6 replies to this topic

[rooster1005]

I didn't know exactly where to place this. We were told today to Robert has numerous gall stones. His injury level is T-11 complete. I have done some research on line about the effects of SCI on your gall bladder, but I still have questions. My questions are, 1.have any of you had this problem, if so what are the symtoms we should look for? 2. have any of you done any research to see if SCI increases your risk of gall stones?
This news came as a little shock since he was just in the hospital with a severe kidney infection. He had what we thought was a UTI that would not get better even with antibiotics. They did a CT Scan of his abdomen and saw the inflamation in his kidney. They told us about that and treated him. Then today at our follow up with our regular Urologist he tells us about the gall stones. I think we should have been told while we were there. I know that the report was back before we left the hospital. Now we have to wait to see his primary doctor before we get any real information.
Oh well, nothing I can do about that now. Any information that you have would be great.
Thank You so much for any information that you have and for a place to rant. Sometimes it feels like he is always sick. Alright, I am off of here before I start to cry.
Thanks Again
Laura

[Kwag_Myers]

I just took a look at WebMD and noticed that there doesn't really seem to be any symptoms from gall stones and they only need to be removed if they're causing problems.

However, when I had my gall bladder out (before my SCI) I had waited too long and the gall bladder had started to go gangrenous. They could not do a minimal evasive procedure and had to open me up. Nice scar, and took a lot longer to heal.

In my experience, the gall bladder attacks were triggered by eating dairy products. Hey, life gets tough sometimes - that's why we have ice cream. Anyway, it's probably the worst pain I've ever had, including my SCI. The pain is mostly in and below the chest, only not near the heart. Mine was mostly on the right side.

If he has an attack (and trust me, you'll know it), get him to the ER ASAP. Not because it's life threatening, but you want them to deal with it as soon as possible for a quicker recovery.

[wheeels]

I had my gallbladder removed two years ago, it filled up with stones, It was the worst pain I have ever had I thank goodness for fentanyl. I found that it started out like heartburn that I could just not get rid of.

I ended up going to emergency one day after it got really really bad I was admitted right away because I presented like I was having a heart condition.

I had surgery to remove it and have felt great since, I read that it could be caused from rapid weight loss so I blamed it on that.

[Dol Beag]

After one of my yearly KUB scans they discovered that I had gall stones, they didn't give me any problems for nearly a year till one of the little blighter escaped, agrivate my pancreas causing pancreatitus which was no fun. A few months after that they took me in and whipped the gall bladder out, the op was key hole surgery and I was out next day, no probs. There is nothing to worry about and it's best getting the bugger out before it causes any problems.

[rooster1005]

Thank You all for your replies. I know that gallbladder attacks can be very painful. We have an appointment to see his regular internest at the beginning of October. There shouldn't be any problems before then but if so, you know where we'll be. Aftert that we'll know more about what they want to do. Plus, I have done lots of research about gallstones and SCI. Immobility is one of the biggest contributors to the collection in the gallbladder. Just one more thing that SCI helps to happen. LOL You know, one of the things that can happen to everyone but the SCI helps it happen more, or better, or faster. Sort of like UTI's and Kidney infections and Bruises. Gotta Love It!!!
Thanks Again for your replies.

[qbounce]

I was told by my Urologist indwelling caths teld to form stones more than intermittant caths do.

Just one more thing to be aware of.

[Soryfam]

rooster1005, on Aug 29 2008, 07:53 AM, said:

Thank You all for your replies. I know that gallbladder attacks can be very painful. We have an appointment to see his regular internest at the beginning of October. There shouldn't be any problems before then but if so, you know where we'll be. Aftert that we'll know more about what they want to do. Plus, I have done lots of research about gallstones and SCI. Immobility is one of the biggest contributors to the collection in the gallbladder. Just one more thing that SCI helps to happen. LOL You know, one of the things that can happen to everyone but the SCI helps it happen more, or better, or faster. Sort of like UTI's and Kidney infections and Bruises. Gotta Love It!!!
Thanks Again for your replies.

My husband's gall bladder filled with stones that then spilled over into his pancreas. He ended up having necrotizing pancreatitus. The had to remove the gall bladder and about half of the pancreas over the course of 8 surgeries. He almost died right after the first surgery. He has a HUGE scar about a foot long and 2 inches wide down his abdomen. Anyway there were other complications. He was in the ICU for a month, and almost all of this could have been avoided if he'd had his gall bladder out. Only thing was, it all happened really fast, with hardly any pain/warning. I'd suggest a quick gall bladder removal over waiting. Good luck to you.

Sandy