OpenHealth Q&A

Post-Operative Complications Following Gallbladder Surgery

A 26-year-old woman is recounting her medical journey after having her gallbladder surgically removed in January 2024 due to a significant stone. Just two weeks post-operation, she began to feel discomfort in her right lower quadrant (RLQ), which is situated near the appendix. This pain is persistent and particularly poignant when pressure is applied. After sharing her symptoms with her surgeon, a series of tests—blood samples, stool analysis, an ultrasound, a CT scan, and a colonoscopy—were conducted. The results were inconsistent, leading the surgeon to become perplexed and frustrated. Around the same period, the patient also started experiencing discomfort in her right leg. The sensations were similar to growing pains or restless leg syndrome but significantly intensified. She primarily felt this discomfort in the upper front portion of her thigh, knee, and occasionally in her calf, especially while lying down. These episodes persisted intermittently for several months. By September, she was experiencing considerable pain in her right hip along with her ongoing leg issues. Her physical therapist reported that her hips appeared aligned and attributed the discomfort to possibly having slept in an awkward position. Shortly thereafter, she realized that she had been assisting her leg to cross over her left while seated. When she attempted to perform the action unaided, she was unable to do so. Moreover, when she laid on the floor to elevate her leg, she struggled to lift it from the ground. Disconcerted by the sudden weakness, she sought the attention of her therapist again, who reacted strongly and recommended she consult her surgeon. During this time, the patient also discovered a painful lump in her right pelvic area; the discomfort intensified upon pressure, and she felt nauseated when it was pressed. The surgeon examined both the lump and her leg symptoms, dismissing the idea of a hernia due to its unusual location but then concerned over her leg condition. Following this, he reached out to both a neurologist and an orthopedic specialist, prompting them to order an MRI of her back, suspecting that there might be nerve compression at play. Although she inquired whether her symptoms could be related to her gallbladder surgery, the specialists assured her they were not connected. Ultimately, the MRI yielded no conclusive findings. Subsequently, the medical team requested MRIs of her head and neck, suspecting there could be spinal cord issues; still, no answers emerged. By early December, the patient underwent a lumbar puncture and a three-day cortisone infusion with additional imaging for the lump in her pelvis and a newly noticed mass above her right knee. Even nerve conduction tests returned normal results. Blood tests revealed she has Hashimoto's disease and severe deficiencies in vitamins B12 and D3, which the doctors attributed to her leg weakness. Currently, she is being treated with gabapentin, Euthyrox, and supplements for B12 and D3, yet she finds no relief. A new pain has manifested just above the RLQ near her navel; these occurrences happen while lying on her left side and have been triggered by movements such as twisting or sneezing, producing excruciating pain that subsides only when curling up in a fetal position for about ten minutes. Her new physician is attempting to assist by ordering an ultrasound of the lump and assessing both the RLQ pain and the discomfort near her belly button, but again, the diagnostics show no abnormalities. The surgeon communicated back that the MRI from December revealed no hernias and asserted that a laparoscopic cholecystectomy could not lead to nerve damage or entrapment. Feeling increasingly distressed, the patient believes her symptoms might stem from the gallbladder surgery, but her concerns are frequently dismissed. She struggles with mobility, particularly navigating stairs, experiences significant leg weakness, and finds her knee feels unstable, resulting in an altered gait. She expresses a strong desire to avoid a future dictated by reliance on pain medications that fail to fully alleviate her discomfort while facing constant, unresolved abdominal pains. Desperately seeking assistance, she reaches out for help, hoping for clarity and solutions to her complex health issues.

Answers (1)

6/26/2025, 2:20:59 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm truly sorry to hear about the complex and distressing symptoms you've been experiencing since your gallbladder surgery. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with persistent pain and an unclear diagnosis. Let's break down your situation and explore a few actionable steps that can help you find relief and regain your mobility.

Main Points:

1. Multiple Symptoms: You are experiencing significant discomfort in your abdominal area (RLQ), leg weakness, pelvic pain, and a new pain near your navel.
2. Testing and Medical Consultation: Various tests have yielded inconclusive results, which can be frustrating.
3. Currently Managed Conditions: You have been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease and vitamin deficiencies, which may contribute to some symptoms.

Explanation:

Your symptoms could stem from various issues, including post-operative complications that are not readily identifiable through standard imaging or tests. Possible causes might involve nerve-related issues, muscular imbalances, or even complications surrounding the abdominal surgery, despite reassurances from your team. Pain management and mobility should be your primary focus, especially since you want to avoid reliance on medications that aren't effective.

Next Steps:

1. Physical Therapy: Continue to work closely with your physical therapist. Share your mobility concerns and pain patterns—they may tailor exercises to improve strength and stability in your hip and knee.

2. Pain Management Strategies:

   • Heat or Cold Therapy: Apply heat (like a warm pack) or cold packs to the painful areas for short periods to see which offers more relief.
   • Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle stretching of the legs and hips to help with stiffness. Basic exercises like leg lifts and gentle hip stretches can rebuild strength and improve flexibility.

3. Investigate Nutritional Support: Ensure that the supplements for vitamin B12 and D3 are at therapeutic doses as recommended by your physician. These vitamins are crucial for nerve health and muscle function. Additionally, consider working with a nutritionist to address any dietary gaps related to your Hashimoto's disease.

4. Regular Follow-Up: Keep your new physician updated on any changes in your pain or symptoms. Given your ongoing troubles, advocating for additional diagnostic tests might be necessary (for instance, exploring if anything relating to the internal organs or musculoskeletal system has been missed).

5. Mind-Body Approaches: Explore practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga, which can help you manage stress and may also alleviate some pain symptoms.

Additional Considerations:

If your symptoms worsen or significantly impact your daily life, consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of a referral to a pain specialist, who can provide more advanced options for managing chronic pain.

Your pursuit of answers and quality of life is crucial. You're not alone in this—stay proactive in your health journey and maintain open communication with your care team regarding your concerns and experiences. If you have any further questions or wish to discuss specific symptoms in detail, please reach out.