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Pancreatitis: chronic vs acute

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robinann
robinann

Would like some input, but first a short history...

I have epi. Dx'd 2014 but started in 2003 or maybe even sooner after pregnancy in 1999.

Acute pancreatitis 2009. It was fairly mild. If I remember correctly my lipase was only as high as 650 or so. Pain was mild but not enjoyable but I've had headaches that we more painful. A few years later I was finally able to get tested if AIP... it's not. Since then maybe 2 or 3 more mild episodes. No family history!

I also have hashimoto's hypothyroidism. They say I have ulcerative colitis too but I strongly disagree. My UC was cured after receiving epi dx.

Now I have an intermittent upper abdominal pain, very different to my acute pancreatitis pain. Mild and mostly annoying. I thought it was my stomach. Had detailed MRI to check pancreas area and endoscopy to check stomach. Nothing showed up - both stomach and pancreas fine. Have bouts of diarrhea off and on. Once in a blue moon I vomit too. I thought low stomach acid or something but I finally figured out eating too much fat was the main factor....well da🙄. I always eat low fat in any case, but now much closer to no fat.

Regarding my thyroid, doctors gave me wrong thyroid meds and I was left fighting for my life. My guess is that undiagnosed epi was a factor. Anyway my point, doctors have done one screw up after another regarding my thyroid and pancreas so I'm not eager to go to yet another idiot doc.

Finally... my question🙄: is the pain associated with acute pancreatitis different from the pain of chronic pancreatitis? I suspect I now have cp but the pain, although very mild, thankfullly, is very different to my less mild acute pancreatitis pain.

Also, aside from fat and alcohol, are there other foods that can exasperate CP, or is this very individual?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • kay82451
    kay82451 robinann

    Posted

    I had acute necrotizing pancreatitis in Oct 2017.  Spent 3.5 weeks in ICU  and 3 weeks and 6 procedures to date.  

    I have a constant pain in my upper left rib cage below my breast.  I keep a mini heating pad on it whenever just sitting.  It helps me, a lot.  Bras and tighter pants really bother me. 

    I’m not sure if others have this constant pain.  I have accepted it as the new normal and just feel blessed to be alive. 

    Hope you find your answers.  

  • Shortie79
    Shortie79 robinann

    Posted

    I have never been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis but I have chronic due to a congenital abnormality called Pancreas Divisum. It took the doctors over a year to diagnose me. I also have Hashimotos and other medical conditions. I had a regular ultrasound, endoscopy and blood work all come back normal (I was born with two pancreatic ducts). The CT Enterography is what caught the atrophy of my pancreas which I researched and found it’s associated with chronic pancreatitis. I was then referred to a GI specialist who ordered a MRCP which diagnosed the Pancreas Divisum. I now see a pancreas specialist who performs ERCPS every other month to widen my ducts. Apparently I was having attacks/symptoms of pancreatitis but my blood work doesn’t show it. I have constant abdominal pain and have to take digestive enzymes. I also use heat packs on my stomach which helps with the pain. I know the frustration of starting with yet another doctor but the only doctor who can help would be a pancreas specialist. I hope you feel better soon. 
  • DJ-RN
    DJ-RN robinann

    Posted

    pancreatic pain is pancreatic pain. At times acute cases of Pancreatitis may cause more intense pain than chronic would but that would vary from person to person. I have chronic Pancreatitis and my pain isn’t too severe. But that’s just with me. I don’t think that it would be correct to say that an acute case of Pancreatitis yields pain more severe than a flare-up chronic in nature. It doesn’t sound to me like it’s your pancreas that’s causing your pain. Pancreatic pain doesn’t just usually linger on and off. I personally would be more inclined to think that the pain you are experiencing is that from ulcerative colitis. Something that sounds like you don’t believe, but something that I wouldn’t dismiss. Best of luck!

    DJRN

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