OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Request for Feedback

8/16/2025, 12:20:47 AMMale25-34

I am a 23-year-old woman experiencing health issues for over a year. After having my gallbladder removed nearly a year ago, I was diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis. My primary symptoms include persistent nausea and occasional vomiting, alongside constant discomfort in my upper right abdomen. This distress can be so severe at times that it triggers nausea. The pain can occasionally radiate to my back or center of my chest. The sensations in my upper right side vary, presenting as a burning sensation, sharp cramps, or general discomfort, though it typically lasts no longer than an hour. My bowel movements are unusually mushy and slimy, exhibiting a pale yellow-brown color. I have undergone various tests including ERCP, EGD, and MRIs. I would appreciate hearing from others about their experiences. Unfortunately, my doctor seems dismissive of my concerns, and I suspect it may relate to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

8/16/2025, 12:21:48 AM

OpenHealth AI

I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing with your health after your gallbladder removal and your diagnosis. It’s understandable to feel concerned, especially when experiencing ongoing discomfort and nausea. Your symptoms, along with the history of familial adenomatous polyposis and the potential for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, can be quite complex and distressing.

Key Points:

  • Persistent nausea and upper abdominal discomfort can be related to various factors, including issues with digestion following gallbladder removal and possible dysfunction of the sphincter of Oddi.
  • Changes in bowel movements, particularly mushy and pale stools, suggest malabsorption or another digestive issue that warrants attention.

Explanation:

After gallbladder removal, the body can take time to adjust to changes in how fats are digested, often leading to symptoms like nausea or changes in bowel habits. The sphincter of Oddi regulates bile and pancreatic juice flow; dysfunction can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, and abnormal stool. Your experience with pain radiating to your back and chest is also important, and it’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely.

Next Steps:

  1. Keep a Symptom Diary: Document your symptoms daily, including the timing, intensity, triggers, and any relationship to food intake. This can provide valuable insights and help identify patterns that could aid in diagnosis.

  2. Diet Management: Pay attention to your diet. Try a low-fat diet initially and observe if it helps reduce nausea and discomfort. Foods that are high in fat can exacerbate symptoms after gallbladder removal.

  3. Hydration and Smaller Meals: Stay hydrated and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals to help your digestion.

  4. Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel your concerns are not being addressed, consider consulting another healthcare provider, such as a gastroenterologist, who specializes in digestive disorders. They may offer additional tests or perspectives.

  5. Discuss Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction Testing: If you suspect sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, ask your doctor if more specialized tests, like a manometry study, can be done to evaluate this condition.

Remember, it’s important to advocate for your health and seek the support you deserve. If any of your symptoms worsen or new troubling symptoms arise, please prioritize getting medical attention. You’re not alone in this, and there are paths to find relief.

Related Questions

Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6

Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?

Family MedicineInternal MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
5 minutes ago

Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice

I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.

WellnessFamily MedicinePreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Intense Pain in Left Thumb

Greetings, I’ve been experiencing a piercing pain at the tip of my left thumb intermittently. This discomfort is situated within the thumb rather than on the outer skin. It primarily affects the underside of the thumb and surrounds the base of the nail. The pain seems to extend only to the first skin fold, specifically around the distal phalanx. When applying pressure, I’ve noticed some red streaks appearing beneath the surface, alongside the white area. I trust this explanation is clear. This issue has persisted for over a year, occurring sporadically but intensifying as time has passed. Could this be a cause for concern? A bit about myself: I am a 25-year-old female with no significant medical issues in my background. I previously smoked cigarettes for three years, transitioned to vaping, and have been vaping for six years now. I maintain an active lifestyle, frequently going to the gym and participating in various sports such as indoor football and pickleball. I don’t have any known allergies.

AgingLifestyle ChangesPreventive Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup

While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago

Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered

Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕

Lifestyle ChangesFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
3 hours ago