Alexandra Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 My elderly mil seems to be having some GB issues. She has ruled out other issues (she has had an endoscopy, sonogram, MRI and medicine eliminated) and it comes back to gallbladder. My question is what test(s) determine and confirm GB issues? Her symptoms include nausea and vomiting - esp after a heavy meal, pain in her upper abdomen, belching and pain in the shoulder blade area. I plan to contact her G/E MD but it will be a few days before I can set something up - and in the meantime she is so anxious about proceeding with more testing. She also has mild dementia. Thank-you! Alexandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Don't wait! IF needed take her to the ER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwalizer Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 Don't wait! IF needed take her to the ER. I agree. My gall stones were found using ultrasound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kat19 Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 If she is hurting really bad, I would take her to the ER~they will do an ultrasound. Before I had mine out, there was one night where I couldn't lay down, sit or do anything. I was hurting so bad, dh wanted to take me to the ER but I didn't know it was gallbladder problems at the time so I didn't go but made an appt for the doctor. Right away they sent me for an ultrasound, and I think the next day they sent me to a surgeon. I wouldn't wait too long. Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/tests-diagnose-gallbladder-problems The first tests the doctor ordered for my dh were ultrasound and bloodwork. He had an ERCP so that the doctor could look for gallstones and remove any that might be stuck. Part of this procedure included making a small incision so that stones could pass through without getting stuck. If my dh had not had the incision the ERCP would've been done as an outpatient procedure but because of the incision he had to stay overnight and have an antibiotic IV drip. If she's in pain, has a fever, and/or jaundice she really needs to be seen ASAP. If nothing else, she may be able to get some pain medication to use while she's waiting for the tests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamommy Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I went through this two weeks ago. I had very similiar symptoms but they came on suddenly (over a period of a week or so). Went to my family doc and pointed to where the pain was (under edge of ribcage on right and lower back on right) and he thought gallbladder right away. He did some blood work (checking for liver function and white counts I believe) but also sent me for an U/S that same day. Luckily I hadn't eaten that morning because I was told a 6-8 hour fast makes the U/S of the gallbladder better. Tech spilled the beans and told me during the exam that I had inflamation and was 'full' of stones. By the time I was home the radiologist had called my family doc back. I saw a surgeon that night and had surgery a day and a half later. It was laproscopic and not even quite 2 weeks later I feel 'almost normal', except for some dietary adjustments. Don't wait, go to the urgent care or ER for an U/S first thing in the AM so she is fasting already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoVanGogh Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I had my gallbladder removed right at three years ago. My family doctor misdiagnosed it for weeks. I went to my ob/gyn for a regular visit. She took one look at me and sent me straight to a surgeon. The surgeon did an ultrasound, which did not show any stones. He then had me admitted to the hospital for fluids (I had not been able to drink) while he ran every test known to mankind. Three full days of test. At the end of the third day, he ordered a hida scan - a nuclear test of the gallbladder's function. It showed that my gallbladder was completely shut down. On the fourth day, the surgeon removed my gallbladder. :001_smile: Ultrasounds only show gallstones. But a gallbladder can shut down or have limited function with no stones present. Only a hida scan will show that. Warning: The scan is very, very long and they can't sedate the patient as that could interfer with the testing. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gallbladder-scan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted February 4, 2009 Share Posted February 4, 2009 I had my gallbladder removed right at three years ago. My family doctor misdiagnosed it for weeks. I went to my ob/gyn for a regular visit. She took one look at me and sent me straight to a surgeon. The surgeon did an ultrasound, which did not show any stones. He then had me admitted to the hospital for fluids (I had not been able to drink) while he ran every test known to mankind. Three full days of test. At the end of the third day, he ordered a hida scan - a nuclear test of the gallbladder's function. It showed that my gallbladder was completely shut down. On the fourth day, the surgeon removed my gallbladder. :001_smile: Ultrasounds only show gallstones. But a gallbladder can shut down or have limited function with no stones present. Only a hida scan will show that. Warning: The scan is very, very long and they can't sedate the patient as that could interfer with the testing. http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gallbladder-scan Yes, and the machine is actually pressing on you so if you are claustriphobic it is a horrible experience. It was without a doubt the worst medical test I have ever had. They can not sedate you but they can give you Valium. ASk if you need it or you will not make it through the test, about an hour and a half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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