having my gallbladder removed would resolve my issues. I decided to go ahead and have it removed because I could not imagine continuing to live with the pain. My surgery is Dec. 10th. I'm praying that it will make a difference.
I've researched hyperkinetic gallbladder online and am a bit more hopeful about what I found there (see link).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33284026/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30209609/
I've researched hyperkinetic gallbladder online and am a bit more hopeful about what I found there (see link).
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33284026/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30209609/
First off I want to say hello to everyone 😊 I see that this thread is several years old and I am wondering short of surgery has anyone figured out anything for biliary hyperk (overactive gallbladder) Tia