Gastro Issues...cramping, upper back discomfort, Pancreatitis, etc.
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hello all,
About six months ago I noticed pressure in my lower back. No pain, just kidney pressure. Went to my doctor, they did blood work, came to find out my pancreatic levels were very elevated (pancreatitis). I'm not a heavy drinker, but I assumed that after coming home from vacation, maybe I just overdid it. They did an ultrasound, an MRI, and a colonscopy/endscopy. Everything came back normal. And my pancreatic levels did lower.
Fast forward to now. Still having that pressure sensation. Still feel some cramping on either side of my abdomen, as in where my liver/pancreas is. Some upper back pain/disconfort, but I have some back issues, so I'm not sure if that's gastro or not. The MRI did show some fat on my liver, but nothing serious, according to the gastro specialist. Sometimes my stool has been pale, but not consistently. No jaundice, dark stool, etc. I was giving a prescription for IBS, and that was about it.
I'm wondering what other things I should be doing, or any other diagnostic tests I should be asking for.
0 likes, 8 replies
cinder6977 thaddeus48586
Posted
Just wondering if you had any test done on your gallbladder?
I've had some of the same issues too.
I have had a hida scan for function of gallbladder which was normal. I then have a ERCP which is like a Endoscopy. But, instead of using a camera probe it is an ultrasound probe. They can look closer at the pancreas also that's when they discovered multiple gallstones in my gallbladder. In which HIDA scan never showed. Hope this information helps.
cinder6977 thaddeus48586
Posted
Just wondering if you had any test done on your gallbladder?
I've had some of the same issues too.
I have had a hida scan for function of gallbladder which was normal. I then have a ERCP which is like a Endoscopy. But, instead of using a camera probe it is an ultrasound probe. They can look closer at the pancreas also that's when they discovered multiple gallstones in my gallbladder. In which HIDA scan never showed. Hope this information helps.
cinder6977 thaddeus48586
Posted
Just wondering if you had any test done on your gallbladder?
I've had some of the same issues too.
I have had a hida scan for function of gallbladder which was normal. I then have a ERCP which is like a Endoscopy. But, instead of using a camera probe it is an ultrasound probe. They can look closer at the pancreas also that's when they discovered multiple gallstones in my gallbladder. In which HIDA scan never showed. Hope this information helps.
vetsyd thaddeus48586
Posted
im sorry for your troubles, especially since i know that kind of suffering from Pancreatitis. mine was due to gallstones and was finally alleviated once a surgeon FINALLY removed my gallbladder last year.
it sounds like you are doing what you can for it. however, the docs need to keep checking your Lipase levels and rule out gallbladder disease as well. i hope you get some relief!
Joannwilson thaddeus48586
Posted
There is a breath test they can do. I am currently waiting to get that done. It tests for gluten allergy and some other things. basically you spend several hours at timed intervals breathing into test bags ( like a brown lunch sack) and they can rule out some things.
Sometimes gallbladder testing may not show abnormal if you are not in an acute phase.
All my tests including the HIDA were normal yet I had mine burst and thought i had a flu. I got sepsis.
Just know all testing is not infallible.
Joannwilson thaddeus48586
Posted
Another possibility which sounds far fetched but happened to me last month was an acute UTI. I was stunned i had an E Coli UTI.
I had that back pain I always get on one side that signals me I have a urinary tract infection. Plus I have test strips but they are not diagnostic but give a broad overall view.
after IV antibiotics and take home sulfa drug I was better almost a month. Now having to get more antibiotics as it either did not cure or its returned.
yonder01 thaddeus48586
Posted
Have to agree to keep a close eye on the pancreatic levels, testing them often. Also what was the medication they gave you for IBS. Did your doctor explain to you how to manage your dietary intake etc after before and during flare ups. Was the enzyme levels always tested during times of pain and other symptoms. I would think that in a case like this there would be a standing order to test the enzymes whenever you felt there may be a problem, you go to the lab and do the test to see where they are at. Maybe a revisit to the doc again to push the envelope into seeing if anything further is going on and also if not satisfied try another gastro. A second opinion.
thaddeus48586
Posted
Just an update...I did get a second opinion...and had blood work done again...unfortunately my lipase levels were very elevated again...around 1,600...I'm going in for a Endoscopic Ultrasound whenever my state allows such procedures to happen, but needless to say I'm kinda scared.