Is this chronic pancreatitis? Not sure what to do.
Posted , 8 users are following.
In June, I had strong pain on the left side of my abdomen and in my upper back and nausea. Went into a GP in the morning, and they didn't think it was anything serious and at that point the pain was subsiding. A month later, was still having niggling pain under my left ribcage and on and off nausea. I had diverticulitis seven years ago, and needed to have colon surgery so thought it might be related. Connected with my surgeon who recommended a CT scan and colonoscopy to see if there was narrowing at my surgical site or some other issue. Neither test found anything. To this day, I continue to have mild pain under my left ribcage and mild to moderate nausea and my stools are kind of weird--loose and maybe a bit greasy and sometimes sort of narrow? Went to another general practitioner who thought it was GERD or gastritis so put me on prilosec for three months. Seemed to help a bit, but still had off and on pain and nausea. I suggested to him that I thought I might have pancreatitis like symptoms and he asked about my alcohol use and if I've ever had gallstones (I haven't). I told him that I felt like I drink alcohol more than I should which is typically a couple drinks a day and somewhat more on the weekend. He said that level of alcohol use wouldn't cause pancreatitis and if I had it, I would likely be in extreme pain and would be vomiting. I'm a bit at a loss for what to do next. Should I go back to the doctor and ask for more tests? Does this sound like chronic pancreatitis or something else? Would appreciate any help and advice!
0 likes, 6 replies
Happyhacker mbs3553
Posted
Any progress? I have had all these checks (all negative) due to blood in stool followed by yellow stool and lighter brown stools and Bristol Stool chart 5 - 6. I do get attacks of fatigue which last a few hours. No pains though.
getuliovar mbs3553
Edited
Hi mbs3553, Did they check your lipase and amylase levels? I think that is the first thing they check for pancreatitis.
Looking4relief mbs3553
Posted
This sounds similar to my situation. I am worried that it is PC. I have had blood work, CT scans, Xrays and nothing has come back alarming. I still have this left side back and stomach pain, started feeling a little sick to my stomach a few mornings this week as well as heartburn. I am afraid they missed something in the scan or blood work.
Happyhacker Looking4relief
Posted
Similar to you I've had scan, blood test and all came back within limits although at one stage the Dr said my Lipase was 0.9 instead of 1.0 (not sure what that means). I wonder what approach by the patient would trigger more tests. Dr. seems to think there is nothing to worry about.
Are you under NHS?
JTMiller222 mbs3553
Posted
Just curious how you're feeling. I would suggest seeing a gastroenterologist that knows about pancreas issues. Your doctor is wrong about having to be in pain and vomiting! I had similar symptoms to what you have and couldn't get a proper diagnosis. One Gastro Dr did colonoscopy/endoscopy and everything looked perfect. My elastase test showed some fat and problems, so she sent me to another Gastro specialist who did a EUS(endoscopic ultrasound). That test is the only way to find out and confirm that my pancreas is scarred and shot! I went from normal, to not feeling so hot and losing weight, to chronic pancreatitis. So please see a gastroenterologist and keep us informed. Good luck and hope you feel better.
rick1233 mbs3553
Posted
Hello just curios about how you are doing since diagnose with chronic pancreatitis I to had a EUS(endoscopic ultrasound).and was told i had some scares on all my pancreas but told to wait 6 to 8 weeks for more i tests can you tell me if there is any treatment for it or what to expect thanks