Guest guest Posted July 29, 2000 Report Share Posted July 29, 2000 In a message dated 7/27/00 6:34:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jp20@... writes: > Any input would be really appreciated. > Joyce ****************** Hi Joyce, what you are describing used to happen to me also. I suffered for years off and on. Then finally when my hubbys insurance co. started covering Chiroprators I went in and saw one. He did an x-ray and found that I was totally out of alighnment due to my walk. He said he was surprised it hadn't been a constant hurt. After seeing him only 4 times everything was taken care of. 3 visits in a month and a/half and then one 6 months later. I don't know if this might help you. But if you have insurance it might be worth a try. Call around and try to find a Chiropractor that is famimliar with CMT. But don't say CMT, say Charcot-Marie-Tooth. They have an abbreviation (CMT) that means something totally different.... Hope you doing better, jeanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2000 Report Share Posted July 29, 2000 In a message dated 7/27/00 6:34:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jp20@... writes: > Any input would be really appreciated. > Joyce ****************** Hi Joyce, what you are describing used to happen to me also. I suffered for years off and on. Then finally when my hubbys insurance co. started covering Chiroprators I went in and saw one. He did an x-ray and found that I was totally out of alighnment due to my walk. He said he was surprised it hadn't been a constant hurt. After seeing him only 4 times everything was taken care of. 3 visits in a month and a/half and then one 6 months later. I don't know if this might help you. But if you have insurance it might be worth a try. Call around and try to find a Chiropractor that is famimliar with CMT. But don't say CMT, say Charcot-Marie-Tooth. They have an abbreviation (CMT) that means something totally different.... Hope you doing better, jeanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2000 Report Share Posted July 29, 2000 In a message dated 7/27/00 6:34:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jp20@... writes: > Any input would be really appreciated. > Joyce ****************** Hi Joyce, what you are describing used to happen to me also. I suffered for years off and on. Then finally when my hubbys insurance co. started covering Chiroprators I went in and saw one. He did an x-ray and found that I was totally out of alighnment due to my walk. He said he was surprised it hadn't been a constant hurt. After seeing him only 4 times everything was taken care of. 3 visits in a month and a/half and then one 6 months later. I don't know if this might help you. But if you have insurance it might be worth a try. Call around and try to find a Chiropractor that is famimliar with CMT. But don't say CMT, say Charcot-Marie-Tooth. They have an abbreviation (CMT) that means something totally different.... Hope you doing better, jeanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Hi Bob I am new to this site and this is the first time I have posted. I have Alcohol induced CP and can understand the difficulty you have in getting information. I was diagnosed after 4 severe attacks and a fith more life threatening attack. I have had many xrays,ct's and one MRCP..the CT and the MRCP both showed I had calcification of my pancreas. When I have a flare my enzymes do not usually rise.The Dr in the ER always threaten to keep me if my bloods come back with elevated enzymes...so I am usually lucky as they very rarely do!!! What I have found over the last few years is that due to the cause of the pancreatitis ie Alcohol then the damage we have is different from " genetic " causes ie pancreas divisum...and as a result things like ERCP where the ducts are inspected etc etc are of no value. I am not an expert but I can speak from personal experience and as far as pain goes it can vary significantly. I get miscalaneous pains in my chest and back constantly. The surgen I saw described it as " refered " pain. As I said...I am new here...but unfortunately have had several years experience pancreatitis Brett > Hello everyone, > > I am a recent member and live in the Kansas City area. > > My wife has been suffering from upper abdominal pain for over a year > now. She is 41. We have been to the ER at least 25 times in the past > year, and at least 5 hospital stays. They have done every GI test > in the book, according to the doctors. I have asked on several > occasions if my wife had pancreatitis, they would respond with a > definitive no, because her enzymes were not elevated. My wife is a > recovering alcoholic, and has been sober for over 17 months now. > This all started after she stopped drinking. My first question is > it unusual that someone with pancreatitis to not have elevated > enzymes during an attack? Or nothing show up on the Xray? We have > had a couple of CT scans, however I do not think the CT scans were > done during her the attack, it was days later. Nothing showed up on > the CT scans either. > > She recently was in the hospital and even though, none of our doctors > have said she has pancreatitis, they are treated her as if she does. > She takes her enzyme pills with every meal, and she is suppose to > stay on a low fat diet. She is feeling much better, she has not > gotten the stomach pain for several days. While the stomach pain has > not come back, she is getting a pain in her back, located on the > right side, mid to upper. I have seen that back pain is a part of > pancreatitis, but the web sites that I have investigated make it seem > that the back pain happens with the stomach pain. I have been > concerned that she may have some other problem causing her pain. She > has a doctors appointment later this week. My question is, is it > unusual to have the back pain, without the stomach pain? > > I am very thankful for all the information I have been able to obtain > from the postings. I hope everyone is having a pain free day. > > Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Hi Bob I am new to this site and this is the first time I have posted. I have Alcohol induced CP and can understand the difficulty you have in getting information. I was diagnosed after 4 severe attacks and a fith more life threatening attack. I have had many xrays,ct's and one MRCP..the CT and the MRCP both showed I had calcification of my pancreas. When I have a flare my enzymes do not usually rise.The Dr in the ER always threaten to keep me if my bloods come back with elevated enzymes...so I am usually lucky as they very rarely do!!! What I have found over the last few years is that due to the cause of the pancreatitis ie Alcohol then the damage we have is different from " genetic " causes ie pancreas divisum...and as a result things like ERCP where the ducts are inspected etc etc are of no value. I am not an expert but I can speak from personal experience and as far as pain goes it can vary significantly. I get miscalaneous pains in my chest and back constantly. The surgen I saw described it as " refered " pain. As I said...I am new here...but unfortunately have had several years experience pancreatitis Brett > Hello everyone, > > I am a recent member and live in the Kansas City area. > > My wife has been suffering from upper abdominal pain for over a year > now. She is 41. We have been to the ER at least 25 times in the past > year, and at least 5 hospital stays. They have done every GI test > in the book, according to the doctors. I have asked on several > occasions if my wife had pancreatitis, they would respond with a > definitive no, because her enzymes were not elevated. My wife is a > recovering alcoholic, and has been sober for over 17 months now. > This all started after she stopped drinking. My first question is > it unusual that someone with pancreatitis to not have elevated > enzymes during an attack? Or nothing show up on the Xray? We have > had a couple of CT scans, however I do not think the CT scans were > done during her the attack, it was days later. Nothing showed up on > the CT scans either. > > She recently was in the hospital and even though, none of our doctors > have said she has pancreatitis, they are treated her as if she does. > She takes her enzyme pills with every meal, and she is suppose to > stay on a low fat diet. She is feeling much better, she has not > gotten the stomach pain for several days. While the stomach pain has > not come back, she is getting a pain in her back, located on the > right side, mid to upper. I have seen that back pain is a part of > pancreatitis, but the web sites that I have investigated make it seem > that the back pain happens with the stomach pain. I have been > concerned that she may have some other problem causing her pain. She > has a doctors appointment later this week. My question is, is it > unusual to have the back pain, without the stomach pain? > > I am very thankful for all the information I have been able to obtain > from the postings. I hope everyone is having a pain free day. > > Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Bob, it is possible to have acute pancreatitis attacks and not have elevated levels, especially if the person has chronic pancreatitis. That's because the organ is so damaged at that point that it can't function properly enough to create any large amount of enzymes. Kimber -- Kimber hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Bob, it is possible to have acute pancreatitis attacks and not have elevated levels, especially if the person has chronic pancreatitis. That's because the organ is so damaged at that point that it can't function properly enough to create any large amount of enzymes. Kimber -- Kimber hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Hi Bob, I hope that you and your wife are doig well this evening. I just wanted to say congrats to your wife and best wishes. My dad was an alcoholic and when he finally got away from it he had terrible health problems. I am sorry that she has to deal with the pancreatitis, but it could have been so much worse. My dad suffered several minor heart attacks and a major stroke while he was in recovery for his alcoholism. He lived well beyond what the docs said he would though. He found his strength in God and for him his faith was what would take him home, and it did. He became a devout christian and led a better life in his final years than most ever do. I hope that you can look at the bright side and use it as encouragement in the journey ahead. Many, Many {{{HUGZ}}} and prayers coming your way. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 16, 2002 Report Share Posted July 16, 2002 Hi Bob, I hope that you and your wife are doig well this evening. I just wanted to say congrats to your wife and best wishes. My dad was an alcoholic and when he finally got away from it he had terrible health problems. I am sorry that she has to deal with the pancreatitis, but it could have been so much worse. My dad suffered several minor heart attacks and a major stroke while he was in recovery for his alcoholism. He lived well beyond what the docs said he would though. He found his strength in God and for him his faith was what would take him home, and it did. He became a devout christian and led a better life in his final years than most ever do. I hope that you can look at the bright side and use it as encouragement in the journey ahead. Many, Many {{{HUGZ}}} and prayers coming your way. __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 I have a question. My stomach seems to be doing a little better since Saturday. However, my back is killing me. It does not feel like a muscle thing to me. I went to the doc thinking maybe a kidney infection. He just barely touched my back and I just about went through the roof. It hurts in in the middle of my back on the right side of my spine. It's about an 18 inch long area tha extends out only about 3 inches from my spine. He insisted it had to be muscle because it was so tender to the touch. My urine was clear so it doesn't seem to be a kidney thing. I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct scan or mrcp. He doesn't think the panc is what is causing the pain but admits he has no clue as to what is. Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible sensation. My mind just all of a sudden felt like it wasn't functioning. I began having trouble breathing, my pulse started racing, and I got all clammy. I almost called 911 but decided to wait a few minutes and see if it got better. After a while it got better and then I fell asleep. I have taken the mepergan quite frequently over the past few weeks. I've also taken flexaril tons of times over the years. However, I haven't had a flexaril in months because I don't think I've had any muscle type things going on. Has anyone ever had this happen? Do you think it was just the combination of the meds? Re: Pain with exertion Debbie, I don't know if you got an answer to your question yet, but I have been told that the reason for the pain in the back is because the pancreas is closer to the spine, and the damage that is being done to your pancreas, also is affecting the nerves in your spine/back area. I get pain even trying to type sometimes. My nurse practitioner at MSU KCMS (Kalamazoo) said that the best thing to do when the back pain gets bad it to lay flat on your stomach. It does seem to help a little, but because of the GERD I can't stay that way for very long. If you ever want to chat with a fellow Michigander... Give me a shout! {{{HUGZ}}} --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 I have a question. My stomach seems to be doing a little better since Saturday. However, my back is killing me. It does not feel like a muscle thing to me. I went to the doc thinking maybe a kidney infection. He just barely touched my back and I just about went through the roof. It hurts in in the middle of my back on the right side of my spine. It's about an 18 inch long area tha extends out only about 3 inches from my spine. He insisted it had to be muscle because it was so tender to the touch. My urine was clear so it doesn't seem to be a kidney thing. I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct scan or mrcp. He doesn't think the panc is what is causing the pain but admits he has no clue as to what is. Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible sensation. My mind just all of a sudden felt like it wasn't functioning. I began having trouble breathing, my pulse started racing, and I got all clammy. I almost called 911 but decided to wait a few minutes and see if it got better. After a while it got better and then I fell asleep. I have taken the mepergan quite frequently over the past few weeks. I've also taken flexaril tons of times over the years. However, I haven't had a flexaril in months because I don't think I've had any muscle type things going on. Has anyone ever had this happen? Do you think it was just the combination of the meds? Re: Pain with exertion Debbie, I don't know if you got an answer to your question yet, but I have been told that the reason for the pain in the back is because the pancreas is closer to the spine, and the damage that is being done to your pancreas, also is affecting the nerves in your spine/back area. I get pain even trying to type sometimes. My nurse practitioner at MSU KCMS (Kalamazoo) said that the best thing to do when the back pain gets bad it to lay flat on your stomach. It does seem to help a little, but because of the GERD I can't stay that way for very long. If you ever want to chat with a fellow Michigander... Give me a shout! {{{HUGZ}}} --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 1. Yes, it can definitely be your pancreas causing back pain. CT scans are sometimes inconclusive for pancreas inflammation unless the organ is swollen. If your enzymes are elevated you are having an attack. Sorta makes you wonder what cereal box this guy got his license off of. (OK, maybe I'm too cynical with that statement.) 2. If I were you, I wouldn't be taking the mepergan and Flexaril combo again. Something is going on there - and if you have difficulty breathing, you could be tempting respiratory arrest. You won't even have time to call the ambulance. You should stay away from that drug combination- - something is going on there and you are gambling with high stakes if you take it again. Drug allergies can happen even after you have been taking something for years with no problem. Boom, they just appear. Jerry/NC ************************* Re: back pain > I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct scan or mrcp. > > Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible sensation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 1. Yes, it can definitely be your pancreas causing back pain. CT scans are sometimes inconclusive for pancreas inflammation unless the organ is swollen. If your enzymes are elevated you are having an attack. Sorta makes you wonder what cereal box this guy got his license off of. (OK, maybe I'm too cynical with that statement.) 2. If I were you, I wouldn't be taking the mepergan and Flexaril combo again. Something is going on there - and if you have difficulty breathing, you could be tempting respiratory arrest. You won't even have time to call the ambulance. You should stay away from that drug combination- - something is going on there and you are gambling with high stakes if you take it again. Drug allergies can happen even after you have been taking something for years with no problem. Boom, they just appear. Jerry/NC ************************* Re: back pain > I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct scan or mrcp. > > Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible sensation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 Jerry, Thanks for the info. I have taken flexaril with phenergan and hydrocodone many times before, just never with the demerol (instead of hydrocodone). It was a very scary experience. Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times the normal limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the pancreas is causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute panc, just that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the problem. He could not see the pancreas or pancreatic duct on ERCP because he could not get past the bile duct (because of the gastric bypass I had in Dec). He said the bile duct was draining normally and there is no scar tissue from the two past sphincterotomies. The ultrasound, x-rays, and ct scan all said the pancreas appears normal. I did notice that on the mrcp it said 'the terminal aspect of the common bile duct is not well delineated, likely due to the presence of considerable fluid in the gastric antrum and duodenal bulb'. 'the pancreatic duct is also difficult to identify in the pancreatic head, but, in the body and tail, it is apparently normal in size. this is suspected, however, from only one of the four presented images.' Of course, the GI didn't bother to tell me that they really couldn't see things as good as they should have been able to on the MRCP. I am curious as to why there would be 'considerable fluid in the gastric antrum and duodenal bulb'. I'm assuming this isn't a normal situation. ?? I'm really very frustrated. The GI simply says I'm a mystery. He doesn't really seem to be concerned enough to find answers for me. In his defense, by the time he saw me, the only thing abnormal in the labs were the liver enzymes. The amylase and lipase were back down to normal by the time I went to the hospital in B'ham (100 miles from home). He said that maybe if he could actually see me when the lipase and amylase were elevated he might be able to determine what's causing it. Geez! Why didn't he bother telling my pcp that when I was in the local hospital? So, for now, I sit here waiting for an episode bad enough to once again raise the amylase and lipase. One problem is that the local hospital can't even do a lipase level so they don't even bother to check the lipase! I know I'm not the only one in this boat. I keep trying to tell myself that maybe the doc is right. It's just some kind of fluke that the enzymes were elevated. It'll probably never happen again. My pancreas is perfectly healthy and the pain I'm having has nothing to do with the pancreas. I need to just do my best to ignore it and it will eventually go away! Of course, ignoring it is not so easy most of the time! If it's not the pancreas, what the hell is it? The only other things I am running across that raise the amylase and lipase besides pancreatitis is an intestinal blockage and I really don't have the symptoms of that. Am I just being stupid? It just seems that everything keeps pointing back to the stupid panc and maybe there's just not enough damage to show up on films yet. Is this possible? I keep reading that if you have enough acute attacks there WILL be damage done to the panc. Everything I read says you need to find out what's causing the acute attacks and try to prevent them. My GI just doesn't seem willing to do detective work and get to the bottom of this for me. Maybe I am just overreacting. However, I keep thinking What if there is a way to determine what is causing these recurring acute attacks and stop them prior to the panc actually suffering permanent damage? What if I just sit back and do nothing (as this GI suggests) only later to discover there was something I (or some doctor) could have done to stop the damage only now its too late? I listened to this GI back in early May when he told me the MRCP was normal and that my pain couldn't possibly be coming from the panc. He said I would likely never have another acute attack. I went from May til mid-July with no pain and thought he must be right. He was wrong then, so maybe he's wrong now, too! ----- Re: back pain > > > > I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though > the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much > better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks > I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were > elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct > scan or mrcp. > > Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and > phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril > would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible > sensation. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 Jerry, Thanks for the info. I have taken flexaril with phenergan and hydrocodone many times before, just never with the demerol (instead of hydrocodone). It was a very scary experience. Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times the normal limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the pancreas is causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute panc, just that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the problem. He could not see the pancreas or pancreatic duct on ERCP because he could not get past the bile duct (because of the gastric bypass I had in Dec). He said the bile duct was draining normally and there is no scar tissue from the two past sphincterotomies. The ultrasound, x-rays, and ct scan all said the pancreas appears normal. I did notice that on the mrcp it said 'the terminal aspect of the common bile duct is not well delineated, likely due to the presence of considerable fluid in the gastric antrum and duodenal bulb'. 'the pancreatic duct is also difficult to identify in the pancreatic head, but, in the body and tail, it is apparently normal in size. this is suspected, however, from only one of the four presented images.' Of course, the GI didn't bother to tell me that they really couldn't see things as good as they should have been able to on the MRCP. I am curious as to why there would be 'considerable fluid in the gastric antrum and duodenal bulb'. I'm assuming this isn't a normal situation. ?? I'm really very frustrated. The GI simply says I'm a mystery. He doesn't really seem to be concerned enough to find answers for me. In his defense, by the time he saw me, the only thing abnormal in the labs were the liver enzymes. The amylase and lipase were back down to normal by the time I went to the hospital in B'ham (100 miles from home). He said that maybe if he could actually see me when the lipase and amylase were elevated he might be able to determine what's causing it. Geez! Why didn't he bother telling my pcp that when I was in the local hospital? So, for now, I sit here waiting for an episode bad enough to once again raise the amylase and lipase. One problem is that the local hospital can't even do a lipase level so they don't even bother to check the lipase! I know I'm not the only one in this boat. I keep trying to tell myself that maybe the doc is right. It's just some kind of fluke that the enzymes were elevated. It'll probably never happen again. My pancreas is perfectly healthy and the pain I'm having has nothing to do with the pancreas. I need to just do my best to ignore it and it will eventually go away! Of course, ignoring it is not so easy most of the time! If it's not the pancreas, what the hell is it? The only other things I am running across that raise the amylase and lipase besides pancreatitis is an intestinal blockage and I really don't have the symptoms of that. Am I just being stupid? It just seems that everything keeps pointing back to the stupid panc and maybe there's just not enough damage to show up on films yet. Is this possible? I keep reading that if you have enough acute attacks there WILL be damage done to the panc. Everything I read says you need to find out what's causing the acute attacks and try to prevent them. My GI just doesn't seem willing to do detective work and get to the bottom of this for me. Maybe I am just overreacting. However, I keep thinking What if there is a way to determine what is causing these recurring acute attacks and stop them prior to the panc actually suffering permanent damage? What if I just sit back and do nothing (as this GI suggests) only later to discover there was something I (or some doctor) could have done to stop the damage only now its too late? I listened to this GI back in early May when he told me the MRCP was normal and that my pain couldn't possibly be coming from the panc. He said I would likely never have another acute attack. I went from May til mid-July with no pain and thought he must be right. He was wrong then, so maybe he's wrong now, too! ----- Re: back pain > > > > I'm now wondering if it is actually coming from the pancreas even though > the familiar pain in the middle abdomen and under my right rib is much > better. The GI says he doesn't think the panc is causing the acute attacks > I'm having (even though amylase, lipase, and liver enzymes were > elevated) because the pancreas didn't show up as inflamed on the ct > scan or mrcp. > > Also, last night I took a mepergan (demerol and > phenergan) and a flexaril thinking if it was muscle, the flexaril > would help. About 10 minutes after taking it, I had the most horrible > sensation. > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 , I'm in agreement with Jerry on this one. If your levels are elevated that much, there's surely got to be some pancreatic problem. Oh, about the back pain mentioned earlier, I just wanted to add that mid back pain, along the bra line, and continual nagging pain under my left shoulder blade is unfortunately a daily problem with me. When it spikes up and becomes steadily stronger it usually is the onset of an attack. You're not imagining this other pain, nor are you being stupid to want to fully investigate the cause of these attacks. I don't know how many you've had, but anything over two indicates (to me, anyway), that there's a definite problem there and yes, you are wise to want to know what it is and if there's a way to avoid another one. If it were me, I think at this point I would be seeking a second opinion. I really just don't believe in flukes like that! With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth South Carolina hhessgriffeth@... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http://pancassociation.org/storieshome.html#Heidi > Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times the normal > limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the pancreas is > causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute panc, just > that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 , I'm in agreement with Jerry on this one. If your levels are elevated that much, there's surely got to be some pancreatic problem. Oh, about the back pain mentioned earlier, I just wanted to add that mid back pain, along the bra line, and continual nagging pain under my left shoulder blade is unfortunately a daily problem with me. When it spikes up and becomes steadily stronger it usually is the onset of an attack. You're not imagining this other pain, nor are you being stupid to want to fully investigate the cause of these attacks. I don't know how many you've had, but anything over two indicates (to me, anyway), that there's a definite problem there and yes, you are wise to want to know what it is and if there's a way to avoid another one. If it were me, I think at this point I would be seeking a second opinion. I really just don't believe in flukes like that! With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth South Carolina hhessgriffeth@... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http://pancassociation.org/storieshome.html#Heidi > Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times the normal > limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the pancreas is > causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute panc, just > that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 Heidi, Thanks so much and thanks to everyone else, too! Technically, I have only had 3 acute attacks which were documented by elevated labs. However, the pain has become all too familiar even when the labs don't document the attack. The fact that I have this pain when the enzymes are not elevated is even more reason for the doctor to say its not the pancreas! He insists that if the enzymes aren't elevated, the pancreas isn't causing the pain! The first attack was in Jan 2000 when this all began. Until Jul 2002, that was the only documented attack. I had the attack in Jul 2002 with a lipase of 1960 and an amylase of only around 300. A week later, I had another attack and the amylase was about 600. I don't know what the lipase was since I was admitted to the hospital in my small town and the hospital can't do the lipase so they never even bothered to check it. I am assuming that the lipase would have been worse since the amylase was double what it was on the attack a week earlier. Also, my liver enzymes were about 10 times higher than they were with the attack a week earlier. A few days later, I went to the ER at the hospital my GI uses with what I thought was another attack. This time the amylase and lipase were normal but liver enzymes were elevated so they kept me. I was in the hospital for 5 days but they never checked the amylase/lipase again. I went to the ER in my town on Saturday, Aug 10th, with the same pain. The enzymes were normal again. They simply gave me a shot and sent me home. Thankfully, I do have pain meds at home. However, I mostly want answers on whats causing this and (if possible) what to do to prevent it. Thanks to everyone for confirming that I am not overreacting. I will continue in my search for answers - most likely with a new GI! ----- Re: back pain > , > > I'm in agreement with Jerry on this one. If your levels are > elevated that much, there's surely got to be some pancreatic > problem. Oh, about the back pain mentioned earlier, I just > wanted to add that mid back pain, along the bra line, and > continual nagging pain under my left shoulder blade is > unfortunately a daily problem with me. When it spikes up and > becomes steadily stronger it usually is the onset of an attack. > > You're not imagining this other pain, nor are you being stupid to > want to fully investigate the cause of these attacks. I don't know > how many you've had, but anything over two indicates (to me, > anyway), that there's a definite problem there and yes, you are > wise to want to know what it is and if there's a way to avoid > another one. If it were me, I think at this point I would be > seeking a second opinion. I really just don't believe in flukes like > that! > > With hope and prayers, > Heidi > > > Heidi H. Griffeth > South Carolina > hhessgriffeth@... > Southeastern Representative > Pancreatitis Association, Intl. > http://pancassociation.org/storieshome.html#Heidi > > > > Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times > the normal > > limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the > pancreas is > > causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute > panc, just > > that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the > problem. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 Heidi, Thanks so much and thanks to everyone else, too! Technically, I have only had 3 acute attacks which were documented by elevated labs. However, the pain has become all too familiar even when the labs don't document the attack. The fact that I have this pain when the enzymes are not elevated is even more reason for the doctor to say its not the pancreas! He insists that if the enzymes aren't elevated, the pancreas isn't causing the pain! The first attack was in Jan 2000 when this all began. Until Jul 2002, that was the only documented attack. I had the attack in Jul 2002 with a lipase of 1960 and an amylase of only around 300. A week later, I had another attack and the amylase was about 600. I don't know what the lipase was since I was admitted to the hospital in my small town and the hospital can't do the lipase so they never even bothered to check it. I am assuming that the lipase would have been worse since the amylase was double what it was on the attack a week earlier. Also, my liver enzymes were about 10 times higher than they were with the attack a week earlier. A few days later, I went to the ER at the hospital my GI uses with what I thought was another attack. This time the amylase and lipase were normal but liver enzymes were elevated so they kept me. I was in the hospital for 5 days but they never checked the amylase/lipase again. I went to the ER in my town on Saturday, Aug 10th, with the same pain. The enzymes were normal again. They simply gave me a shot and sent me home. Thankfully, I do have pain meds at home. However, I mostly want answers on whats causing this and (if possible) what to do to prevent it. Thanks to everyone for confirming that I am not overreacting. I will continue in my search for answers - most likely with a new GI! ----- Re: back pain > , > > I'm in agreement with Jerry on this one. If your levels are > elevated that much, there's surely got to be some pancreatic > problem. Oh, about the back pain mentioned earlier, I just > wanted to add that mid back pain, along the bra line, and > continual nagging pain under my left shoulder blade is > unfortunately a daily problem with me. When it spikes up and > becomes steadily stronger it usually is the onset of an attack. > > You're not imagining this other pain, nor are you being stupid to > want to fully investigate the cause of these attacks. I don't know > how many you've had, but anything over two indicates (to me, > anyway), that there's a definite problem there and yes, you are > wise to want to know what it is and if there's a way to avoid > another one. If it were me, I think at this point I would be > seeking a second opinion. I really just don't believe in flukes like > that! > > With hope and prayers, > Heidi > > > Heidi H. Griffeth > South Carolina > hhessgriffeth@... > Southeastern Representative > Pancreatitis Association, Intl. > http://pancassociation.org/storieshome.html#Heidi > > > > Yeah, I'm a little perturbed with my GI. My lipase was 10 times > the normal > > limit (higher than ever before) but he says he doesn't think the > pancreas is > > causing the problem. He's not really saying I didn't have acute > panc, just > > that he thinks something other than the panc is causing the > problem. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 , all I can say, is if it was me, I'd be finding another doctor. One who is concerned with finding what is wrong, not sitting on his butt saying your a mystery. Yeah, there's the possibility it isn't the pancreas, but, from what my GI's all told me, if the amylase and lipase are raised, you got pancreatitis and that needs to be looked into. Has he tested you for hereditary pancreatitis? Checked your tripsynogen levels? Checked your triglycerides? Check if you have hypercalcemia? There are other avenues to check all the causes that are known or it could be idiopathic (they don't know what causes). Regardless of cause, he should be doing the best he can to treat your attacks, admit you when you need to be admitted. You are paying him, and it sounds to me like you aren't getting the service you are paying him for. Sorry, I get mad at doctors like that that sit on their butt and say, just live with it. Urg. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 20, 2002 Report Share Posted August 20, 2002 , all I can say, is if it was me, I'd be finding another doctor. One who is concerned with finding what is wrong, not sitting on his butt saying your a mystery. Yeah, there's the possibility it isn't the pancreas, but, from what my GI's all told me, if the amylase and lipase are raised, you got pancreatitis and that needs to be looked into. Has he tested you for hereditary pancreatitis? Checked your tripsynogen levels? Checked your triglycerides? Check if you have hypercalcemia? There are other avenues to check all the causes that are known or it could be idiopathic (they don't know what causes). Regardless of cause, he should be doing the best he can to treat your attacks, admit you when you need to be admitted. You are paying him, and it sounds to me like you aren't getting the service you are paying him for. Sorry, I get mad at doctors like that that sit on their butt and say, just live with it. Urg. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 15, 2003 Report Share Posted January 15, 2003 Jeanie, Has the doctor ever placed you on a TENS Unit? I don't have your seriouse problem at all but I did hurt my back and my chiropractor put the unit on my back for 15 minutes and I felt very good for the day. I had a friend that injured her arm and her doctor sent her home with one to wear all day. Maybe this would help you. It does help get circulation back into the muscle. I have used a magnetic pad also to reduce muscle pain. Some persons cannot use magnets because they are sensitive to it. Makes the pain worse or makes them feel sick. The biggest problem if finding one that works and isn't a cheap piece of junk. They can be expensive. I bought one that fits into a pillow, I used it without the pillow. Liz D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 16, 2003 Report Share Posted January 16, 2003 I have one and it does help some. I'm gonna be going to physical therapy for a while and I'm sure they will use some powerful ones there. Thanks. jeanie back pain Jeanie, Has the doctor ever placed you on a TENS Unit? I don't have your seriouse problem at all but I did hurt my back and my chiropractor put the unit on my back for 15 minutes and I felt very good for the day. I had a friend that injured her arm and her doctor sent her home with one to wear all day. Maybe this would help you. It does help get circulation back into the muscle. I have used a magnetic pad also to reduce muscle pain. Some persons cannot use magnets because they are sensitive to it. Makes the pain worse or makes them feel sick. The biggest problem if finding one that works and isn't a cheap piece of junk. They can be expensive. I bought one that fits into a pillow, I used it without the pillow. Liz D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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