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Pain from abdomen to LEFT shoulder

Posted , 4 users are following.

onebratt08
onebratt08

The past week, my health has changed. I've started having pain shortly after eating. It's a pressure, need to burp feeling with pain radiating into my mid-back up to left-shoulder and neck. At first I thought the two were unrelated and that I had pinched a nerve in my neck, but then I read about referred pain. Tylenol nor Advil helps, yet it doesn't hurt. I take Nexium daily and have tried adding in Pepcid - that doesn't help. So I don't think it's a stomach issue, although not certain. Nothing has changed in my diet, other than I'm eating less because I feel bad. It's leaving me almost unable to function. Note - I don't have a gall bladder and I don't drink alcohol.

Thoughts?

0 likes, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • les59996
    les59996 onebratt08

    Posted

    Go to your GP and ask for a blood test to check your Amalaze level.
  • manda1030
    manda1030 onebratt08

    Posted

    Can you get into see a GI Dr?? If it just started it could be acute pancreatitis.... It can be serious and cause CP. Please see your Dr soon! Warmest regards .
    • les59996
      les59996 manda1030

      Posted

      I would second that. My AP attack back in 2004 nearly finished me off had it not been for the Resus team at the hospital and the quick response from the ambulance service - fast response volvo, ambulance wth a police escort!!!

      Brilliant service and brilliant people. 

    • manda1030
      manda1030 les59996

      Posted

      So glad to hear you had a positive experience! I haven't been so lucky but finally found a good Dr. 6 hours away. Think it is so very important to not ignore pain. It took years for me to get a diagnosis of CP after several bad attacks. AP can really be life threatening for sure, but as you mentioned with good care it can be cured. Are you OK now? Or did you develope CP as I did. Hoping you are doing well now😊
    • karen_6769
      karen_6769 manda1030

      Posted

      It was chronic, but again I had a total hystorectomy after the last episode for which I was hospitalized 6 days released relapsed after 3 days and back in hospital for stayed for 7. The episodes where getting closer and closer. It was very scary and painful. Although I haven't had pancreatitis in almost 3 years every time I get a bad stomach ache I'm still scared I'm getting pancreatitis. Good luck to you, I know your pain and fear.
    • manda1030
      manda1030 karen_6769

      Posted

      TY so much! People think I am strong but I feel week. I am sick constantly. Throw up or get sick from almost every food... CP is so hard! We just have to keep fighting! So happy you are in a remission state. I was for 2 months this summer. Only time I have felt well in 7 years. Seeing a specialist 6 hours away at the end of the month! All my best to you! I hope you stay well!
    • les59996
      les59996 manda1030

      Posted

      That was the first time, and yes a positive experience.AP was diagnosed at that point.

      However things deteriorated over the next 5 years with constant pain and then relief for a while. In and out of hospital every few months. Eventually I came under the care of Kings in London, then St Thomas's where CP was diagnosed. Both said to leave it alone and keep taking the morphine. Eventually it got so bad and I was so poorly that in 2010 I was transported from the South East up to Liverpool which is the main unit in the UK. Had an op and things settled down a bit. Then the pain came back with a vengence. I was told by Liverpool that I had to have both my spleen out, pancreas out and a full re- plumbing of the major arteries as they were thrombotic and kinked. When I asked about the op I was told it would be 12/14 hours long with no guarantee of being pain free afterwards..The chances of death on the table or from P Cancer/CP were about the same.

      I decided not to have the op and rely on pain relief. I'm still here 4 years later!! 

    • manda1030
      manda1030 les59996

      Posted

      I am so sorry to hear you have been through so much! You are obviously a strong person. I respect you greatly! Keep on fighting! I wish you all the best in life!!
    • onebratt08
      onebratt08 manda1030

      Posted

      I just happen to have a GI appointment on Thursday.

      Every time I've had an attack of AP, doctors haven't done a thing for me.

    • manda1030
      manda1030 onebratt08

      Posted

      I have had the same experience. I am sorry. I take care of mine at home unless I fear for my life. All I can suggest is when going through an attack drink lots of water. If you have to eat. Do clear liquids like chicken broth and jello until the attack settles down. I wish I had more advice. I know how it is to suffer constantly. Good luck at the GI Dr. I hope you get the answers you so deserve!
  • onebratt08
    onebratt08

    Posted

    Saw the GI doc. He wants to do an endoscopy to check the esophagus and stomach. Lipase was high as expected (390, top of range 300). One thing that doc and I discussed is that a slightly elevated lipase can indicate undiagnosed celiac. I've been mostly gluten free for 4-5 years, although lately I've tried the European heirloom flour (I missed almond croissants so bad). It's said to sometimes be ok for the gluten intolerant (although doc said that is a bunch of bull). I suspected that maybe it was a factor in irritating things. Family doc put me on a short course of Medrol to call all the inflammation I have (not just digestive) and that has been effective at calming the pressure, burping and shoulder/neck pain.
    • manda1030
      manda1030 onebratt08

      Posted

      So glad you got some news. Sounds like your on the road to feeling better! So happy for you! Best of luck to you!
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