Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi, I have chronic calcific pancreatitis. I'm a bit concerned with some new symptoms which are going on. My last flare of pancreatitis was back in May. Since then I'm experiencing constant itching in my legs, fatigue and some back pain. I'm concerned it may be early pancreatic cancer. Anyone else experience these symptoms.
0 likes, 4 replies
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vedawms michelle69417
Posted
With my chronic pancreatitis, I have through and through pain, nausea, occasional vomiting, diarrhea and horrible pain in my spine. Symptoms like itching, migraines, etc. are also common with chronic pancreatitis. It's likely not cancer, which you can be checked for. Chronic pancreatitis itself is awful enough. Get a specialty GI to treat you for the symptoms you currently have, and get some tests run. And don't worry so much.
michelle69417 vedawms
Posted
Thank you for your advice. I have contacted my Dr. just concerned because these are some new things going on. Nice to hear from someone else who goes through this everday like I do and understands.
vedawms michelle69417
Posted
Glad to be of service. A gastroenterologist who specializes in CP is going to be your best asset. Feel better!
Stupage22 michelle69417
Posted
chances are very slim that pancreatic cancer would follow chronic pancreatitis, at least not until you've had CP for 10-12 years or more .
you'll want to look at new or continueinf treatments with some degree of caution, things like stents and sphincter of oddi surgery aren't usually very successful for Calcific CP . Also, partial or complete removal of the pancreas is rarely a net gain, often no gain at all, and the loss of endocrine function means instant diabetic, as if you didn't have enough problems.
In addition, ALL of the surguries used to treat CP have high risk for severe side effects, including an attack of ACUTE Pancreatitis, which can be life threatening, and very scary and very painful and looooong recovery and hospital stay.
My best advice is find the best pain doctor available to you, someone with CP experience, and someone not completly intimidated by the current opiod crisis. you're not part of that problem, and you need real pain care. If the first pain doc isn't making you comfortable, KEEP LOOKING. At some point you will find the right doc, but expect it to be difficult, they're all running around with their heads on fire