Any Ideas?
Posted , 6 users are following.
Background:
Male 25, Symptoms lasting over 2 years.
In the beginning symptoms were much more intense, I also had x2 episodes of strong stabbing pains under my left ribs along with sinus inflammation and infections not resolved by antibiotics.
Current Constant symptoms:
-Post Nasal Drip
-Dull pain in mid back (could be unrelated)
-Recurring thrush (could be unrelated)
After eating fatty, fried or sugary foods:
-Heart Palpitations
-Breathlessness
-Acid Reflux
-Fatigue
-Weakness
-Headaches
-Dull ache under left rib
-occasional gritty/dry eyes.
Tests Conducted: CT Scan (Clear), Pancreas Health check (Clear), Blood Sugars (Normal), Stomach Endoscopy (Clear), Food Allergy extensive panel (Clear), Elimination diet (No Specific Food), Long term omprazole (No use), H.Ployi stool test (Clear) - Due to have biopsy soon, Ultrasound Gallbladder and ducts (Clear), Full Blood Work (Clear), Diabetes test (Clear)
My thinking is Chronic pancreatitis? any other thoughts, opinions or similar experiences out there?
0 likes, 4 replies
Shortie79 danny1995
Posted
Some symptoms match CP but you're young to have it. I would ask for an EPI (fecal test to see if your pancreas is producing enough digestive enzymes) and a MRCP (only noninvasive test that really looks at the working pancreas not still images). If you do have CP your blood work won't show it. They will be dismissive due to your age unless you have a family history, cystic fibrosis or pancreas divisium (born with two pancreatic ducts that don't fuse together). The thrush isn't related nor is the sinus/nasal problems however the medication you took could have caused symptoms. What I mean by that … for example I cannot take morphine because it causes bladder spasms, maybe whatever they gave you before caused stomach symptoms. The pancreas is the hardest organ to diagnose but even with a diagnosis of CP the only thing that really changes is your diet. Eat six small meals low fat/carbs and you will need to see what your body can and cannot handle (it's different for everyone). I got CP from pancreas divisium and had to have my pancreas removed last year. Over the counter medication for acid reflux helps but you need prescription nausea meds.
danny1995 Shortie79
Posted
The thing is the nasal/sinus symptoms came at the same time (before any medications). I had a CT of my sinuses at the time which only showed mild inflammation. I've also has blood work done looking for any autoimmune issues which also come back negative. The only thing that has came back from bloodwork is slightly high Monocyte & Eosinophil count.
The reason i suspect chronic pancreatitis is probably because i have binge drank heavily at weekends up until this point and with the exclusion of diabetes & food allergies I can't find anything else than relates to my symptoms.
I am under a GI specalist at the moment and due to have biopsy's of my stomach & esophagus in a few weeks as well as PH monitoring tests. Next time i visit her i will mention these tests and hopefully get to the bottom of it.
Thanks for your advice, i'll keep results updated on this forum.
vedawms danny1995
Edited
I concur with Shortie here regarding some symptoms pointing to chronic pancreatitis.
Make sure you have a pancreatic specialist for a GI. They are best equipped to help you. Don't stop looking for a diagnosis -- the rib cage pain is a classic signature. It doesn't sound as though you have had EUS or MRCP. Those are the gold standard tests, although they can miss things.
I suspect you may have Szogren's, which would explain the gritty eyes, and possibly other symptoms. You may want to read up and see if it makes sense to get blood tests run to hopefully rule it out.
I also suggest you adjust your diet. Fatty / sugary foods can make your situation worse, as can alcohol. Low fat / high protein, steamed vegetables instead of salad, and no processed foods are recommended.
Proton pump inhibitors like Omeprazole can be helpful, but should not be taken long term without the approval of a doctor.
I hope this helps.
Andy37193 danny1995
Edited
EUS , fecal fat and fecal elastes test to rule out pancreas issue . by that time low fat small diet .