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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 30 August 2016

When a woman in her third pregnancy has to go through with an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography), it is much more of an emotional experience rather than just a physical one, even though the physical toll is severe as well. Mrs. Singhal from Mumbai shares her emotional experience with PatientsEngage.

Please tell us a bit about your condition.

I underwent an ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography) procedure during my third pregnancy. While I have now delivered the baby and have also undergone Cholecystitis, I am yet to have the plastic stent removed. It’s been over a year now from my ERCP procedure. The surgery was done 3 months after my delivery.

When were you diagnosed?

About 13 months back in May 2015 when I was in my first trimester of my third pregnancy

What were the early symptoms?

It started with a sudden bout of vomiting late in the night which was then followed by severe chest and back pain (right side of my back). After taking medication for muscle pain and indigestion (that are generally considered common in any pregnancy) finally after a week when the pain became unbearable and I had lost a lot of weight (I was unable to digest water too), I was diagnosed with multiple stones in my gall bladder.

The doctors also now feel that these stones were a result of hormonal changes accompanied with pregnancy and that I would have had them during my first two pregnancies as well. On hindsight, I think I ignored certain symptoms then – excessive flatulence and frequent occurrence of gastroenteritis. I guess in my busy lifestyle while I ensured that I ate healthy and exercised, I didn’t pay much attention to what my body was going through. I also hold my stressful and strenuous lifestyle responsible for my condition. Doing a 9 to 9 job (and trying to excel in it), managing kids, home and also trying to look good all the time. I was taking out too much from my own self.

Is there a history of gall bladder stones in your family?

No.

What is your present condition?

As mentioned above, I am yet to have the stent removed. And my digestion is yet to come back to normal. I face sudden onset of diarrhoea or constipation or severe pain in the upper abdomen. I am in constant touch with my surgeon.

Please describe your experience of managing your condition

Personally speaking, since I was always a health conscious individual, it’s been tough managing the situation, more emotionally than physically. More so, because I have three very young kids between 6 months to 5 years. I have to ensure intake of proper nutrition while keeping my food light.

Any related complications?

Not related but as a result of third C section, I also suffered from Hydrometra immediately after my surgery for which I had to also undergo a D&C procedure. Right now my menstruation cycle is yet to set in.

What medications are you on?

It’s been 3 to 5 months now since my gall bladder removal, so nothing routine. Just that whenever I face constipation, diarrhoea and like recently I had bad abdomen pain – I generally get prescribed an antacid, some fibre to eat at night and a medicine called Rifagut.

Were there any side-effects of the medicines?

Not that I am aware of.

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

Eating right is extremely important. Because I was pregnant and then lactating, it was specially challenging in my case.

Have you learnt anything in managing your condition that you wish you knew before?

Certain food like fermented food, fried stuff, certain vegetables and fruits like brinjal, melons, raw veggies cause discomfort and I need to be careful about them now. Eating carefree is kind of not allowed now.
 
What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

I am in touch with my gastro surgeon mainly and my gynaecologist
 
What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?

Just the doctors and the internet. I wish I could know someone who underwent ERCP because at present I am pretty clueless about stent removal. While I am wary that a foreign body is inside for over a year, I am yet not informed about how and when can this stent can be removed.
 
Have you had to make some changes to your lifestyle because of your condition?

Yes – eating right and frequent walks/ breathing exercises (though not doing rigorous exercise as I was used to earlier)

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies, like homeopathy or yoga?

Not yet.

Has it been difficult emotionally to cope with your condition?

Yes, quite draining specially because in my mind I was too young to go through this. Though I am still thankful to God that I could undergo ERCP just in time as I was on the verge of getting pancreatitis.

How has your family supported you?

They have been with me all through especially in managing my kids and home. I was also working initially and decided to take a break from a very good career – it wasn’t an easy decision but my family respected my decision.

Did you see a counsellor for support? Were you offered counselling by doctor?

No. But my doctor has been forthcoming in elaborately answering my questions so far. However I am yet to get any details about my stent removal which has been disturbing me of late.

How did your friends treat you? Were you isolated?

They have all been very kind and helpful

What was the hardest part of the treatment? What kept you going? How has this changed your life’s perspectives and ambitions?

To accept that my body has now become weak in certain aspects. It slowed down my life a great deal. But, it suddenly made me realize that it is more important to be healthy and around for kids than to just be working all the time and ignoring the signs of your body.

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