Re: Pseudocysts to

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

After hearing about your doctor's troubles getting a clear image

of your pseudocyst I feel very fortunate. Mine have always been

clearly visiible with a CT-scan or ultrasound. I've had nine

CT-scans and three ultrasounds within the last two years to

review their status, and the pseudocysts, fluid collections and

calcification have been clearly evident in all. The last procedure

done was the ultrasound I had on Thursday, it was to check to

see what " progress " the cysts had made since a CT-scan was

done on March 25th. I guess you know they don't do any

drainage procedures until the pseudocysts are matured, and

stop increasing in size.

This last ultrasound was very interesting, because I was able to

see the screen and actually see the cysts themselves and watch

while the technician was measuring them. I even had to " help "

her locate them initially, since it was in a different hospital and

she didn't have any of my other scans to reference to. The larger

pseudocyst in my pancreas tail is actually " visible " to the naked

eye when I am lying down flat, it protrudes as a slight mound just

up aways and to the left of my navel. And since I am so skinny, it

is alarmingly close to the surface of my abdomen!

I am just as alarmed as the doctor seems to be about it

rupturing, and I take extra care with myself. They say a rupture is

an extremely dangerous and immediately life threatening

situation. How did yours rupture, I mean, what happened, what

warning signs were there, what caused the rupture, etc? I am

curious because I don't really know what to anticipate. My doctor

did say that a rise in temperature was an indication, and also

said that if I had an acute attack to immediately go to the

hospital. I'm in the midst of an " episode " right now, so to speak,

but I have been able to keep it under almost tolerable control

with my meds, so I don't think it's that serious. I have a really

high tolerance for pain, though, so I'm always afraid that things

might actually be worse than I think they are.

I'm so sorry that you have had to have all those ERCP's (shiver,

shiver) and tormenting episodes. Your pseudocysts must be

tucked away somewhere where it's difficult to view, and if the

other organs are swollen up and blocking clear imaging, it really

is a complex problem. I am fortunate that my liver looks great,

and that I have an abnormally small gallbladder, everything

shows up just fine in the pics.

If you are looking yellow, you really need to get in to see your

doctor. Jaundice is yet another problem that you don't want to let

go uncontrolled!

Thank you for your kind words of empathy, you truly are one who

understands what this issue is all about. Take good care of

yourself.....and see your doc about that liver before it gets out of

control.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

Southeastern Representative

PAI, Intl.

Note: All advice or comments are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation

> I have a question for you, what test(s) did you have to

determine the existance and condition of your pseudocysts?

I had a huge one in 1994 and it burst almost extinguishing my

time on this planet. Since then, my GI has had so much trouble

getting a good look at my pancreas, let alone my cyst. We tried

multiple ERCPs, CT scans, etc. My pancreas is sooo sensitive

that when the Dr. even gets close to it with the guidewire (ERCP)

my pancreas explodes into severe acute pancreatitis.

Sometimes the radiologist or my dr can get a peek but their view

is not clear due to swelling, fluid around the pancreas and other

organs swelling.

My husband says I look yellow again.

Sincerely,