Acromegaly Support Group

Acromegaly (from Greek akros "high" and megas "large" - extremities enlargement) is a hormonal disorder that results when the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (hGH). Acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged adults and can result in serious illness and premature death. Join the group to discuss symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.

284 Members
1,572 Posts
0 Online
Endocrine System
/ Acromegaly Support Group

Sandostatin/gallbladder removal

Suzannabanana
Suzannabanana
My endocrinologist has decided that she doesn't want to increase my dose of sandostatin until I have my gallbladder removed. I have had some pain in the past, and the ultrasound shows some sludge, which has been there since before the sandostatin. The pain only seems to occur when I forget to take Miralax in the morning. Have any of you guys had to get your gallbladders removed on sandostatin? I went ahead and scheduled the surgery, since it's minor, and the gallbladder isn't entirely necessary, but I was just wondering...
PapillonRoseBleue
PapillonRoseBleue
My PCP had me scheduled to have mine out a year ago bec of U.S. reports. Then an endocrinologist told him that it is inevitable to have the sludge & as long as I don't symptoms that really require it to be removed I should wait. My PCP said you have an incredible increase in energy & decrease in fatigue when you get rid of a sick gall bladder. I hope you obtain some really positive results of that nature, too
swampy
swampy
Hi ive just recently had my gallbladder removed ,it had turned septic my endo siad it was because i was on lanriotide years ago .I wont lie to you it is a little painful but you will feel better and have heaps more energy good luck with the operation
deleted_user
deleted_user
Have you had the surgery yet? When is it scheduled?

I realize this is may be a late response, but i figured better late than never, hopefully. i know that several people who had their gallbladder removed had terrible problems afterward, with various symptoms like pain and major GI problems, they couldn't eat certain things - major diet issues, were nauseous, etc. So, based on that, some people have no problems and others have many problems. it is not an organ that is minor and that you don't need. so, i wouldn't take this decision lightly.

if the gallbladder is very sick, it's probably best to get it out. but, if you have minor symptoms that you can control with adjustments in diet and lifestyle, i would recommend you go that route. it sounds like if you change your diet, you could probably get rid of your symptoms. you can read about natural methods to heal and changes to diet at: http://www.gallbladderattack.com

you may need a different endo, if they can't deal with your choices.
i hope this helps. all the very best to you. peace, sunny
Suzannabanana
Suzannabanana
Well, it's out, and I feel ok with that. I'm still bloated from the surgery and have some pain, but the surgeon said it was actually full of stones, which was surprising since the sonogram just showed sludge. I'm mainly glad it's out because I'm always living in fear of not having health insurance (I do grant-funded work), and I want to do everything I can while I have such great coverage!
JohnD1
JohnD1
I gave up on Somatuline (on medical advice) due to severe gastrointestinal pain and discomfort as well as upset and diarrhoea after 3 months on it... An ultrasound scan afterwards showed gallbladder sludge. Now to what extent the gallbladder was responsible for the pain and discomfort is anyone's guess... a low fat diet at the time seemed to alleviate things a bit but only coming off Somatuline allowed me back to a 'normal' diet. That took several months though!

I am interested in hearing of gallbladder removal has helped anyone tolerate their jabs a bit better, particularly as I am looking for a long-term tolerable treatment for my acro.

John