Supraventricular Tachycardia

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.
Seriously.. please take me seriously!

For over ten years I have had 'attacks' of SVT. Throughout my childhood and teen years, I would experience periods of arrhythmia, had pneumonia several times and was often sickly. No one ever took me seriously about my heart. I'm now 29 and my SVT lasts about 3 hours at 250-300 bmp. I have been informed that I am "Too young..." and a hypochondriac.

An episode was at last caught on an EKG after ten years of being dismissed. AV Nodal re entrant SVT.

More tests ensued, MRI, MRA, Echo, Doppler. Told I have a common carotid malformation, no neck rubbing. Shipped out of the ED with a rx for Metroprolol and no idea what to do. I just stated a new job, in a new area. No benefits until October. More than slightly worried.

History of illegal drug use in teen years. Cocaine overdose at 17. No drug abuse since.
Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'6"
What is your weight in pounds?: 180
How old are you?: 29
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Bruising or Bleeding
Describe associated symptoms not listed above: Bruise ridiculously easy. Iron and potassium always deficient on blood work.
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.

I have not begun the beta blocker. I take fluxetine and xanax for severe anxiety and read there could be an interaction.

Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): Anxiety, ADHD, Psoriatic Arthritis, Migraines
Two C-Sections
Cholecystectomy

Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Asthma / Lung Problems
Cancer
History of Back Pain
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : Latex

Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: fluxetine 60mg po in a.m.
Xanax 1mg - 5x a day
When was your last menstrual cycle?: 2 weeks ago
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: Yes
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: Yes
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

HOW QUICKLY DO YOU NEED THIS TO BE ANSWERED?: As soon as possible

This is something that has been getting more severe over time.  Can it wait a few more months?
__________________________________________

I'm confused by your question ma'am. It seems that you have problems with anxiety that can mimick an attack of SVT, but now you have an EKG which proves that you do have it. 

From the ER you would have been advised to seek the care of a cardiologist. In particular, you need to see an electrophysiologist. They can, usually, cure, permanently, your SVT with something called a 'cardiac ablation procedure'.

I have no idea what to make of the comments that you are 'too young' and 'a hypochondriac'. 

As to the metoprolol I do not understand why you are not taking it. The interaction is that while being on the other medicine you are on the dose you need may be lower than that for most, but metoprolol can prevent the episodes of SVT. Smoking, of course, is a risk factor for heart attack and you should stop.

It is time, now, to call and make an appointment with a cardiologist. While your SVT is likely okay to follow over time, a one time capture of the rhythm in the ER is lucky, but is also crying out for expert intervention at this time, namely that of a cardiologist. And one very important thing, when you go see the cardiologist, take a copy of the EKG. Scan it, make ten copies, don't ever lose that EKG... it is very important indeed.

That is where you should turn. Can you wait? Sure, Will anything bad happen? Probably not, especially if you take your metoprolol, but you absolutely need a physician to supervise your medicines and get to the bottom of this. The ER is the worst possible place to go in a case like yours, because while SVT is something we see routinely, we can not fix it. And now that we know what you have it's time to get to the doctor that can fix it.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

My wife has been suffering from pain in the solar plexus and accompanying pain to the center right on the her back.  All treatment and medication has not achieved any relief.  This all started with a glad bladder removal and maybe other procedures to find the cause. Dr's have prescribed medication which only has temporary relief.  She had had CT scans, X-rays, endoscopy and more.  Most all test come back negative, but pain is daily and persist even through medication.  We now have Tylenol 3 codine and Celebrex, still minimal relief.


Any type of prolonged Sitting and wearing a bra's cause daily discomfort.

What should be our next course of action?
What / who should we see next?
Any help or direction would be appreciated.

Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 6"
What is your weight in pounds?: 155
How old are you?: 46
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Abdominal Pain
Chest Pain
Musculoskeletal Pain
Weight Loss
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery : None
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : None
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Tylenol 3 codine
Celebrex
Diovan
When was your last menstrual cycle?: 3 weeks ago
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

What should we do nextWhat type of Dr should we go see
_______________________________________________

This is a really hard question for an online discussion. It is possible that your wife has a post cholecystectomy syndrome. This is a very difficult diagnosis and somewhat controversial. She needs to be seen by a very good GI doc and her surgeon should also know that she is having these problems. The thing is, it seems from what you are saying that she has had a VERY thorough workup since this started. The problem here is that her pain is so suggestive of pain originating in the area of the gall bladder that it's hard to think of another cause, especially with the tests she has had and the results obtained. I wish I had a 'magic bullet' solution for you but I simply do not. You said the tests have been 'mostly normal'... can you tell me what tests have not been normal? Please respond in the comment section.

Hypokalemia of Unclear Cause

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I am a 32 year old female and have never had a problem with my potassium until the last three months. I was put in the hospital once because my potassium was 2.3, I got potassium by iv and it was painful! They sent me home taking 80 MEQ a day then when my blood work came back normal they told me I didn't have to take the potassium anymore

Then a month and a half later my legs started hurting really bad so I went to have blood work in the morning and the doctor called that evening and told me to go to the er because my potassium was 2.3 again. When I got there the doctor told me he though they made a mistake because he didn't think it could be that low so he checked my blood again and it had already dropped down to 1.6 So they admitted me and three bags of potassium and  A LOT of potassium pills later they finally got it up to 3.1 The doctor in the hospital said that I was losing blood (my count was going down) but couldn't find a reason for it other than a mild anemia. My co2 levels are also so low they said it was dangerous for me to go home with them that low.

I was told to go to my doctor every other day for blood work but I never could get any answers from the doctor on how to treat it so that I am not in the hospital every other month not to mention the pain in my legs when it gets so low I can barely walk.

Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'6
What is your weight in pounds?: 175
How old are you?: 32
How long has this been going on?: More than a month
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Difficulty Breathing
Describe associated symptoms not listed above: Major leg pain, hurts so bad I can barely walk
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
: So far all that has been done is treating me in the hospital with potassium by iv and a lot of potassium pills. This last visit they added a daily vitamin. Once my potassium goes up they take me off the potassium.
I had blood work where my co2 and potassium were extremely low.

Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): As far as medical problems I have only really been sick once about 3 years ago. I got up with a sore back and the next day I had to call 911 because I couldn't walk. I had meningitis, endocarditis, and internal MRSA. As I was being treated for those my blood stopped producing hemoglobins so they had to give me a blood transfusion. I was in the hospital for a little over a month and had a PICC line to keep taking medicine for another two months after I got out of the hospital.

Check all conditions present in your immediate family... : none
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : none
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: potassium 30 MEQ, daily vitamin
When was your last menstrual cycle?: 4 weeks ago
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: Yes
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Occasionally

I want to know what is wrong with me and why would it come on suddenly?
Is the medicine I am what i need to get my body on the right track or do I need to look for another doctor?
_____________________________________________

Ma'am, you have a complex medical problem. You have had diseases and conditions that would have killed most people. It is possible that after your bacterial endocarditis that your kidneys are permanently damaged. As to why you can't keep your postassium levels up, if your current doctor can not tell you, then you need to see a nephrologist. 

A GOOD DESCRIPTION OF THE EFFECTS AND CAUSES OF HYPOKALEMIA (LOW POTASSIUM) CAN BE FOUND HERE.  

To be frank, you have a life threatening condition that has not been fully explained, or, if it has, it has not been fully explained to you. Please do contact or see a Nephrologist (kidney specialist) as soon as possible and do not hesitate to go to the ER if you have worsening symptoms. 

To summarize from the above link....

"

Causes

Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss in urine or from the digestive tract. Only rarely is low potassium due to not getting enough potassium in your diet.

The most common cause of excessive potassium loss is the use of prescription diuretics — water or fluid pills. Causes of potassium loss leading to low potassium include:

• Chronic kidney failure
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive use of laxatives
• Prescription diuretic (water or fluid pills) use
• Primary aldosteronism
• Vomiting

When to see a doctor

In most cases, low potassium is more commonly found by a blood test, before it gets so low that it causes symptoms.

Low potassium symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are the most worrisome complication of very low potassium levels, particularly in patients with underlying heart disease.

Talk to your doctor about what your results mean. You may need to change a medication that's affecting your potassium level, or you may need to treat another medical condition that's causing your low potassium level. Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. Don't start taking potassium supplements without talking to your doctor first. 

"

Causes

Low potassium (hypokalemia) has many causes. The most common cause of low potassium is excessive potassium loss in urine or from the digestive tract. Only rarely is low potassium due to not getting enough potassium in your diet.
The most common cause of excessive potassium loss is the use of prescription diuretics — water or fluid pills. Causes of potassium loss leading to low potassium include:

• Chronic kidney failure
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Excessive use of laxatives
• Prescription diuretic (water or fluid pills) use
• Primary aldosteronism
• Vomiting

When to see a doctor

In most cases, low potassium is more commonly found by a blood test, before it gets so low that it causes symptoms.
Low potassium symptoms may include:

• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) are the most worrisome complication of very low potassium levels, particularly in patients with underlying heart disease.
Talk to your doctor about what your results mean. You may need to change a medication that's affecting your potassium level, or you may need to treat another medical condition that's causing your low potassium level. Treatment of low potassium is directed at the underlying cause and may include potassium supplements. Don't start taking potassium supplements without talking to your doctor first. "

If you have questions please ask them in the comment section.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

I am having a continued dull pain at my solar plexus area. It is also somewhat tender or is a little painful when i press this area. I do not know if my breathing i related to this but sometimes it seems i can not draw a satisfying deep breath. This started to be a constant dull pain just a few weeks ago. I was hoping that it would simply go away but it has not.  Is there any suggestions about this?

Gender: Male
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 8.5"
What is your weight in pounds?: 194
How old are you?: 65
How long has this been going on?: A week or two
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Difficulty Breathing
Chest Pain
Palpitations
Respiratory

What have you done so far to remedy this condition?

 I have just taken pain relievers ( otc ) for the pain.

Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery: In 2004 i had two stints put in after a heart attack.

Please list any medication allergies that you have : : none that i know of
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: sotolol 80mg twice daily
lisinopril 20mg once a day
asprin once a day
When was your last menstrual cycle?: Now
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Never

Top three questions?

The pain, the cause, the seriousness. The reason for the tenderness when i press there, the shortness of breath

______________________________________

Sir, 

I hate to tell you this but with your age and your prior heart problems this could be anything from a simple stomach irritation or ulcer to an aortic aneurysm in your abdomen. The first is of little concern except for the pain it is causing you, but an abdominal aneurysm if not diagnosed can rupture and kill you. There is simply no other option for you but to see your doctor and get an exam and some tests run. You might try some over the counter antacids to see if that helps, but even if it does this does nothing to tell us that we have solved the riddle. Abdominal pain complaints are very difficult to figure out in general and that is why, if you go tot he ER with a complaint of abdominal pain, you are very likely to get a CT Scan.... there are simply to many possible causes, some dangerous, to make a diagnosis based on story alone, and even story and exam is rarely enough to make a diagnosis. I am sorry but you need to get with your doctor as soon as possible. Today would be best. If you do not have a doctor then you will need to go to the ER. I hope you get better soon and please do tell us what this ends up being, but this needs professional evaluation as soon as possible.

Recurent Solar Plexus pain

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

I have a recurring solar plexus pain right, almost like I received a punch in the solar plexus. I have tried to be aware of what I eat or if I'm particularly stressed, but have found no pattern yet. The pain usually lasts for a few minutes, growing in intensity, until if quickly wears off and completely disappears. Sometimes it lasts longer though, up to an hour or two. I have stones in my gall bladder, but don't know if that is in any way related to this pain. What should I do?

Gender: Male
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 6 feet 2.5 inches
What is your weight in pounds?: 243 pounds
How old are you?: 36
How long has this been going on?: More than a month

Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Abdominal Pain

Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Cardiac Disease

Please list any medication allergies that you have : : None
When was your last menstrual cycle?: I'm a man, baby!
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Occasionally


What can cause the pain?
Should I be alarmed?
How can it be treated?
___________________________________________

The most obvious answer is that this IS related to your stones in the gall bladder. Curious that you know this, as I wouldn't think to actually look for gallstones unless someone came to see me with a good history and exam for gall bladder pain. My point is that some doctor in the recent past was concerned about your gall bladder and got an ultrasound and found the stoned. Could it be something else? Sure, just not likely, especially at your age. Hard to think of another cause which would produce similar symptoms. Generally, once stones are discovered people are scheduled for a cholecystectomy... a gall bladder removal. My suggestion is that you get with a surgeon and get an opinion on whether your pain is from your gall bladder and, if so, when you can get it removed. The danger of ignoring this is that you could develop CHOLECYTITIS, an infection of the gall bladder, and this is a true medical emergency requiring emergency surgery. Best to get the gall bladder out on an elective basis. It's a much easier and safer surgery.

If you have questions please ask them in the comment section.

Be well.

MDSTAT ER Doc 1

Recurrent Abdominal Pain (absent gall bladder)

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.

I have been having horrible pain 4-5 inches above my belly button midline of my abdomen.  The pain is always an achey pain, but then I get attacks of horrible pain that are severe and are similar to previous gallbladder attacks that I had when I had my gallstones years ago. I  had my gallbladder removed in 1995. The pain starts suddenly and intense and lasts from 4 or more hours. The severe pain goes through to my back and up into my chest to the point where I can't take a deep breath because of the pain. I feel like my heart is fast. I have had nausea and occasional vomiting during this time.

I also have been having some floating stools that don't hold their form and are grainy and fat floating in toilet. No light colored stools though. No fevers which I usually don't run a fever due to my hypothyroidism.  I feel full after small amounts of food and the severe attacks usually occur after eating. The first attack occurred while in a restaurant.   I felt immediate abdominal pain, nausea, became very hot and my face appeared flush.  I felt like I was going to die.

I didn't say anything to my husband but he asked me if I was ok and I told him how I was feeling.  I felt better the next day, but it happened again the next month so I went to the ER.  I had another severe attack while there and they admitted me.

They ruled out a heart attack and all other serious problems. I take 24 hour prevacid for stomach pain, levothyroxine, prednisone 10mg a day for back pain (have been taking this for 6 months), hydrocodone 10/660 3x a day prn for back pain, soma 4x a day prn for back pain.   I have had bloodwork, CT scans, and ultrasounds. One of my previous scans showed a dilated bile duct and mild fatty liver.  I have only drank 10 alcoholic beverage in my life and I don' t drink or do drugs. I am scheduled for an ultrasound on Monday to try to find out why I hurt so bad.  Any help would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!

Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5'7"
What is your weight in pounds?: 250lbs
How old are you?: 40
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing:
Vomiting
Nausea
Describe associated symptoms not listed above:  Pain radiating into chest and back. Floating Stools not formed with floating fat. So painful that I can't take a deep breath. Fast heart rate. The pain is a achey pain with  some throbbing pain also. When the severe attacks start it is a severe ache that doesn't let up. I  get full after eating small amounts of food. The severe attacks usually occur after eating.

What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
I have had CT scans, ultrasound and bloodwork. I will have another ultrasound on monday. One test showed dilated bile duct and fatty liver.
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): medical problems: hypothyroidism, possible gastritis or ulcer, previous tracheal stenosis of unknown cause, and Degenerative disc disease and arthritis.

Surgeries: Tubal ligation, gallbladder removal, tracheal resection/anastomosis surgery.

Check all conditions present in your immediate family... :
Cardiac Disease
Hypertension
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : N/A

Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: Levothyroxine 137mcg 1x a day
24 hour prevacid 1x a day
Soma 350mg 4 x a day as needed
hydrocodone 10/ 660 3 x a day as needed
Prednisone 10mg 1x a day
When was your last menstrual cycle?: 3 weeks ago
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

HOW QUICKLY DO YOU NEED THIS TO BE ANSWERED?: As soon as possible

What conditions could cause the symptoms that I am experiencing?
Could it be pancreatitis?
Can gallstones form after gallbladder has been removed?

__________________________________________

Well, you certainly are having a rough go of it. I am only now able to post your question after a couple of days on the road. Your ultrasound was today. I hope it is diagnostic. This is unlikely to have anything to do with your gall bladder unless you have a reatained ductal stone, and the only way to find that is with a procedure called ERCP (an upper endoscopy).

You are young for intestinal ischemia.... pain in the abdomen due to lack of blood flow to the abdominal organs, usually triggered by eating, though it should be on the list. 

The striking thing to me is the pain's relation to eating.

A couple of things you said triggered something though, and I do not wish to scare you, but there is a rare condition called 'Cardinoid Syndrome' that is associated with some cancers and a rare tumor of the GI tract (intestines). If everyone is drawing a blank you might suggest this. 

Here is a link regarding this condition.

Given its rarity I wouldn't mention it at all as it will, no doubt, make you worry, but it does seem that your doctors are trying to knock out all the usual suspects and simply haven't solved this one yet. I would mention this at your next appointment and see if they have already checked for it (they probably have). 

Biliary Colic?

I AGREE TO USE MD STAT FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, THAT NO DOCTOR PATIENT RELATIONSHIP IS FORMED BY MY PARTICIPATION IN THIS EXCHANGE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT MY QUESTION AND ANSWER(S) WILL BE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE AND WILL BE VIEWABLE BY VISITORS TO THE SITE.: Yes, I agree.


Hello,
I would truly appreciate your help. I have had persistent throbbing pain at a point specifically between the umbilicus and xiphoid process. The frequency of pain began as once every 6 months, and over the course of two years has increased in frequency to once or twice a week. When the pain comes on, it always starts in the evening and lasts for 3 to 5 hours (it's important to note that it comes on while I am sitting up or standing - in other words, not when I'm lying down). Last month I adopted a vegetable + fruit + dairy diet, but then eating wheat bread triggered it. I believe the density of certain foods can trigger it, as may sugary foods (such as apple pie). I have been able to eat creamy foods and not feel pain. I began blending fruits and vegetables and this helped. Sometimes I also have an achy anterio-lateral right sided pain (like at the far edge of my body), which is where my liver is (wouldn't gallbladder pain be between the midline and lateral side?). I was a veg etarian (but ate salmon and shrimp) between the ages 14 and 32. At 32 I began to eat poultry. I'm 39 now.

I had an ultrasound done that showed 7 gallstones. I had an endoscopic exam of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines that came back negative for h.pylori, gluten intolerance, but positive for mild acid reflux on the esophagus. I had a functional CT scan of my upper and lower abdominal quadrants that was negative (stones could not be seen on this scan - I was told because they were not calcified). EKG was negative. Liver enzymes were normal.

Last night I had an attack after eating a piece of pie, and felt feverish, throbbing pain, and vomited for a few hours (did not vomit bile - only pie). I've only had vomiting with the pain once before. Usually I do not feel feverish or vomit with the pain. Thanks so much!!!

Gender: Female
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5 foot 6 inches
What is your weight in pounds?: 120
How old are you?: 39
How long has this been going on?: More than a year
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing: Abdominal Pain
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : None.
When was your last menstrual cycle?: Now
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely

HOW QUICKLY DO YOU NEED THIS TO BE ANSWERED?: As soon as possible

Top three questions...
1. Could this throbbing pain be my pancreas?
2. Could the achy pain be my liver?
3. What could be wrong? What tests would you recommend for a differential diagnosis?

The doctors suggested I have my gall-bladder removed, but I've read that sometimes it's not the gall-bladder. I don't want to have something removed and then still have pain and now even more issues (like having to take digestive enzymes for the remainder of my life).

________________________________________________-

Okay, a quick answer from me. This is, in all likelihood, your gall bladder. It is not your pancreas, as pancreatitis is typically of acute onset and not recurrent with meals. It is true that pancreatitis can be caused by gallstones, but the way you describe your pain and with the testing that has been done you most certainly have BILIARY COLIC. If you click on the blue lettered link you will be taken to a pretty thorough explanation of why you almost certainly have pain from your gall bladder. 

You gall bladder sits with in the liver which is on the right side of your abdomen and just under the ribs. The fact that you have had attacks that now seem to be associated with meals makes this more certain. 

And as to what you have heard about problems after gall bladder removal I am amazed at all the bad information that is out there. The fact is that with the ability to remove the gall bladder laparascopically (without an open incision) that the recovery time and the results of ROUTINE gall bladder surgery today are almost always excellent.

There does seem to be, in a small number of patients, problems with post gall balder pain. Mostly these patients have small stones retained in the bile ducts and a simple endoscopic procedure fixes this problem. In an even smaller group of patients some persistent symptoms of gall bladder pain can occur for months after the procedure. 

However, consider this, since we know you have stones in your gall bladder you would be well advised to have removed at a time of your choosing for two main reasons.....

1. your pain attacks will keep happening and become more frequent and you will find yourself in the ER eventually, and maybe many times. A few ER visits and you have already spent more money than you would in an elective surgery. 

and 

2. If you keep waiting the chances of your gall bladder becoming infected become higher and higher, and when this happens 'acute cholecystitis' it is called, the surgery no longer is elective, it is an emergency surgery and it is life saving surgery. In this way the gall bladder with stones is much like the appendix. In short, you run a much greater health risk by waiting than by having this done as soon as you can and on an elective baasis. 

So, in summary, I would bring your concerns to your surgeon and ask about post-cholecystectomy syndrome and how frequent it is. Your concerns are valid, your surgeon will answer your questions and will be happy to hear them. If he is not then you may have the wrong surgeon.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section below. Good luck and thanks for your question.