So here are the latest results of the SM capsule endoscopy test:
normal findings…
Another normal findings. Another negative result. Another “well, it’s not that.”
In the note, it states that this doctor is now referring me to a doctor at Cedar Sinai. This particular G.I. doctor I’m getting referred to specializes in “unusual and abnormal abdominal pains”.
The condition that they think I have:
Yup. Go ahead. Prepare your jokes at this time. I’ll wait.
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Done? Cool. Moving on.
Sphincter of Oddi disorder. Here you go.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction refers to two motility conditions affecting the Sphincter of Oddi; papillary stenosis and sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia (also known as biliary dyskinesia). The sphincter of Oddi is a sphincter muscle, a circular band of muscle at the bottom of the biliary tree which controls the flow of pancreatic juices and bile into the second part of the duodenum. Both types of dysfunction can obstruct flow through the sphincter of Oddi and can therefore cause retention of bile in the biliary tree and pancreatic juice in the pancreatic duct.
Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a rare condition[citation needed]. However, as with most conditions, certain factors make it more likely, such as patients with biliary-pancreatic disease[1]. Attacks can be precipitated by opioid analgesics [2], particularly in patients having undergone cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal).
Simple terms: The muscle that normally pushes bile out as it should, isn’t. Its causing it to build up, cause pain and make my life hell. Or so my current GI doctor thinks. Hence the referral to CS.
Here’s a pic. I love drawing to explain stuff.
So that connection, that’s my( and yours) other sphincter. The lesser known one. The less funny one.
Here’s me at the doctor after my SM capsule test results:
Today I’ll be calling CS to schedule a consultation. This GI will ask me more of the same questions and I’ll give the same answers and he’ll look at the reports and my many previous tests and if he thinks that yes, that’s what I have I’ll have to make a decision.
Live with the pain and try to deal with my life, try to go back to my job and raise my family or have this procedure called a Sphinctotomy that has a 15% chance of rendering me with painful chronic panceritis and possible Type 1 diabetes.
I’ll be keeping you all posted. Please keep me in your thoughts.
t.r.m.
What would you do?
Robot Mommy, my question is how many test and specialists did you have to go thru before they came up with this possibility? I've been to 9 specialists and I've yet to get any answers for this horrific pain. I wonder if the Sphincter of Oddi is my culprit. I mentioned this to my internal specialist as a possible cause and was basically dismissed. Did they actually preform testing yet to determine this as a possible cause? All I know if given the choice, I'd try almost anything possible to rid myself of this pain, but the consquences do sound depressing. With modern technology and medicine you'd think there would be better news. My heart is with you regardless of which direction you go.
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