IBS flair up after gallbladder surgery
I have had IBS for 22 years. Sometimes it is mild with very few symptoms. Other times I have bouts for three months with lots of abdominal pain. I had my gallbladder removed on August 1st. My IBS has been quite painful since then Can surgery cause IBS to flair up? I will take any suggestions for pain management.
, It sounds like you have a had a pretty rough month. Any type of surgery can be painful and extremely disruptive to one's life. I think it makes sense that the IBS has been painful since the surgery, your body is healing and not up to full strength to deal with the illness. As far as pain management, I suppose that would be for the doctor to say. I don't know what your restrictions post-surgery are. I practice meditation and self-care (aromatherapy, spending time outdoors (even sitting) and being king to myself in moments of pain). Thank you for sharing and please keep us updated on your progress. We are here for support. I hope you are having a good day. -Todd, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team
I do meditation too and walking helps sometimes. I’m am taking librax for the pain and it seems to help when the pain is mild to moderate. It is not helping now with the severe pain.
ThanksTodd. It did finally get better once I went back on Nortriptyline which finally stopped the pain. Had very little pain from October to January. I’m in a bout now with some good days and some days of moderate pain. I meditate too and find that when I stay busy doing yard work and other activities,it is helpful.
Hey Lauren, I was just wondering if you were feeling any better? I hope you are. I came across your post because my IBS got worse after my gallbladder removal as well.
I went back on Nortriptyline which I had been taking for many years. I stopped it in the spring. Nothing else has been touching the pain, so I returned to the Nortriptyline. It seems to be calming things down. I am about 7 weeks post surgery. I have been in a flare up since late April. I have never had a flare up for this long. Of course, it was compounded by the chronically inflamed gall bladder. Thanks for your support. It is helpful..
I'm so sorry your flare has lasted this long 🙁 I know exactly how you feel! After getting my gallbladder out, it seemed constant for over a year. Mostly D symptoms, now I have Mixed symptoms. I'm not sure if you are having D symptoms- but if you are -Cholestyramine powder did help me some with that. The only issue was, it can lead to constipation 🙁 I haven't tried antidepressants in awhile, sadly I had too many bad side effects. I may try again. I take Bentyl and tylenol for pain. Helps some. I don't think anything takes the pain away 100% Feel free to message me if you want to talk in private 😀
Happened to me. I have good days and bad but totally have to be careful with lots of foods. It’s been 2 yrs. and my Dr said it’s rare that gallbladder removal is the cause but my son is a Pharmacist and said it’s common. There is a medication you can use prior to eating but I am trying diet mostly but it’s hard.
I am very frustrated. I fear going out to dinner and long car rides because I never know what will start it., Thank you for sharing. It is such a difficult way to go about your life. It sounds like you are doing the very best you can and that's all anyone can ask. Remember we are here for support. I hope today is going well for you. -Todd, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team
