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Crohn's and Gallbladder Issues


Fri, February 09, 2018 8:21 PM

I'm 28 years old and was diagnosed with Crohn's about 10 months ago. I have also had severe (sometimes unbearable) gallbladder pain on and off for a few years. This past week I had an ultrasound done and found that I have a gallstone in the neck of the gallbladder and infammation of the gallbladder. I was told that I could try to live with this or see a surgeon to possibly get the gallbladder removed. I was wondering if anyone who has Crohn's has had their gallbladder removed and if that worsened their symptoms? I have read that once it is removed, the bile has no where to go but right from your liver and into your intestine and that it could be bad for someone with Crohn's. Any information would be greatly appreciated!

FPO danad
Joined Feb 9, 2018

Thu, February 06, 2020 8:09 PM

Reply posted for danad.

I've had Crohn's for over 22 years. I've also been diagnosed with IBS, lactose intolerance and a hiatal hernia. I had my gallbladder removed in Sept 2018. Thinking I'd feel better but now feel worse. It's been almost a year and a half and I still have pain every day. Have had a scope and an ultrasound which shows nothing. Doctor said it's IBS. I don't think it is. Hard to get the help I need. Looking back, I would've much rather dealt with the GB pain than this nightmare. Good luck to you. 

FPO Jehl30
Joined Feb 6, 2020

Mon, March 19, 2018 8:19 AM

Reply posted for danad.

Hi everyone. Thanks so much for your answers. So i decided to get my gallbladder removed this past Friday, everything went well. My surgeon had said that I needed to get it removed because the stone was lodged in the neck of the gallbladder, so I would just continue to have gallbladder attacks. He also assured me that it's rare to have symptoms after having it removed. But it's good to know that there are options if I do get any symptoms. Fingers crossed that I don't!

FPO danad
Joined Feb 9, 2018

Mon, March 19, 2018 7:38 AM

Reply posted for danad.

Hi!   I had my gallbladder removed in 2004.  I did see an increase in acid issues rectally post gallbladder removal, but it is easier to deal with than then pain the gallstones were causing.  Also, the diet to keep the gallstones from blaring did not go well with my Crohns safe diet.  I had a resection in 1990 which already increased my acid issues (TI region resection).  I used cholestyramine for that for years, but stopped for about 2 years.  Post gallbladder resection, I found I needed the cholestyramine again.  It handles the lack of bile absorption well for me.  As far as internally, who knows if the acid is causing me more issues....my Crohns seems stable post GB removals as it was pre.  I just know that daily dry heaves was not something I was willing to live with!

FPO habsfan
Joined Jan 9, 2012

Sat, March 17, 2018 12:25 PM

Reply posted for danad.

I actually joined to ask this exact question.  Except I have a gallbladder polyp, and also they recommend removing the gallbladder.

Now, as far as gallstones go, I heard that there are ways for people to get them out of the gallbladder.  If you haven't had it removed yet, I can look up some information for you.  Let's keep in touch; e-mail me at uvalex at walla dot com.

FPO Alek
Joined Mar 17, 2018

Fri, February 23, 2018 11:25 PM

Reply posted for danad.

I have had Ulcerative Colitis for 20 years. I had my gallbladder removed in January 1995. I started having Ulcerative Colitis symptoms in July 1997. ( An anal fistulectomy in 1992. And rectal abscess surgeries in 2002 and 2009. ) I am sure that it is a hard decision for you to make, but living with "unbearable pain" cannot be good for you. Before I had my gallbladder removed I was sick all of the time and vomiting. It sounds like you have done your research on bile, good for you ! We have to stay informed. There are online support groups where you can read about other Crohns/UC sufferers "journeys." To be honest, I feel like these fine folks know way more than their doctors do ! I have been taking 2 packets of Cholestyramine Powder for around 13 years. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrat. If I do not take this medicine I get very, very sick. There is a "resin" in the Cholestyramine Powder that binds with the bile. Take Care and Stay Healthy.

FPO Lynda Lynda
Joined Feb 20, 2018

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