Pancreatitis symptoms diagnosis
Common Questions and Answers about Pancreatitis symptoms diagnosis
pancreatitis
Dr, Choi, I have the following symptoms, but have had mixed opinions from my doctors. My family doc thinks I have GERDS, while my Gastro believes I may have chronic pancreatitis. Here are my symptoms:
Nearly constant central, upper abdominal pain since August 6, 2010.
Pain is gnawing, burning, like heartburn or severe hunger pains.
Pain is entirely absent at night while sleeping, and absent first thing in the morning. I sleep well.
My appendix ruptured 2 yrs ago and I have had numerous problems since. I have abdominal distention, squeezing pain that starts in abdomen and moves up my body to my neck, drilling feeling behind lower left ribs, extreme fatigue, pain in abdomen, pain in joints, swelling, etc.. I have "a bunch" of Esophogeal Ulcurs and an inflamed stomach, this issue was addressed. I have been to several Dr.'s that don't seem to CARE about ME as a whole.
About a month ago I had hand, foot and mouth virus. It was bad, it lasted for 2 weeks. Our 2 year old daughter got it, then I guess she gave it to me.
We are traveling at the moment, we're staying in Australia with my wife's family. I went to the hospital and got this diagnosis to which there isn't really any treatment besides pain management.
Since getting over that, I just noticed a small, sharp pain in my abdomen. It seems to be local to the lower left side.
Doctors had no answer for why he then had all the symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. His inflammation levels were now normal even though he continued having pain.
End of last year he was admitted to hospital again. His pain was very bad, but the 'normal' version of severe pain - not as extreme as when he first was admitted. However, his doctor felt this episode of severe pain had persisted for too long.
Many tests were run in hospital.
Fever, chills, and jaundice are uncommon symptoms. Patients may also present with acute recurrent pancreatitis. "
More layman's terms:http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/sphincter-oddi-dysfunction.html
from the site, quote:
"The disease you are describing is known as sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD). The sphincter of oddi is situated in the upper intestine, or duodenum, at the site where the pancreatic and bile ducts enter.
Have you considered actute pancreatitis or chrnic pancreatitis? Look up their symptoms and if you think that is what you have then the first thing to do is to ask your doctor for blood work and an ultrasound.
//www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322201.php You could also have your symptoms and pancreatitis and have elevated lipase. Sometimes a bland diet will help such as the brat diet. This is banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. Lipase can stay elevated for a couple of weeks after a bout of gastroenteritis or pancreatitis. How long has it been?
If you've had several attacks of acute pancreatitis and it's become chronic, it's not unusual that your enzyme levels aren't elevated. In many cases the 'diagnostic criteria' defining the chonic form of pancreatitis is the lack of elevated enzymes. If you're using a single doc, you should have documentation of having had past episodes of pancreatitis with a final diagnosis of the 'chronic' form.
Anna, these were my symptoms when i first was in the hospt. w/ my pancreatitis, i had high Amalyse and Lipase levels and dull aching pain in my mid to left abdomen(for a week).., and since then my stools have been abnormal, I also have lost about 15 pounds, and i indeed have had a stool test for fat and mine came back negative. Thanks for sharing your story anna, hope your test comes back okay
I just would like Dr. Rogue to give his opinion on what he thinks is wrong with me.
t realative to eating, it occurs when i sit up after laying especially when I wake up, I took test of alfa amylase it was 150 (normal is 100) I drink alcohol but not abusing it, my question is this chronic pancreatitis and what should I do next to have my diagnosis right. Thanks!
Can you specifically state your symptoms. There are several plausible explanations. Have you had pancreatitis? Are your bile ducts dilated? What tests have been done? Any related history?
I am not a doctor and know nothing about medicine but your description almost sounds like pancreatitis and/or a Sphincter of Oddi, intrahepatic or pancreatic duct problem. These issues can sometimes happen many years after a gallbladder removal. I will put some links at the end of this post for you to research. Only you will recognize your some of the more obscure symptoms that accompany these issues. I hope they help and that you feel better soon!
It can trigger an attack of pancreatitis but is usually short lived. My mom has battled chronic pancreatitis (idopathic, non drinker) for over 4 years and is 30 days post whipple. Amylase and Lypase do not always show elevated levels even if having an attack. Get a good GI, one who specializes in diseases of the pancreas... not just a general GI. ERCP can show a lot, stents can be placed in ducts during procedure which can ease pain.
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