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How long does it take to recover from acute pancreatitis?

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Booboolamore
Booboolamore

Hi I was wondering how long it takes to recover from acute pancreatitis? It started when I was at work just over 3wks ago, I got the most excusiating pain in the upper left side of my abdomen, going into my back (the exact same pain I used to encounter when I had gallstones nearly 10 years ago, but I knew it couldn't be that, as I had my gallbladder removed.) my colleague took me to the walk in centre, where I had bloods taken and given buscopan tablets and sent home. Later that night the walk in centre rang to tell me I had pancreatitis, and that I should see my GP in the morning. I went to see my GP, she was puzzled why I hadn't already been admitted to hospital, she then arranged for me to go straight on to a ward. I was kept in for 4 days, nil by mouth on a drip, on lots of painkillers and I was given a X-ray and ultrasound scan. I was discharged and was sent home to rest, they said I would need to go back as a outpatient for a MRI, a camera test and a mrcp test. I got a sick note from my GP for 2wks, so thought I'd be ok by now? I was due to return to work yesterday, but still don't feel well, so my doctor has given me another note for 2wks. I still haven't heard from the hospital re tests, I just wondered is it normal to still be in some pain, I am also very tired? I know I shouldn't worry but I am worried about returning to work, my boss and her boss are coming to my house on Friday to discuss my attendance as it is procedure, it really is making me very anxious, I just want to get better.

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99 Replies

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  • TimmyA
    TimmyA Booboolamore

    Posted

    Has anyone ever heard of the cause of an attack being caused by an abnormally larger meal or a chocolate and peanut butter binge? My doctor is leaning towards the chocolate and peanut butter since I'm not a big drinker and my CT, MRI and ultrasound were all negative for gallstones or sludge. Any thoughts?
    • robin0
      robin0 TimmyA

      Posted

      I have had the same problem. I am idiopathic and no gallstones found during and after my attack. surgeon says probably the cause. I said how can that be if nothing is found at the start or during or after? answer well we have to put something.  then they say we will take gallbladder out as a precaution but my own gp says it will cause more problems.  

      I think the best thing you can do is seek a second opinion.  I am as lost confidence.  

      look at sphincter oidi symptoms. its frustrating because your gp doesn't want to pay to send you to the hospital and the hospital stop follow up after three weeks. this leads to a complete breakdown in information and each party thinking they know best. truth is it is a little know and researched disease so be prepared to fight to get the right info. if in doubt then ask people on here who know what its like and how we all learn to manage it and support each other 

    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 TimmyA

      Posted

      I think chocolate has been my biggest problem I used to eat loads of chocolate I still eat it but I can make a bar of chocolate last 2 weeks now instead of 1 night.. I just hate the feeling of weakness you can't do anything I retired this year but I found it difficult when I was working people just think you don't want to go to work but if they knew what it felt like they would know it is impossible..

       

    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 robin0

      Posted

      If I am stressed I just feel so ill it makes it worse you can't get food pass the throat, they never found any gallstones in me in fact everything came back normal I just don't understand how it can be normal when you feel so ill... I had a problem with dizziness as well also pressure building up in my nose it was so strange but they say everyone can be different..
    • genna07944
      genna07944 TimmyA

      Posted

      I've heard that a diet high in fat can start a painful episode.  Not sure if it's true.
    • robin0
      robin0 lyn65518

      Posted

      avoid chocolate and cheese etc look a low fat milk. and try drinking tea and coffee. you need regular check ups at gp for diabetes and blood pressure as these can be effected after and  you are more likely to get diabetes.  a trick I have found is to have a few jell sweets if I feel drained and eat a few and I perk up
    • robin0
      robin0 genna07944

      Posted

      That is true. Your diet should have about 5 to 12 per cent fat per 100g. as a rule for meat etc 12 and for naughty foods 5 per cent watch for saturated fats. 
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 robin0

      Posted

      I have the very lowest fat milk on cereal I don't drink tea anymore went off it sometimes have a caffeine free coffee, I tend to eat anything with ginger in for digestion, I check my sugar every week my daughter has been diabetic for the last 33 years
    • keith74
      keith74 robin0

      Posted

      I agree with the check ups, I have a blood pressure m/c and blood sugar testing kit. Diabetes can creep up on you so can the big c, Symptoms can be vague., but a change in sugar warrants a gp visit.
    • robin0
      robin0 lyn65518

      Posted

      ginger can aggravate your stomach acid as can spices. I drink normal coffee and tea. as Keith has said its important to keep a check on your self .
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 robin0

      Posted

      For me ginger makes me feel good , everyone is different, I worry about the weight I have lost I just wish I had a doctor who would listen..
    • robin0
      robin0 lyn65518

      Posted

       I think we all wish our doctors listened more. hell even talked more so they can understand this condition more.

      I am the first person to have this condition at my gp and they have two practices.  when they where told about my condition they had a meeting and read up off the Internet.  So when I go to see them one is a complete knob who goes by what the book says. the others want to learn more and ask me questions so they can help others in future as the lack of study information for them is poor. 

      facts are the is not enough know or been discussed to help us or gp understand the disease

    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 robin0

      Posted

      My doctors surgery should know better a doctor I had 4 years ago died of pancreatic cancer and a friend of mine his brother died of it too.. I just can't be bothered with them now I have been sent home from A&E 3 times this year. I have no faith in the hospital my sister was in a coma for 2 weeks after an endoscopy...
    • keith74
      keith74 lyn65518

      Posted

      Doctors are a problem with pancreatitis, deep in their mind they think alcohol and you are not being truthfull about your drinking. There are many causes some known some unknown. I was lucky with the last attack 12 years ago, unbelieveable pain, I was admitted to the Royal Liverpool and the professors there are authorities on the pancreas and do listen.
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 keith74

      Posted

      Doctors do just think alcohol if it was to do with alcohol they would have a lt more admissions in A&E every year it would be a real problem, of course some people can drink and smoke all there lives and nothing happens it is just luck really...
    • Booboolamore
      Booboolamore lyn65518

      Posted

      Lynn you should change your doctor! Have you told them what you suspect, if so you should tell them you will sue for negligence if it turns out to be PC. They should be investigating and doing tests, not sending you home to worry xx
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 Booboolamore

      Posted

      I have seen several different doctors but it don't seem to make any difference, I am under the hospital at the moment waiting for a scan but not on the abdomen it is on the kidneys, I have already had ultrasound and cystoscopy and it was both clear I told them they were looking at the part , because I am so fed up with them I have made a will and just trying to get through the Christmas period.....
    • genna07944
      genna07944 lyn65518

      Posted

      Yeah. I don't drink yet I have pancreatitis and I see people in their 80's smoking and I had to quit because of COPD and I am on oxygen 24/7. I really loved my cigarettes!  This seems totally unfair. But, no one said life isn fair. I hate that saying!!
    • lauren15314
      lauren15314 lyn65518

      Posted

      Hello, I'm new on here. Finding all of this both comforting and so interesting. I too have had a fullness feeling in my nose (like about to have a nose bleed) with pressure headaches. My attack was 4-5months ago now and have had symptoms daily ever since. Back pain, heart burn sensations, burning 'hunger' pains in stomach, dizziness, nausea and always with a metallic taste in mouth... I've seen everyone I possibly can medically with no answers. It seems little is know of this area of health & very little help & support is available.
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