Pancreas problem?
Posted , 13 users are following.
Sorry for the length of this post.
Male, 38
For the past couple of years, I have had occasional pains in right upper abdomen. Had an ultrasound 2 years ago that showed slightly fatty liver. I put the pains down to this and got on with life. The pains would come and go. This time, they have stayed. The most recent symptoms started around 10th may. This was a day after a couple of bottles of beer (5-6) when sitting in garden. They were only on the right side around my ribs and slightly wrapping around into the back occasionally. Around 29th may, the pains had mostly settled down. I had a bbq and a few beers on this day. Probably more beers than i should have had. Pains ramped back up a day or so later. It stayed this way upto approx 10th June when the pains started to move to the centre. A couple of days later, I noticed that the pains moved into the upper right back and to the left upper abdomen. The left abdomen pains are very mild and persistent. About a week after this, I noticed a lot of mucus in poo. I also passed some mucus when I broke wind. This has not happened again
For about 3 weeks now, I have been feeling weak. Almost like i am not getting enough energy from my food. I was not eating normally because of high anxiety. I am eating normally now but feel constantly hungry. I have lost a lot of weight over the last 6 to 7 weeks. (About 10pounds). I have not been eating much fatty food. I also do not eat well when I am anxious. My calorie intake has been around 1400. I have upped this as it is not sustainable. I have put around 2 pounds back on and weight seems to have stabilised at 16st.
I have had an ultra sound of liver and gallbladder done. This was ok. A little fat in liver. I have also had a dual phase ct scan of pancreas done as it was not seen on ultrasound scan. This also came back entirly normal. I have had bloods done. ALT was slightly raised (71). All other bloods were normal. Went to see a gastro last week. Told him all of my symptoms and my concerns for pancreas problems. He said that the pancreas is normal as well as all the other internal organs. He has said that i have IBS. From What i have read, IBS shouldnt cause back pain and cause weekness and weight loss. Does this sound like Chronic Pancreatitis? As far as i know, I have never had an acute attack. I have had real bad pains over the years that would last for a minute or two. I put this down to indigestion or heart burn as they would only last for a short period of time and not come back for months or years.
If this was a pancreas problem, given the length of symptoms, would the CT have picked this up?
0 likes, 99 replies
leigh74005
Posted
leigh74005
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Went back to see specialist on Monday. He basically said I am undiagnosable and has discharged me. He said that hernia more than happy that there is nothing seriously wrong and has chalked it up to a functional bowel problem (Ibs). I personally think this is a load of bollicks myself. Gonna see what my gp thinks as i can't live in constant discomfort and worry.
lucy91054 leigh74005
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Oh no ! Thats exactly what happened to me after my first referal after the mri and endoscopy i was thrown straight back to Dr & didnt even see specialist to discuss anything. I still say IBS is a cope out in a lot of cases. After months of going back to Dr was re-referred again to a different specialist. Its all down to cost cutting and reducing hospital numbers. Han another endoscopy this week & now Gastris has disappeared! Unfortunately not the problem! I do however this time get a follow up appointment with specialist. It really shouldnt be a constant battle for help! keep pestering Dr! Good luck x
nataliefranc leigh74005
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So frustrating. This has happened to me 3 times now over last 7 years and the long cycle of being referred to a specialist again gets harder everytime to the point I've practically given up now! Just think one day something will burst or really flare and I will end up in a&e and then maybe they will get to the bottom of it! Think that's my only hope now. Doctors think I'm a hyperchondriac I'm sure!
leigh74005 nataliefranc
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Same here. Docs think I'm making it up. Might change doctors if I dint get anywhere. Can't live like this. Constant discomfort.
nataliefranc leigh74005
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lucy91054 nataliefranc
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Totally agree Natallie, I'm 4 years behind u though!
lucy91054
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leigh74005 lucy91054
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I don't think that there is any one test that can definitively diagnose a problem with the pancreas. When I was at the hospital last week. I specifically asked the consultant if he though my symptoms could be pancreatitis. He said that because I had had a dual phase ct scan of pancreas and it was clear, there is nothing wrong with my pancreas. He said that the ct I had was the gold standard to check for abnormalities of pancreas. I have read arrivals that say that eus is the gold standard but that moderne ct scanners are encroaching on eus sensitivity. I have seen 2 gastro docs now from 2 different hospitals. Both say that my problems are a functional problem. (Ibs).
lucy91054 leigh74005
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leigh74005 lucy91054
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I have an appointment with my gp next week. Will discuss next steps with her. As I have said. I have seen two gastro docs in two separate hospitals and they have both said everything looks fine. Nothing out of the ordinary has been seen on ultrasound, ct scan and eus. I'll keep you updated.
nataliefranc lucy91054
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I've been told EUS is best for pancreas or MRI with contrast dye. I've had the MRI and was clear but been put off having EUS as I've read it can be quite invasive and can cause people pancreas problems that don't already have them so decided not to have one.
lucy91054 nataliefranc
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I had an MRI with contrast for my liver, wonder if this saw pancreas as well? I joined the group on Facebook you suggested, it is very good. I read on there it is extremely rare to have CP without having an acute attack first, which all three of us don't seem to have. Little bit of reassurance.
nataliefranc lucy91054
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Yes it is a good group. I've heard that it's very rare too which does make me feel a bit better!
lucy91054 nataliefranc
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Just read uk prevalence is 3/100,00 in UK. More common in males ratio 4:1. Seeing as I can't win lottery bonus ball at 1/59 I'm hoping chances r slim. I will talk myself out of my fears! And no acute attacks!
leigh74005 lucy91054
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I trying to do the same as you. Trying to convince myself that it's not something serious. Given the fact that my pains seem to move around apart from the left side that is always there, I am beginning to accept that it could be a bowel issue. At the docs soon so will speak to her about it. Keep us posted on how you are getting on. I will do the same.
chepox nataliefranc
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I had this done a couple of months ago and I felt no different than when I went for a regular endoscopy.