Re: Out of Hospital to Robin

[Guest guest]

Dear Robin,

Sorry to hear that your troubles took you to the hospital, and

although you got relief from the pain, nausea and vomiting, you

left with yet more questions and without a clear answer from the

doctors as to what is really wrong.

I have heard of abdominal migraines before, but always in

reference to children's conditions of nausea, vomiting and

abdominal pain. If you do a search you should find quite a bit of

information on this.

IMHO, it's hard to discount an ERCP done by a specialist who

tells you you've got chronic pancreatitis, based on the findings of

that ERCP. I'm sure you've already learned from this site, and

many medical websites, that one can have chronic pancreatitis

and not show elevated amylase or lipase levels. Many of us

here in the group have experienced normal levels during a CP

attack. It's frustrating when the doctors still regard elevated

levels as such an important indicator to diagnose a CP attack

when research shows that an attack can be happening without a

rise in amylase and lipase levels.

As far as the CT-scan goes, they are supposed to be a much

more thorough test to show pancreatic problems, yet even those

have been known to be wrong, too. The CT-scan will show a

tumor, pseudocyst or calcification, but a person can still have

chronic pancreatitis WITHOUT any of these abnormalties even

existing. Was the doctor a gastroenterologist?

Your appointment at Hopkins is timely, and I hope will clear

up any questions you have as to your proper diagnosis. Once

that is made, be sure to get a copy of your records, and the

diagnosis, for verification to use at your local hospital.

I can understand your depression and frustration over the

unresolved nature of this whole situation. It must be very difficult

to deal with the uncertainty. I haven't had quite the same type of

experiences, but have certainly suffered through enough

uncertainties and unresolved issues with my CP/brittle diabetes

to have felt the depression and insecurity that you are trying to

deal with now. The Elavil should help you with this, and with your

pain.

Robin, I'm sorry that you're having to go through all of this, but do

hope that you'll get some answers and find some relief from your

mental anguish, as well as your physical pain, when you see the

doctor at Hopkins. Please let us know how this

appointment turns out.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.