Difference between biliary colic and pancreas attack

July 31, 2003

HI everyone,

Another question. It seems the more I read, the more questions

I have!

This one is: What is the difference between biliary colic attack

(or SOD spasm) and pancreas attack? as far as type of pain,

degree of incapacity and how you tell the difference when it

happens?

I ask this because of the advice that I have been receiving that

either mentions both events or mentions that you have to stay

ahead of the pain. I have become absolutely aware of when I am

having an attack of biliary colic (SOD spasm?). It is always the

same, always intense, always unbearable and follows a very

predictable course. However, I am afraid to take any medications

for that for the reason Kaye mentioned (opiods increasing

pressure / spasm thing). But I do notice that the meds will

temper the day to day pain but rarely work when this daily pain

intensifies to a great degree. When this daily pain intensifies or

gets exacerbated by a meal - is this the pancreas type attack

pain?

To further clarify my types of pain: I have the background, daily

pain that is there 24 / 7. Bothers me when I walk, breathe deeply

or laydown to sleep. This can wax and wane during the day and

sometimes on more than a daily cycle. Then I have the pain that

gets worse after I eat. Usually after every meal but sometimes

not. This feels like being kicked in the stomach by a horse, or

can be just a dull heavy ache. Then once or month or so I have

biliary colic - which has been describe so well by others. Are

these pains a combination of SOD type spasms and CP? I do

recognize acute pancreatitis, as I had it once for sure and a

second time a year later (but unsubstantiated).

Thanks again all!

Laurie

(thanks mark for giving me " permission " to hog the board! It

does reassure me that I am not out of line )

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