Seeking Guidance: Struggling with Persistent Pain After Surgery
I am a 29-year-old female experiencing ongoing abdominal discomfort as well as sharp, cramping pain in my left flank and back. This issue has persisted since my gallbladder removal over a year ago. The pain often disrupts my sleep at night but can also manifest during daytime hours. Despite undergoing a series of diagnostic tests—including numerous CT scans, an MRI focused on the small intestine, an endoscopy, a colonoscopy, and a MAG3 scan—doctors have not been able to pinpoint the source of my discomfort. Various abnormalities have been observed, yet there has been no definitive diagnosis. Specific findings include non-rotation of the bowel and malrotation of the head and body of the pancreas. Initially, there was a suspicion of a left PUJ obstruction, but the urologist concluded that there is a "mildly dilated left pelvicaliceal system without obstruction." I have consulted multiple specialists across different disciplines, including surgery, gastroenterology, and urology, but none have provided effective solutions. I am feeling increasingly hopeless and burdened by this situation, fearing that I may never experience relief. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions regarding unusual conditions or tests that could help address my pain.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 7:50:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with persistent abdominal and flank pain after your gallbladder removal. It's understandable to feel hopeless after extensive testing and consultations without clear answers. Let's focus on practical steps that may help alleviate your discomfort and improve your situation.
Summary of Main Points:
- Ongoing abdominal and flank pain after gallbladder surgery is common but can be frustrating when diagnosis remains elusive.
- Consider lifestyle modifications, pain management strategies, and follow-up testing to better pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
Explanation:
Your symptoms can be due to several factors post-surgery, including changes in digestion, nerve irritation, or muscle tension. With many tests completed, sometimes conditions can be subtle or not easily detected through imaging. It's also important to consider functional issues related to the gastrointestinal system or related musculoskeletal pain, which can be harder to diagnose.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed log of your pain—note patterns, triggers, and what relieves it. Tracking symptoms over time can help identify any correlations that could be missed during consultations.
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Dietary Adjustments: Sometimes after gallbladder removal, specific foods can trigger discomfort. Consider trying an elimination diet to identify potential irritants. Focus on a low-fat diet, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, dairy, and fibrous items initially.
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Pain Management Techniques: Explore non-pharmaceutical strategies like gentle stretching, yoga, or pilates to relieve tension. Heat therapy (like a warm compress) may also provide temporary relief during flare-ups.
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Follow-Up with Specialists: Given the complexity of your case, you might benefit from seeking a multidisciplinary team approach. A chronic pain specialist or a functional medicine practitioner could offer additional strategies to manage your symptoms and explore overlooked conditions.
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Community Support: Finding support groups for people with chronic pain could provide emotional support and shared experiences that might help you feel less isolated.
Keep a positive outlook; sometimes it takes time to find the right combination of treatments and lifestyle changes to manage chronic pain. You've been through a lot, and I encourage you to continue seeking the changes that will lead to relief. If needed, please don't hesitate to reach out for ongoing support.
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