I’ve had discomfort for around 4 years in my tummy, I’ve had my gallbladder out recently due to lots of stones and a collapsed gb, but still have a niggle. I had a scan 2 years ago and my pancreas was seen and normal, I had another before my op and only the head could be seen, should I have another scan ??
my symptoms are a niggle around the gb area back and front and I’ve noticed my stool is doffiyto flush
Hi Lillydoor,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.
I can see you have found our Bowel Cancer Forum and I hope you are finding it supportive.
I am sorry to hear that you have been experiencing discomfort for such a long time.
Painful gall stones are usually treated with surgery to remove the gall bladder (cholecystectomy). In most cases this is the most effective treatment.
The general advice following a cholecystectomy is to follow a healthy balanced diet with regular low fat meals. If you have noticed any difficulties with your diet since surgery your hospital team, or GP, may be able to refer you to a dietitian to support you.
Sometimes people can continue to experience symptoms after the removal of their gall bladder. It is important to have this assessed to try to understand what the underlying cause may be.
As you've mentioned that you still have a niggle and that your stools are difficult to flush, we would always recommend that you contact a doctor, your hospital team or NHS 111 to talk about that with them as soon as possible. As we don't have access to your medical records it is difficult to determine what the cause of your symptoms may be.
A higher fibre diet or excess fat in the stools may cause stools to float. It can also be an indication of other health conditions such as infection, malabsorption, issues with fat absorption or pancreatitis.
It is reassuring to know that the scan of your pancreas previously was normal. As your most recent scan showed only the head of the pancreas, it is reasonable to ask your GP if a further scan is needed. If you still have concerns about pancreatic cancer, or any other symptoms that are worrying you, it is important that you speak with your GP, your hospital team or NHS 111 about this.
It may help to keep a symptom diary; you could include details about your diet and whether you find this has any links to your symptoms.
We have this information when you are worried about cancer. Sometimes it helps to talk things through so please don’t hesitate to contact the nursing team, we are here everyday from 8am to 8pm - 0808 808 0000.
I hope this has provided a starting point, please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can be of further support.
Best wishes and take care,
Heidi
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us.
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