I am in hospital with acute pancreatitis caused by gallstones
Posted , 6 users are following.
In October I went to hospital with severe pain in my upper abdomen. It was unlike anything I have previously experienced. Blood tests revaled abnormally high LFT results. I stayed in hospital for one night before returning home as the pain had subsided. I received IV fluids and painkillers in hospital. I also had a CT scan which was normal. I had more blood tests in November and my LFTs were normal again. Last week I had another episode of the severe pain in my abdomen and went back to hospital. My LFTs were raised again. The first two doctors did not know what was causing the high LFTs or pain. I saw a consultant who arranged an ultrasound scan. Consultant said it might be hepatitis but he wasn't sure. He said he didn't think it was gallstones as they would have showed up on CT scan. I went for the ultrasound on Tuesday which revealed I actually do have gallstones. I had an ERCP scheduled for 2-3 weeks to remove the gallstones. However I had another episode of extreme abdominal pain on Tuesday night. This time it was spreading to my back. I could hardly walk due to the pain. I went back to hospital and they admitted me immediately. I am still in hospital on a regular ward. Today I saw another doctor who said I have pancreatitis and the gallstones are the likely cause. I will need to have my gallbladder removed at a later date but they are doing an ERCP to remove the gallstones. I am being given IV fluids and they are monitoring me however I won't be having the ERCP until next week. Is this normal? I thought they would be trying to remove the gallstones as soon as possible as pancreatitis can be fatal. They are also checking my blood sugar. I am 26, male and don't drink alcohol. I've had no previous health issues until now. Has anyone had pancreatitis and lived? I am very worried right now. I have also read that pancreatitis is very rare in younger people and it's usually people over 50 who get it. Is that true?
0 likes, 5 replies
NixKiwiWolf sergregor868
Posted
Don't panic, everything's proceeding as it will for pancreatitis and you're in the right place. At least they know what yours is caused by! They won't do your ERCP until everything has settled down. Anyone of any age can get pancreatitis for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are gallstones or alcohol (mine was neither, so idiopathic). And I'm female. Just over 50 though. Thousands of people get it and continue to live - some recover and some have to manage it as an underlying chronic condition. It's rare for it to be fatal and that's usually because there are other issues as well.
However you have to take care of yourself once the worst is over. The pancreas is a funny thing and everyone's different. But all the doctors say it - no alcohol (ever!), a very low fat diet and plenty of water (minimum 4 pints a day) are the way to go. It's a big shock to most people and very difficult at first but you get used to it. It's the only way to help your pancreas recover and it takes a long time. Some people are on this regime for life. Don't underestimate the damage that has been done. It does mean a big adjustment, especially for your social life, but if you have a good support network you'll be all right. But you may have to jack in pizza!
Reefsider sergregor868
Posted
I agree with NixKiwiWolf sergregor808. Look after yourself from now on, be strict about diet and no alcohol, you'll feel better. Also don't smoke.
Stress is a trigger so try not to worry too much. Come to terms with the fact that you have pancreatitis, learn about it and what works for you and get on with your life accommodating the necessary changes. You'll get used to it soon enough.
You can't really decide to drop the diet for awhile, like when you go on holiday for instance, you'll pay with pain and a possible attack so learn to work around eating away from home, when you dine out etc it isn't that hard once you're in the swing.
pete70517 sergregor868
Posted
Hi !
?Yes, pancreatitis is a pain.
You are very unfortunate to get it at such a young age. However, as Reefsider has said, look after yourself. Don't drink any alcohol because you might just end up back in the hospital again. Avoid fatty foods and drink lots of water. Although alcohol isn't the cause of your problem, it's best to avoid it completely, as it iritates the pancreas. In my case, diagnosed almost a year ago with pancreatitis, I have avoided meat completely and absolutely no alcohol. I haven't had any recurrent problems which would need emergency hospital treatment luckily enough. I have lost a lot of weight however, down to 12 stone from over 14 stone. I think it's mainly due to the diet I'm following, but not really sure. I get the occasional twinge of pain to my right hand side, but it's not a real problem. I take narcotic pain killers, which can be addictive, so, the doctor just gave me one prescription in six months.
?In fact, talking about doctors, some of them don't seem to know a lot about the condition; you are better off dealing with a specialist.
?Stay positive and you will get better.
Regards,
Pete.
ellen61407 sergregor868
Posted
Well I'm pretty sure you arnt going to die. It's pretty common what you are going through- even though you may feel like it-you are in the right place. They are probably letting your pancreas rest before doing another ERCP - which most of the time results in a short bout of pancreatitis. Any time they touch the pancreas it usually makes you sick - don't worry - at least they know the reason for your pain. You will be fine without your gallbladder and hopefully the ERCP will take care of the stones. You are young- be careful of what you eat- maybe keep a food diary so you know what makes you feel sick. I hope you feel better soon.
candice124 sergregor868
Posted