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The Ask A Doctor message board provided a medium for sufferers of Heartburn and Gerd to ask questions about medical and surgical options for heartburn and receive answers directly from experienced Gastroesophageal surgeons.
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From: NEF
Date: 06/13/00
Time: 17:17:41
I was diagnosed with GERD 6 months ago. It has taken nearly this long to get it under control. I can only take Zantac and Carafate (allergic to the PPIs). I was still having pains on my right side, so my gastroenterologist had me undergo a HIDA scan with CCK. It showed that my gallbladder is functioning at only 14%. No gallstones. Four doctors have recommended that I have it removed. Surgery is scheduled for June 22. Is this what you would recommend? Is gallbladder surgery considered a safe, routine procedure? Some days I have considerable pain and nausea; others aren't too bad. I have also developed within the past few weeks a terrible taste (metallic/chemical) in my mouth and a case of really bad breath. One doctor said he thought it was due either to the gallbladder or gingivitis, which I've never had. I was just at the dentist a few months ago and didn't have any problems diagnosed. Could the taste and bad breath be due to the gallbladder problem? Also, I was wondering how the surgery and being without a gallbladder will affect the GERD. I have heard that it can worsen reflux. What should I expect as side effects, both long and short term, from surgery? Thanks for any information you can provide.