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...
I gradually got sick and sicker over a period of a year. The ab and mid-back pain is the worst I've ever endured. I was extremely nauseated until I changed.my diet to clear liquids..no solid food. Numerous other symptoms, feeling not well, exhaustion, bowel, but the pain is literally stealing my life. Doc had all these theories, ran test, kept chasing a diagnosis. Finally, after passing out from the pain a couple of times and finding out I am in bed 75% of the day, she ordered an abdominal CT. Results are Atrophy of the pancreas, fatty changes, and calcification. I have had several sudden, short lived episodes like this for 20 years, but never went to doc. I have lived at the Dr office for a year now. She told me this is not Pancreatitis and my pancreas isn't making me sick, that there isnt anything that points to CP. I have shared my CT and the CT report with another dr and a FNP, both say it is pancreatitis. My PCP is WRONG, this is classic CP. Appt with Gastro in week. Thoughts please. Btw, I am 51, I am a recovering alcoholic of 8 years, stopped smoking 3 years ago. BTW, the pain clinic said people do not have pain this severe with pancreas diseases. Wrong again. Do any of you have the same CT results, same symptoms, etc. (Enzymes are low normal, which the other Dr said is not unusual in long term CP) How do I, an average person, tell an educated doctor they are wrong? Does this sound like CP to you?
kelsmom51
It does to me. I would find another doctor or tell them to do an ERCP that is when they go down the throat and then up to the pancreas. My numbers are always low. My pancreas has almost stopped working. Or by now it may not be at all. I had so many pancreas attacks it destroyed the pancreas and the spleen and they removed them both.. The liver is not good either. I have never been a drinker, but I did smoke. Mine was from taking lortab on trial period for arthritis it caused the bile ducts to block and then I went into many attacks after that. After surgery I thought well the pain will stop. No it did not. But you do need to find a doctor who will lesson to you. I have to take Creon to help me digest my food and so far that helps some. It is a very painful disease and unless you find a good doctor you will be viewed as a druggy who comes to the ER for drugs. I hope you will go okay. I now go to pain management and they help keep me out of pain. Fentanal patch. 25 mgs.
Jorie
Wow so sorry. I am not surprised though. After living with this for years I think I've heard it all. Please find a new GP. This one will not do you any good ever. If that is not the classic signs of chronic pancreatitis I don't know what is. Stick to the diet as best youcan and enjoy the good days. Best of luck to you.
njdevil2
My wife has gone to the ER in excruciating pain and her numbers would range between 350-28,000. The times they were low, the next day they spiked into the 1,000's.....and oh yeah.....numbers mean shit when it comes to pain...Dr's don't understand it. You need to find a Dr. who understands, which is hard to find. We get the drug seeking attitude at the same hospital that knows her case. Be careful of Fentanyl. It's very addictive, and is used to combine with heroine. My wife would get very moody on it. Maybe they can bring you down to dilaudid. Please, watch the Fentanyl.
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