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Could this be my Pancreas? Worried and docs not bothered

Posted , 5 users are following.

LeeL
LeeL

For the past year or so I have been getting a sharp stabbing type pain under my lower right rib, usually brought on by surfing. The pain tended to last for a couple of weeks and was there 24/7. Docs told me I had acid reflux and gave me ant acid meds. Then in December last year I noticed I had a dull ache on my lower right side and my lower right back. This ache was there 24/7 also but I wouldn't describe it as pain, more of an ache. I had also lost over 1 stone in weight within 6 weeks unexpectedly. Sometimes it would be made worse by bending over or reaching for something etc. Upon seeing my GP I did blood tests and was told I had an abnormal LFT. Had bloods redone 3 weeks later and was told my LFT had improved. Recently also had an Ultrasound of my kidney/liver etc and was told all normal and no further action required. No gallstones etc.

For the past couple of weeks the aches have been minimal and on some days pretty much gone completely. I am 38 years old and fairly fit, I also most days still feel full of energy and life etc and other than the aches and weight loss feel great. I also had a couple of weeks of yellowish coloured mushy stools. Stools are pretty much normal colour now but still mushyish (sorry lol). I don't know what to think and trying to see my GP is a nightmare, I can't get an appointment for at least 2 weeks as they are fully booked I'm told!

A friend of mine's mother recently had similar symptoms and eventually has been diagnosed with inoperable Pancreatic cancer. I'm terrified I could have the same and just wish it wasn't so hard to see a GP or get a scan etc.

Any suggestions as to what else could be wrong with me if not my Pancreas? My weight loss seemed to have stopped and for the past 2 months has been roughly the same, is this a good sign?

Sorry for the long post and thanks for reading.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Gem1384
    Gem1384 LeeL

    Posted

    Hi Lee,

    I too have pains on my right hand side and some mild pains on my left. However it all began with pains on my right.

    I have been through a number of tests and was told originally it was sludge (not seen on scans) in my gallbladder. I too would have pains if I reached for something.

    After seeing a specialist they now suspect chronic pancreatitis. Which I am now undergoing tests for.

    Please do not panic about cancer, I feared this so paid to have a private scan to just to make sure!

    Things that your pain could be from my reading: Gas, IBS, Gallbladder (disease or stones), liver (fatty or disease), infection of the rib muscles (it's called something but I can't spell it), chronic pancreatitis, Stomach ulcers, trapped nerve of the thoracic spine. I think there are a few others but I can't remember them.

    This is probably the best place to ask, lots of people with knowledge but you do need to get into your Dr and ask to see a specialist.

    What were ur abnormal liver bloods? Have you had any stool samples done?

    • LeeL
      LeeL Gem1384

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply Gem1384, it's reassuring to know there are multiple other things it could be. As for my liver bloods, I don't know what they were. I phoned the GP and was simply told they were 'abnormal' at first and the 2nd test was told 'improved' sad I have not had any stool samples done despite mentioning it to my GP. He didn't think it was neccessary.

      I will try again tomorrow to get a GPO appointment but am starting to feel as though they aren't interested and just fobb me off. It's the waiting and the unknown which I find stressful.

    • Gem1384
      Gem1384 LeeL

      Posted

      Yes waiting isn't very nice! I've been waiting for them to diagnose me for nearly 10 months! I've read on here that some people have taken longer!

      Liver bloods are very specific and certain levels rise with what is happening in your liver. A couple of my liver bloods taken in June of last year were abnormal. I was diagnosed with a fatty liver by ultrasound. 2 months later I had Normal bloods and ultrasoumd (through diet and weight loss). So I wondered if your Dr had said what ur abnormal bloods could have been caused by (drinking, fatty meal, exercise, pain medication).

      If you are having issues with your stools then a stool sample is the best way to go. Mine have been mushy and loose for 6 months. I've lost 3 stone in 6 months and I keep losing 2-4 lbs in week at some points without trying. My stools are normal colours of brown (rarely yellow) and very rarely have bits of un-digested food in it.

      I mentioned all these things to my doctor and he diagnosed gastris, then ulcer, then pulled muscle. I mentioned my pancreas on several occasions and he told me no it wasn't that. I saw the surgeon for 3 minutes and he said straight away I think it's ur pancreas. Annoyed and angry doesn't quite cover how I feel.

      My reason for mentioning this is that if you feel something isn't right you need to follow it up. If I hadn't pushed and still am, then my Dr would of just left me with a pulled muscle!! Lol!

    • Epic_Name
      Epic_Name Gem1384

      Posted

      Hey Gem1384, I was just a lurker here untill I came across your post. You mentioned that you had liver tests done including an ultrasound that came back showing fatty liver. I've been diagnosed with fatty liver myself and I'm very curious to know how you beat it so quickly. You mentioned diet can I ask what kind of diet exactly? Much appreciated. smile
    • Gem1384
      Gem1384 Epic_Name

      Posted

      Hi epic name,

      As I thought I was going to die from my fatty liver, I know lol, but I was petrified! My diet was was quite drastic!

      I only ate grilled chicken with salad (rocket, spinach), tomatoes, advacado, beetroot.

      I would eat thick oat porridge for breakfast with blueberries or fruit with low fat natural priviotic yoghurt.

      For midday dinner I would eat granola with natural yoghurt and fruit.

      I would only drink smoothies, green tea and lots of water. I gave up everything else! No sofa drinks or junk at all! I gave up caffeine and reduce my diary intake.

      If I got peckish I ate raw almonds.

      If my dinner wasn't enough I added in a wholemeal pitta. But I gave up all rice, pasta and bread. If I need it I only ate wholemeal.

      I exercised (on an exercise bike) every day for 30mims (15 morning and 15 evening) the morning workout was before food.

      The exercise is important as it burns the fat away from your liver.

      I know people will think it's a bad dirt but I was scared and did what I thought was best. I made sure I had my 5 a day. I would add vegtables to my chicken instead if I got board of salad. I would have new potatoes and broccoli and peas.

      If you do research you will soon find out what is good for your liver and what is bad.

      I hope this helps!

    • Epic_Name
      Epic_Name Gem1384

      Posted

      Ahh! Thanks for your reply it was much appreciated I will put that information to good use. smile
  • bonnie29
    bonnie29 LeeL

    Posted

    It does not sound like any cp I've ever heard of
  • LeeL
    LeeL

    Posted

    My recent stool sample was 'normal', however I have to have a further blood test this week. Last weeks blood test showed high levels of potassium.
  • octavia123
    octavia123 LeeL

    Posted

    Hi LeeL, potassium blood results can often be wrong because if as phlebotomist is taking the sample they burst red blood cells potassium leaks out giving a false high reading, I only know this as I've had it happen twice. Keep on at your doctor if you are still suffering. A clear ultra sound scan doesn't mean that your gb is functioning normally there are other scans that can be done if you feel you are not better . The condition I think gem meant is costochondritis inflammation of the muscles between ribs(sure the ribs under a lot of stress when surfing, very physical), however never heard of weight loss with that. Good luck keep persuing this til your satisfied.
  • octavia123
    octavia123 LeeL

    Posted

    Hi LeeL, potassium blood results can often be wrong because if as phlebotomist is taking the sample they burst red blood cells potassium leaks out giving a false high reading, I only know this as I've had it happen twice. Keep on at your doctor if you are still suffering. A clear ultra sound scan doesn't mean that your gb is functioning normally there are other scans that can be done if you feel you are not better . The condition I think gem meant is costochondritis is about inflammation of cartlidge part of the ribs and the muscles between ribs(sure the ribs under a lot of stress when surfing, very physical), however never heard of weight loss with that. Good luck keep persuing this til your satisfied.
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