I had my gallbladder removed in 2001.  Once in a while I would have pains in my upper abdomen like when I still had my gallbladder and it was dysfunctional.  It would hurt for a few days and go away.  I started ortho tri cyclen three months ago due to a heavy period and severe cramps and the pain where my gallbladder used to be has gotten awful.  Somedays it almost has me in tears. I am wondering if the birth control pills are the cause?
Hi! Good evening. I am Chat Doctor answering your query. If I were your doctor, I would advise you for a review ultrasound of abdomen to rule out recurrence of calculi in the common bile duct, and also with a possibility of pancreatitis as a differential diagnosis specially if you consume alcoholic beverages. Few blood tests like a CBC, a liver function test, a serum amylase and a serum lipase would be worthwhile in your case. I would not consider the birth control pills to be the cause of such intense pain. Till the reports of these investigations are ready, I would advise you with a proton pump inhibitor and an antispasmodic Chat Doctor. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing Chat Doctor to clear doubts on your health problems. I wish you an early recovery. Chat Doctor.