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Faecal elastase?

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Witsend
Witsend

Hello a few months ago I was Prescribed lansoprazole for a small hiatus hernia and mild gastritis.

These seemed to work and stopped the indigestion.

However because my stools were loose and lost some weight I was referred to gastrology.

The consultant has took many blood test along with stool samples.

I obtain the results yesterday, all bloods are clear but I was told that my levels of faecal elastase are low and indeed to come back to have my pancreas scanned with a CT.

I have looked this up on Google and see that it relates to digestive enzymes being low or not produced by the pancreas. Could I ask what this means and why this would be the case?

I am only 38 years old so wouldn't have thought pancreatic cancer would be the cause, would it?

I am meeting my Dr next week but any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Mw92
    Mw92 Witsend

    Posted

    Low levels of faecal elastase mean ur pancreas isn't working properly. could be due to pancreatitis, diabetes, gallstones among many other potential causes..

    Considerable Weight loss along with low levels of elastase could be indicative of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). You mentioned loose stools, do u mean oily appearance (fat in stools..) ? Again this is also indicative of pancreatitis

    Do u have abdominal pain??

    Research "pancreatitis" and read about the signs and symptoms and see if u cld relate

    Again, I'm only guessing. Ur doctor will make the right diagnosis. Do not worry lets always have our hopes high

    Goodluck ! smile

    • Witsend
      Witsend Mw92

      Posted

      Thanks for your reply.

      When I say loose stools the texture is what I would call mushy, not noticed oily texture though.

      I do have right hand side abdominal pain that comes and goes.

      I guess I will know more after my CT

      Thanks

    • rachel05155
      rachel05155 Witsend

      Posted

      How are you now witsend? It's been awhile. Any updates?

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