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Just asking for advice on this board.

Posted , 5 users are following.

jessie2150
jessie2150

Hello.  I'd be grateful for some guidance here on current symptoms as to should I ignore or is it worth investigating as I only know what I read here about the pancreas.  Currently I have gradually lost a stone and a half (from 64 kg to 53 kg over several months).  I have nausea which comes on a couple of hours after a meal.  I am feeling very tired out.  Have had severe pain below left rib now spreading across back for last few weeks.  Gassy bowel and soft stools.

Apart from the weight loss and pain I've had the above symptoms a few years and due to these plus extreme bloating was sent for colonoscopy 4 years ago.  Found I have a 'difficult' colon, with multiple polyps so now have colonoscopy yearly and polyp removal plus biopsies taken each time.  No idea if this is all connected.

Am I being a wimp here?  Do these symptoms posssibly reflect some pancreatic problem?  Is it worth going to doc (which I hate doing), is there anything proactive re: diet I can do to help symptoms?

Thanks for any helpful answers.  x

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • DavidUK1984
    DavidUK1984 jessie2150

    Posted

    That sucks that you're struggling. I've had similiar symptoms with the pain under left ribs going to the back. I've had some excess gas and nausea but pain and fatigue have been the main symptoms. I've had this for 6 weeks. Only an ultrasound or CT scan can diagnose the problem.

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 DavidUK1984

      Posted

      Thanks for replying DavidUK.  Have you been diagnosed with pancreas problems?  Was it by means of ultrasound or CT scans?  Have you been given medical treatment or advice that helps?    Sorry for all the questions, do appreciate you replying to my post.
  • Reefsider
    Reefsider jessie2150

    Posted

    Hi Jessie, your symptoms sound like they could be as a result of pancreatitis however don't jump to conclusions there are many reasons why you might be having trouble.

    I assume because of your history you see a gastroenterologist?  Best speak to him/her about your symptoms,,, really. 

    Have the tests and if it's found you do have pancreas issues find a gastro who specialises in the pancreas.  Actually even if you have the tests and get a result, if you're not happy find that gastro guy who specialises in the pancreas.  Most doctors, including gastroenterologists, don't fully understand the pancreas so it's best to have an expert who does.

    In the meantime adopt a low fat diet, and don't drink alcohol or smoke and see how you feel.  If your symptoms relate to your digestion and malabsorption issues you will feel better but press ahead with the tests.

     

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 Reefsider

      Posted

      Hello Reefsider.  Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to me. No I have never seen a gastroenterologist actually - for the colon problems I see a Colorectal consultant.  

      From reading here pain from pancreatitis sounds agonising and though I have bad pain truthfully it isn't agonising so I just wondered if I have some pancreas problems causing my symptoms. 

      I have a vegetarian diet, but because of the weight loss I've been trying to eat more calorie rich foods, cream cheeses, butter etc  - but I may be doing the wrong thing there it seems !!

      I'll go with your advice about diet, smoking and drinking and hope I improve.  Thanks, appreciate it.

    • kay82451
      kay82451 jessie2150

      Posted

      I was in malnutrition for 4 mos.  I lost over 40 lbs.  I could not eat any rich food at all.  Look up foods not to eat with pancreatitis.  Low fat diet is best.  No alcohol at all.  No smoking !  

      Cream cheese, butter, etc are not good if it ends up to be a pancreatic problem. 

      Definitely go see someone.  None of us on here are Drs and can only speak from our own experiences.  

    • kay82451
      kay82451 jessie2150

      Posted

      I definitely agree with the comments above. The hospital I was in ICU during my vacation had no clue  what to do.  

      When I was flown to SC I went to MUSC which is a pancreatic institute.  They truly did save my life.  See someone who expertise is the pancreas if your not comfortable with what your told.  

    • jessie2150
      jessie2150 kay82451

      Posted

      Oh Kay I am so sorry you have suffered so much - and with no warning  -  but good to read that you are now improving, and hope you continue to do so.

      Thank you for taking the time to reply, and really I'm not looking for a diagnosis here just advice on  IF maybe I have a pancreatic issue whether it is possible I could help myself by diet etc.  

      I expect the best way forward is to visit my GP and see what he thinks.

      Best wishes to you   j  x

       

  • kay82451
    kay82451 jessie2150

    Posted

    I wish I could help.  I had acute necrotizing pancreatitis.  Came on with no warning spent 3.5 weeks in ICU and weeks off and on in the hospital since.  Finally improving.  I do have a constant pain/discomfort in my left rib cage that also goes to my back. 

    The pain associated with the pancreas is excruciating!!!!  I don’t believe in ignoring anything abnormal your body is telling you.  

    Go to a good GI Dr. at least get checked

    Good luck and for your sake I pray it’s NOT  pancreatitis!!

    • Reefsider
      Reefsider kay82451

      Posted

      Hi Kay, I'm so sorry you've had to endure so much and am pleased to hear that you're finally improving.

      I just want to make the point that whilst some people do experience excruciating pain associated with pancreatitis, especially acute attacks, others don't get that level of pain.  The level of pain isn't a qualifying factor necessarily.

      I have Chronic Pancreatitis and rarely have pain, when I do it's generally an uncomfortable gnawing stomach ache which lasts for varying amounts of time but usually only for a couple of hours off and on for a couple of days.  I do have other symptoms however.  We're all different.  

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