Is It My Gallbladder or IBS?

By Tori Whitney

2 min read

As most of us know, IBS is such a complicated condition. It can exhibit a wide range of symptoms they vary from person to person, which could cause misdiagnosis or even just be overlooked! Gallbladder disease is one condition that produces similar symptoms that IBS can be mistaken for. As a nurse, I’ve heard a lot of talk and concern about the gallbladder. I’ve also seen how it is worked up and treated within a healthcare setting, and the number of people it affects is truly unreal. One interesting statement I’ve heard on multiple occasions is, “my pain is worse since I got my gallbladder removed.” I’ve never really thought to find out why this might be - I always left that up to the physician, but the more I heard it, the more I became interested in “why?”

The gallbladder is a four-inch, pear-shaped organ that is in the upper right quadrant of your abdomen. It stores bile, fluids, fat, and cholesterol. Gallbladder disease can cause anything from nausea and diarrhea to gallstones. I believe, because of the pain, nausea, diarrhea symptoms, that gallbladder issues can sometimes be mistaken for IBS.

Gallbladder and IBS

So let’s say you have a history of IBS and have your gallbladder removed. Is this going to alleviate your IBS symptoms? Probably not, and more than likely it will not help your gallbladder symptoms either. Why is this? Apparently, the pain of gallbladder bouts due to bile duct blockages can still occur because the gallstones may start to form in the liver ducts. This is why it is important to find any underlying causes for the gallstones before possibly having your gallbladder unnecessarily removed!¹ Also, difficulty digesting high fat meals and fried foods is a very common gallbladder symptom before gallbladder removal because of stones and inflammation blocking its function and the flow of bile.² After a gallbladder removal, the bile continues to leak into the small intestine, and the difficulty of digesting high-fat meals remains an issue. Wow! This made so much sense!

Research has shown that patients who have IBS are more likely to have cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), although they do not have any confirmed gallstones. For a person who already experiences GI difficulties, this may lead to worsening symptoms.³ This is exactly what I have witnessed working in the medical field, and why I will ALWAYS stress the importance of finding a physician that is patient, and willing to go the extra mile. I know that isn’t always easy, but if it can reduce any unnecessary surgeries or procedures, I believe it will be worth the fight!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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chi14 Member
I actually had my gall bladder out before being diagnosed with IBS. I did have gallstones however, and my symptoms were severe so it had to be done. My surgeon did warn me that it might not solve all my stomach issues (which it didn’t) and as I had had minor GI issues before the severe gallbladder pain I thought that may be the case and I was right. It’s nor ideal but the pain was too bad before!
Goo41 Member
I had my gallbladder removed after a severe pain episode and my numbers were off the chart. I can’t recall what specific numbers. I Tojo the doctor that I didn’t want the surgery but she said next time the painful episode could be worse. I was suffering with IBS-D at the time. I had the surgery. Had some relief and then the IBS returned stronger than ever. When I reflect on it, I’m wondering if it was a just a quick way for the GI doctor and hospital to line their pockets. I haven’t really had any relief. I had upper probe and lower colonoscopy and CT scans. The doctor wants to repeat both scopes just I. Case they miss “something “. I’m at a standstill!!
1. Karina Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Goo41" user-id="2300245"/> I'm so sorry, that's so hard. Have you tried seeing a different doctor to get a second opinion? Have you found anything that provides at last some relief from your symptoms? Sending hugs, Karina (team member)
Goo41 Member
I neglected to say that it is a 2nd doctor that’s requesting both scopes. I’m refusing to do it at this time because of other health problems. None of the medication has produced any significant relief. I am on 5mg buspirone. It does help to calm me down but I use it judiciously because I don’t want to be “zombied out “. It doesn’t do much for my pain and the medical team informed me anything stronger (which I do not want) would have to be managed under a pain management team. So right now, it’s a hit and miss. I’d appreciate any advice. I’m still trying to manage my required activities- I’ve had to exit the highway to find a restroom when the IBS-D kicks in despite me trying to prep beforehand. 
1. Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Goo41" user-id="2300245"/> I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I had my gallbladder taken out in January. The pain is still there at times and worse when I eat a lot of fat or greasy foods, but it is not nearly as bad as it was. I also had pancreatitis due to the stones right before I had it removed and the pain with that was insane. Has your doctor done bloodwork to rule out pancreatitis? Again, I am so sorry you are dealing with being in pain on a regular basis. I hope you are able to get answers and find relief soon. -Amy, <a href='http://Irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>Irritablebowelsyndrome.net</a> Team Member

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