Pancreatitis Support Group
Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...
Hello Everyone, I've been to 3 GI's since my acute pancreatitis iin May. I have more faith in the 3rd one, because he's a hepatologist also, and very familiar with the pancreas. Two weeks ago he called, told me to go to Whole Foods to buy an OTC enzyme called "Digest Gold". So far it's been great - hardly no abdominal pain after meals, and I've even began eating small amounts of spinach salad - the 1st time since my pancreatitis. (been eating baby food veggies).He also ordered a slew of liver tests,, and called to say they all came back normal. Ten days later, my Rheumatologist ordered the usual standard bloodwork, and it came back with my liver enzymes sky high (ALT, plus a few others) 3x's the normal range. I faxed this to my GI, and saw him yesterday. He said "I have no idea why this is happening, I've never seen it before".(?!) Btw, he then told me he feels my only option at this point is to have an ERCP...warning me of the very high risks, etc... I told him I'd rather wait awhile, and he agreed.
Now, to add to this confusion, my PCP ordered a 5 hr. glucose test, suspecting hypoglycemia, and it came back positive. I'm not diabetic, although I was told by GI's 1 & 2 that I was 'prediabetic'. and suggested I lose weight with the South Beach diet, etc. But...I'm worried because a couple weeks back, I almost fainted when I got home from a luncheon with sme friends. So, I ate something, then slept a couple hrs. and felt much better. I strongly feel this may be a result of a necroticizing pancreas. I've been craving sweets, carbs, etc.... in a very unusual way. Also, I've been urinating very frequently, and all through the night. Btw, I also have Rheumatoind Arthrithis, Sjogren's Syndrome, and AVN (avascular necrosos) I need a total hip replacement, but postponed it 3 x's due to these GI issues) I made an appt. with an Endocrinologist, as recommended by my Primary.
Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? I would greatly apreciate any infromation on this subject. I'm very worried, and tired, soooo tired, as I know many of us are while having to deal with this awful disorder. Thanks in advance for any input you might have. Blessing to you all...=)
Now, to add to this confusion, my PCP ordered a 5 hr. glucose test, suspecting hypoglycemia, and it came back positive. I'm not diabetic, although I was told by GI's 1 & 2 that I was 'prediabetic'. and suggested I lose weight with the South Beach diet, etc. But...I'm worried because a couple weeks back, I almost fainted when I got home from a luncheon with sme friends. So, I ate something, then slept a couple hrs. and felt much better. I strongly feel this may be a result of a necroticizing pancreas. I've been craving sweets, carbs, etc.... in a very unusual way. Also, I've been urinating very frequently, and all through the night. Btw, I also have Rheumatoind Arthrithis, Sjogren's Syndrome, and AVN (avascular necrosos) I need a total hip replacement, but postponed it 3 x's due to these GI issues) I made an appt. with an Endocrinologist, as recommended by my Primary.
Does anyone have any recommendations or advice? I would greatly apreciate any infromation on this subject. I'm very worried, and tired, soooo tired, as I know many of us are while having to deal with this awful disorder. Thanks in advance for any input you might have. Blessing to you all...=)
Do you have a glucometer to check your sugars? As a rule my endocrinologist told me any sugar under 70 to treat as a low. But if I am at like 90 and having symptoms of a hypo I will still treat it with something because it can drop fast. When treating low sugars there is something called the 15-15 rule. You eat 15 carbs every 15 minutes until your sugar is at a good level.
An endocrinologist sounds like a good idea. You could also look into some diabetes education classes even if you are just prediabetic. You can get a lot of good info at those. There is tons of information on the internet and there is also a group on here as well that would be helpful.
And as a little side note pancreatitis flares can wreck havoc on glucose levels. Sometimes changes in my blood sugar is my first sign that I am head down the angry pancy road again. I have a lot of unexpected highs and lows when I'm sick.
Good luck to you and I hope you get this figured out!
Doubleaaron...I love skittles, so thanks for the 'sweet idea'...I'll have to keep those on hand too. :)
Paula, I'm not taking Creon yet, although it's probably something I'll need in the future, as is appears most people suffering with chronic pancreatitis are taking... hopefully by then my sugar will be stable
Thanks again for the advice, it's much appreciated...so glad to have found this wonderful group.
Hugs,
Barbie
Thanks very much for the information, it's much appreciated. I'm waiting for a copy of my labs to be sent to me, so I can look at them more closely, and show them to my other Dr.'s for their opinions. My GI/liver specialist telling me "I don't know" was a bit disconcerting to say the least. Take care.:)