1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Disorders

Acute pancreatitis following ERCP

Posted , 8 users are following.

sam09214
sam09214

Hi I wonder if I can get some advice please.  I recently had my ercp in February and subsequently suffered with pancreatitis following this. Since then I’ve had weight gain abdominal bloating and am unable to lay on my left side without  having a dull ache and pain for the rest of the day    Is this normal ? And How long does it last for please.  

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • susannah90776
    susannah90776 sam09214

    Posted

    Hi I can't give you advise as I am in  a similar  position , weight gain bloating ,but right side   pain ache through to my back. All tests normal except they did find an enlarged bile duct. Not been diagnosed with anything , went back to see my GP last week,he more or less said it was all in my head !!!!

     

    • sam09214
      sam09214 susannah90776

      Posted

      I’m so sorry to hear this. Please go back to your Gp and insist on being referred. It most definitely is not in your head has taken me three years to get a diagnosis and treatment.  Do you still have your gallbladder 
  • Reefsider
    Reefsider sam09214

    Posted

    If you're saying these symptoms arose immediately after the ERCP and think your attack is the normal outcome after the procedure then no that doesn't usually happen. 

    I take it you haven't seen your doc since?  If not make an appointment.

    Whilst most people lose weight I put it on, like you.  My pancreas specialist hasn't made a connection to my pancreatitis, he questioned my diet which I found a little offensive actually given I've always eaten low fat and been very slim and fit, so the weight gain and bloating was a nasty surprise that I still can't shift.  

    • sam09214
      sam09214 Reefsider

      Posted

      Thank you so much for the reply bearing in mind I also have SOD and BAM I’m surprised I’m not 6st! Have a follow up this week for my stent removing so worried it will trigger the pancreatitis again.  But thank you for your advice 
  • Shortie79
    Shortie79 sam09214

    Posted

    I experienced the same issues after my first ERCP. I don’t know if they told you that a pancreatitis attack could happen. I get ERCPS every other month. It only happened with the first one when a stent was put in. They removed the stent and I felt much better! Sometimes your body can reject a stent only because it’s a foreign object. On another note … my GI specialist thinks I also have gastroparesis which is common when you have chronic pancreatitis. I have to take enzymes and another medication to digest my food. When I started those meds the bloating stopped for the most part. However after any ERCP I get super bloated and it takes 1-2 weeks for me to calm down but I also have other medical conditions. I definitely would speak to your doctor about your situation because everyone is unique. 
    • sam09214
      sam09214 Shortie79

      Posted

      Hi yes knew it was a complication but that was a better option than coping with the sphincter of Oddi pain  fingers crossed it will settle thank you sonnuch for your advice x
    • Shortie79
      Shortie79 sam09214

      Posted

      If you’re able to eat anything solid, oranges help with inflammation. I usually stick to Ensure, chicken broth and an orange after an ERCP (food wise). The weight gain could be water retention, constipation or the fact you’re not digesting your food in the normal amount of time. I don’t know too much regarding SOD other than it’s a possibility when having your gallbladder removed. The only reason why I get ERCPs is because I have Pancreas Divisum (congenital abnormality) which caused my chronic pancreatitis. I really hope you feel better soon.  
    • sam09214
      sam09214 Shortie79

      Posted

      Gosh that’s really odd as I’ve been craving oranges and have had one a day.  Glad someone else sticks to drinks 

      Certainly not constipation as I feel to be resembling a shiny glowing bottomed monkey at the moment 

      Thank you so much for your advice don’t feel quite so isolated.  May I ask do you get pain when you lay on your left side 

    • Shortie79
      Shortie79 sam09214

      Posted

      Yes I do get pain if I lay on my left side however I have other medical conditions involving my left leg and shoulder therefore I cannot lay on my left side. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night from pain because I have turned to my left hand side. I’m pretty used to the pain … I get horrible general left abdominal pain, so I don’t really think about it. I also try to keep my mind busy and distracted from the pain as much as I can. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. 
    • sam09214
      sam09214 Shortie79

      Posted

      Thank you for being honest with me. Really appreciate it.  Was starting to wonder if I was imagining the dull bruise type of pain that’s always in the background x 
    • Lindy1234
      Lindy1234 Shortie79

      Posted

      Shortie,  You might want to try the chocolate Premiere Protein drink instead of Ensure.  It has 30 grams of protein and tastes real good.
  • DJ-RN
    DJ-RN sam09214

    Posted

    Yes. It is normal. Everyone is different. Your pain may Last as long as your pancreas is inflamed. Try a fetal position. That sometimes helps. Watch what you eat and drink and take your pain Meds even if you don’t need them while this is going on. Cause once your pain reaches the upper limits, it’s hard to control and override to bring it down. Pancreatic pain is horrible. If your Dr. want give you any opiates go to another Dr. Yes. They are addictive. But, sometimes we need them. Eat lightly small meals through the day and not large ones. Drink lots of fluids. Clear liquids are good. Research and learn everything you can about what you’re going through. 

    Good Luck!

    DJRN

    • sam09214
      sam09214 DJ-RN

      Posted

      Thank you so much have now reverted to having slim fast shakes rather than eating just to keep my body fueled.  Plus know I don’t need to run to the bathroom when I have them at work any food I get a 15 min warning but despite all this still putting weight on!  The pain is manageable apart from when I lay on my left side  really appreciate everyone’s advice thank you.  
  • kay82451
    kay82451 sam09214

    Posted

    Do you have acute or chronic pancreatitis?   I had acute in Oct.  spent 3.5 weeks in ICU numerous hospital stays and 6 procedures.  My left side always has a full pain.  It never goes away.  I lost 40 lbs.  never heard of anyone ever with weight gain. 
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.