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Pancreas problem?

Posted , 13 users are following.

leigh74005
leigh74005

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?

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  • leigh74005
    leigh74005

    Posted

    Got my colonoscopy booked for April. All stomach biopsys normal. Was hoping for some kind of gluten intolerance to show its self but sadly not. Doc thinks I have ibs. Will update once I've had the procedure done.

    • saifhameed
      saifhameed leigh74005

      Posted

      Mine has also been diagnosed as ibs. Ibs has very vast variety. Malabsorption, gas , cramping , pain, loose motion, constipation, diarrhea, oily stool and list goes on.
  • leigh74005
    leigh74005

    Posted

    This is for anyone who stumbles on this post. I think it only fair that I close it with letting you all know how I got on as most people tend to leave them unresolved.

    As you've probably read. I've had all kinds of test done to rule out various things. These tests range from colonoscopys to mrcp scans and everything else in between. Been tested for all kinds of autoimmune diseases including celiac, wilsons, Heb b & c. Had dobro scan of liver. Ct of pancreas. Faecal elastase testing. The list goes on. I've basically been told that I probably have post infectious ibs that was brought on by a long course of ciprofloxin (powerful antibiotic) that I was taking for prostate issue. This does seem the most logical cause as the symptoms started about 1-2 months after I finished the course.

    I am now feeling a little better with regards to the discomfort and pain but still increadably tired and lethargic. Sleep is one thing that I don't get enough of and I think I probably have sleep apnoea as even when I do sleep, I am still really tired. I've got some therapy sessions coming up to try sort my anxiety out so hopefully that will help with my tiredness.

    All in all, I am happier knowing that nothing imminently dangerous has been found and I am now starting to accept the diagnosis of ibs even though doubts still run through my mind from time to time.

    To all those suffering. Be strong. Be assertive with your doctors. Don't be afraid to ask them questions and challenge them. If they don't want to listen, change docs. I ended up using the private sector and NHS as some docs in both sectors were more happy to perform various tests. Most of all. Try not to google your symptoms like I did and still Do to some extent. I have never came away from google feelimg any better having read what I've read.

    All the very best.

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