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Does this sound like pancreatitis, chronic?

Posted , 4 users are following.

CarebearwsMom
CarebearwsMom

I have a question regarding pancreatitis. For the past two and a half years, I have had pain in my upper left rib cage on and off. The pain is not below the rib cage, but ON the rib cage just below my left breast. In fall of 2015, I had an abdominal CT scan and an ultrasound. Then a colonoscopy which revealed diverticulosis and a large benign colon polyp. The pain in my left rib cage has continued on and off. A year ago in February 2017, I had severe stomach pain and ended up in Urgent Care, where they did another CT with contrast, which revealed nothing unusual. Then in June, I broke a rib (I have broken many and been diagnosed with osteopenia), and my doctor ordered another Abdominal Ultra Sound and CT with contrast to check for tumors on my ribs, and this again showed nothing abnormal. She also ordered bloodwork including the CA-19 and that was normal. Now the pain has returned and my back hurts as well. The pain remains in the left rib cage area, and and wraps around to my side and back. But rib cage is tender to the touch. I had blood work done last week - a CMP and all was normal. Could this be a pancreatic problem? I am fearful of chronic pancreatitis as a family member has just been diagnosed (not a blood relative). I am not jaundiced and my bilirubin was normal. I have not lost weight, and my appetite is fine. My stools are normal, although I do have looser stools if I drink wine - never more than 3 glasses in one evening.  But I had wine this past weekend and my mid back on the left side has a stabbing pain now.  I am grateful for any insights you can provide.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • DJ-RN
    DJ-RN CarebearwsMom

    Posted

    It doesn’t sound like Pancreatitis. If you had it you’d know it. I doubt seriously that you would be exp the same type pain for so long. Your bilirubin wouldn’t likely play a role anyway. That’s more the liver. Unless you had some obstruction going on.

    DJ 

    • CarebearwsMom
      CarebearwsMom DJ-RN

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your kind reply.  Yes, I have had the same pain for nearly four years now...it comes and goes, but it never really gets unbearable.  This scare definitely has me thinking that alcohol in any amounts is not worth it.  I wish you the best.
    • DJ-RN
      DJ-RN CarebearwsMom

      Posted

      Ty. I wish you the best as well. Btw, any type of problem like this makes alcohol a big No No!  :-)

      DJ

  • Shortie79
    Shortie79 CarebearwsMom

    Posted

    I would definitely stay away from alcohol but honestly it doesn’t sound like pancreatitis. You would be scared to eat … the amount of pain that comes from eating plus you wouldn’t be able to keep food down. With pancreatitis anytime we feel an attack, we have to rest our pancreas which means we can’t eat for a couple days. We stick to clear liquids in hopes that helps with the pain. I shouldn’t say “we” … it’s just something I’m used to hearing. I’m sorry for your pain, I know how frustrating it is to be in pain with no answers. Your body could be developing food intolerances. That’s one thing the pancreas specialist told me could happen as I age. I wish I could help in some way. 
  • DJ-RN
    DJ-RN CarebearwsMom

    Posted

    It doesn’t sound like you have Pancreatitis. I believe that your pain wouldn’t be as far to the left side as you described. It would be more central abdominal and probably radiate to the back. You’ve had many tests done and I feel if you had it your Dr’s would know. I wouldn’t worry about it.

    DJRN 

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