Probably worrying needlessly but I'm getting scared
Posted , 3 users are following.
A little background. I am a 36 yr. old male who is obese with NO family history of cancer of any type. I am not a smoker or a drinker, however I am getting worried. I started having right side pains (kinda like cramps) about a month ago and have finally been diagnosed with a low functioning gallbladder (ejection fraction was 33%). However I am negative for gallstones (had an abdominal ultrasound and everything came back clean except for the pancreas which they couldn't see clearly). For the past week though I have started having cramps on my left side, right under the rib cage, as well (these are becoming more constant and more painful (although not horribly painful, just annoying painful). I have no other symptoms (although I have lost about 3-4 pounds this week without really trying...keeping an eye on that). Thanks to google (left side pain and I am scared to death that I could possibly have Pancreatic Cancer. I guess I'm asking how worried should I really be? I go and see the general surgeon about gallbladder removal on Tuesday and I plan on mentioning it to him.
0 likes, 4 replies
Lapka Bmc81
Posted
Shortie79 Bmc81
Posted
Hi Bmc81,
I've been dealing with Pancreas pain for over a year now. It took me a year before they diagnosed me with Pancreas Divisum (congenital abnormality where you're born with two pancreatic ducts that don't fuse into one). I also have atrophy of my pancreas (usually associated with chronic pancreatitis). I went from weighing 154 pounds to 106 and I'm only 5 feet tall. I don't have a gallbladder or an appendix. I've gone through numerous tests and specialist. The last specialist was an actual pancreas specialist. He advised me to get a genetic test done. If you have certain genetic mutation markers then it'll tell you if you're at risk of cancer. A person of my age (37) is at low risk of getting cancer but a person in their 50's and above are at higher risk. He also advised you can actually have your pancreas removed and they make another organ act as your pancreas (if you have the mutation markers). If you're getting a lot of pain on your left side then I would start journaling it. For example does the pain start after you eat, are you vomiting, etc. Look up the symptoms of pancreatitis and start journaling your symptoms. I wouldn't think cancer right away because there's other things that mimic the symptoms like EPI. I hope you feel better soon.
Bmc81
Posted
The pain is almost like a runner's stitch or cramp. It is on and off and is either by itself or accompanied by the same pain on right side (hence the gallbladder scan). Originally it was the right side only so doctor says gallbladder, but like I said my left has joined the fray. I had a blood test for liver enzymes and that came back normal. Food does not seem to make the left side pain any worse or better. The doctors don't seem too concerned since there is no family history of any cancer, but Google and time (it's been a month since this all started) have gotten the best of me
Shortie79 Bmc81
Posted
I honestly wouldn't pay attention to Google … the more you read then the more you're going to stress out and the more pain you will endure. If you had problems with your pancreas then food would trigger pain (it would hurt after you eat) you would also have very greasy stools. The gallbladder can mimic some of the pancreas pain but also get a stone in the bile duct (if small enough, it won't show up on a regular scan). Your blood work would show something (at least your liver enzymes should). I think once they remove your gallbladder your pain might subside. I would eat a low fat diet or drink Ensures for a couple days and see if that helps. Usually that is what helps me when I'm having pancreas pain. Honestly when you're having Pancreas pain it's debilitating and you're vomiting like no tomorrow. You usually have to go to the ER.