[35F] Experiencing abdominal pain and digestive issues post-cholecystectomy

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gastritis: This is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause burning pain, gas, and nausea. It can be caused by various factors, including long-term use of certain pain relievers, bacterial infection, or heavy alcohol use. You mentioned you don't drink alcohol, so that's less likely to be the cause in your case.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid, which can help with the pain and promote healing.

• Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is a condition where painful sores or ulcers develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum). Symptoms can include burning stomach pain, feeling full or bloated, and nausea.

  • Treatment usually involves medications to decrease stomach acid, which can help with the pain and promote healing. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed if a bacteria called H. pylori is involved.

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. Given your history of gallbladder removal, you may be at a higher risk for this condition.

  • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for pain management, fluid replacement, and sometimes antibiotics or other medications.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus and cause heartburn, among other symptoms.

  • Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications. If these don't help, prescription medications or even surgery might be necessary.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

1. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms. These might include fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.
2. Eat smaller meals. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals.
3. Don't lie down after a meal. Wait at least three hours after eating before lying down or going to bed.
4. Elevate the head of your bed. If you regularly experience heartburn while trying to sleep, put gravity to work for you. Place wood or cement blocks under the feet of your bed so that the head end is raised by 6 to 9 inches.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

• If you notice blood in your stool or vomit
• If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
• If your symptoms worsen or do not improve with over-the-counter treatments

Please remember, I am an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.