Has this happened to anyone?

Lindsaroo · 06-24-2009, 12:46 AM

Hi, I'm new to this site.

Anyway, I have a question. I recently had to have my gallbladder removed because of gallstone pancreatitis. I was stuck in the hospital for a 9 days from extreme attacks of pain. The doctors told me it was because of my PCOS medication and my rapid weight loss. I lost 50 lbs because of my medicine- not that I'm complaining about that though.

I was worried that some people might be having this problem because it was hard for them to figure out was was wrong. August of 2008 was when the episodes started and they could not figure out what was wrong until March of 2009. I had my gallbladder removed in April. Since then, I have had no problems, but they said what I had could have been extremely fatal if they had waited any longer.

I just want to know if people have had to have their gallbladder's removed because of their medicine. I wouldn't want anyone to experience the pain I went through.

My medicine:
spironolactone
Sprintec -birth control
Metformin

It was really hard for me - I'm only going to be 19 next month...

Pancreatitis is extremely painful. It feels like muscle spasms at first- that's what my doctor originally diagnosed me with. But what was happening was gallstones that formed tried to pass through my pancreas, but they would get stuck in the duct and make my pancreas swell up and crush my lungs so I had trouble breathing. If this has happened to you, your medicine COULD be the reason. It's rare, but I just wanted to share my story with you and hope I can help someone. We didn't know what was wrong with me for so long.

Not to end on a sad note, my surgery went well, and I'm doing fantastic! I'm up and about with no pain whatsoever and I'm feeling better than ever.

katt_:) · 06-25-2009, 12:51 AM

Which medication was this due to?

Lindsaroo · 06-25-2009, 03:20 AM

According to the doctors, it was my Metformin and Spironolactone. I was taken off the medicine until after my surgery. I've just recently started taking it again. Of course, I have no gallbladder to cause the problem anymore, so all is well now.

This is something no one should go through. You feel like you are dying the pain is so intense. I'm not trying to scare anyone

. Apparently what I went through was rare. I'm just curious if anyone else out there had the same issue because of their PCOS and their medication.

Thanks for replying.

wishesfornewtomorrow · 07-14-2009, 05:30 AM

OMG this is exactly what I have also been through. I feel your pain all the way. It started when they put me on yaz. Then I lost alot of weight like 75 lbs. in 7 months, and also I was taking metformin/spiro at the same time. I was told that bc pills can cause gallbladder disease/stones as well as loosing weight rapidly. Something about the rapid breakdown of fat clogging things? I think so. Yes I was on the floor grabbing my stomach crying so hard, the whole thing just balled up sort of like labor contractions feel and I know cause I have been in labor. Only this was much worse. I went numb in the face and it felt like it was knocking the breath out of me. I think the muscle contracts and causes you to be in so much pain its hard to breath. And I thought I was having a stroke or dying. I get my gallbladder out later this year when they do my gastric bypass. Seems like the easiest way to put pcos in remission.

But your not alone there, I have it too. And it hurts...

CathyJ · 07-16-2009, 10:23 AM

That is awful! I am glad you are feeling better. I am on both of those medications, but thankfully I have had no problems as of yet. Thanks for the post though, it's good information to have just in case something ever comes up.

Lindsaroo · 07-18-2009, 02:21 AM

I'm sorry to hear you have the same problem, wishesfornewtomorrow. It is the worst pain I had ever had. Good luck when you get your gallbladder removed. The pain hasn't come back since I've had my surgery, which is wonderful. With that gallbladder gone, you'll be feeling fantastic!

Did the doctors at least diagnose you right away? I seemed to have had some pretty clueless doctors. And my mother didn't help by saying that it was something I'd just have to live with the rest of my life! If I did that, I'd more than likely be dead.

They said it was destroying my pancreas.

And thanks for replying too, CathyJ! I hope you continue with no problems.

TheNewMrs. · 07-18-2009, 02:40 AM

I would think it'd be from the drastic weight loss in a short period of time versus the medications you're on. The medications may have caused the weight loss though.

Glad you're feeling better!! Pancreatitis is horrible to go through!

Lindsaroo · 07-19-2009, 08:58 PM

Yes, I believe it was the medicine that caused the drastic weight loss.

Thanks, TheNewMrs.!