Dealing with chronic stomach issues for years—need help!

First off, hi everyone. 🙂

My mother has been struggling with a major issue for years now. Honestly, I don't know how she does it—if I were in her shoes, I would have snapped by now. She’s just accepted this as her reality, but watching her suffer day after day is unbearable. I'm asking anyone with experience or advice to please reach out. Even a single sentence might help change the life of the most important person in my world.

Before I get into the details, I want to say that I know there are plenty of threads here. Some are very similar to this one, but I haven't found any specific advice for a situation quite like this—one that isn't as straightforward as simple stomach aches.

So, here is the situation... Four years ago, she had surgery to remove her gallbladder because she didn't just have stones, but a massive 4x2cm mass. Leading up to that, she suffered from intermittent, intense abdominal and stomach pain for several years. She couldn't sleep more than five hours at a time, and she could eat less and less as time went on. Like anyone else facing surgery, she thought it would finally provide relief. However, four years after the procedure—from which she recovered quickly and returned to work—she still can't sleep more than three hours straight. Every night around 5:00 AM, the pain wakes her up, and her rest is effectively over. On morning shifts, she can barely pull herself together to head to work. She tries to eat healthy, but only eats enough to function. Regarding sweets, she might indulge in a little chocolate once every week or two. She’s actually afraid of fruit because it seems to make the pain worse. She sticks to small portions of rice and plain meat for lunch, maybe some salad or beets, using minimal seasoning. For breakfast, she has about two small slices of toast with margarine and jam and some tea before her coffee—which she needs because she doesn't sleep. Dinner is usually just a cup of tea, mostly chamomile, and a few crackers. Essentially, since that surgery, things have become three times worse 😢. She’s had blood work and basic screenings done, and everything comes back fine on ultrasounds, yet she continues to live like this. Aside from this, she has never had chronic issues, surgeries, or other illnesses. Personally, she doesn't believe help is coming; she’s resigned to the idea that "this is just how it is." I refuse to give up on her.

A friend suggested she try seeing a herbalist, claiming there might be natural remedies that could help, but that’s all speculation. I am looking for help from anyone who has dealt with something similar. Has this hell ever ended for anyone? Please, I need help.

Anyone there...? 😢

I honestly have no clue what kind of rabbit hole she went down with her post-op testing—it’s one of those things you just can't quite wrap your head around, I guess. But when you're dealing with stomach issues, things like a gastroscopy, a duodenoscope exam, or checking for H. pylori... well, they probably wouldn't be the worst idea.

Laura King24 said:I'm not sure what kind of follow-up tests she’s done since the surgery—the stuff you might not be aware of. When dealing with stomach issues, things like an endoscopy, a duodenoscopy, or testing for H. pylori wouldn't be a bad idea.

She already had a gastroscopy and tested positive for H. pylori, though I think she cleared that up a while ago.

Thanks for the advice. I'll mention the duodenoscopy and the H. pylori test to her.

If anyone else here dealt with long-term issues after gallbladder surgery... I'm all ears for any advice.

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:she had a gastroscopy and tested positive for Helicobacter, though I think she cleared it quite a while ago.

Thanks so much for the tip. I'll definitely mention the duodenal biopsy and that H. pylori bacterium to her.

Does anyone else here deal with long-term issues after having their gallbladder removed? Any advice at this point is welcome.

H. pylori is indeed Helicobacter pylori. If she successfully treated it, then that isn't the culprit anymore. Even though her gallbladder is gone, she could still be dealing with liver issues—the liver takes on a heavier load once the gallbladder is out of the picture. Honestly, I'm not sure what to tell you; I struggle with gastritis and biliary sludge myself, so my digestive system is a constant battleground. Right now, I've been using coconut oil. Maybe give that a shot? You can usually find good quality stuff at a local health food store or a Whole Foods. When the standard meds stop cutting it, people usually turn to natural remedies—it’s the classic move. Fingers crossed for you.

Sarah Williams37 said:H. pylori is H. pylori. If she cleared that infection, then that isn't the issue anymore. Even if she had her gallbladder removed, she could still deal with liver issues. Once the gallbladder is gone, the liver takes on extra work. I'm not sure what else to tell you. I struggle with gastritis and sludge in my gallbladder myself, so the problems are constant. Right now, I'm trying coconut oil. She could try neem; she should be able to find some at a local health food store in a town like Columbus. When conventional medicine stops working, we usually turn to natural remedies. That's just how it goes. Fingers crossed.

Thanks, Sarah Williams37.🙂 Of course. She's skeptical about all those medications, which is why I'm reaching out to everyone here. I want to see if anyone has experience with alternative options. It's generally healthier, or at least it won't hurt if the pills aren't helping. So, the next step is coconut oil. Thanks again! I'll keep this thread open, so any future advice is welcome.🙏

Sarah Williams37 said:H. pylori is just H. pylori; if she cleared the infection, then that isn't the issue anymore. Even if she had her gallbladder removed, she could still be dealing with liver issues—removing the gallbladder puts an extra burden on the liver. I'm not sure how else to answer you, but I deal with gastritis and biliary sludge myself, so the problems are constant. Right now, I'm using coconut oil, for example. Maybe she should try chamomile; she can pick some up at a local health food store in a town like Columbus. When conventional medicine stops working, people naturally turn to alternative remedies—that’s just how it goes. Fingers crossed.

Just because she cleared an infection in the past doesn't mean she's immune to getting it again. That's like saying once you cure strep throat with antibiotics, you'll never catch it again.
If there's actually something wrong with her liver, a simple blood panel will show it clearly enough.

You've got biliary sludge, gastritis, and your solution is coconut oil? Honestly, you need to educate yourself on your own condition before those "alternative" types bleed you dry. 😉

thanks Elizabeth Jackson64 🙂 It’s definitely possible for the bacteria to come back. Apparently, the H. pylori wasn't causing issues like pain before... but then again, who really knows? Anything can happen. You're telling the truth, regardless. So, checking the liver is the next step on the list. That could be the culprit since the pain is more on my upper right side, not centered. Thanks again, everyone!! I'll keep reading if you have more to share..