Re: Where do I turn now? to

[Guest guest]

> Since Easter, I have been terribly ill.

Three weeks. Three weeks and my enzyme levels stay normal

while my body works it's way up to an major, hospitalizing acute

attack. I've been here before

the ones that last longer, like this one, always seem to land me

in the hospital. Amazingly, all tests prior to " the big attack "

consistently shows normal enzyme levels.

I'm tired of being sick. I'm tired of hurting for weeks at a time

with no relief. I'm tired of doctors not understanding when I tell

them what I'm going through, but the amylase and lipase levels

don't want to prove it.

My internest is great, and understands to some point, but without

the enzyme elevation, there's really not a whole lot he can do.

I see my doctor again tomorrow, but I know that if the enzyme

levels are still within normal range, there's not much he can/will

do. Where do I turn now? --

,

Every time I hear this....that because one's enzyme levels are

normal the doctor doesn't think anything is going on......I want to

scream! It is an established fact that for many of us, especially

those with more advanced chronic pancreatitis, our amylase and

lipase levels don't always elevate during an attack. I've included

a link from the Hopkins Medical University website that

acknowledges this. You could take this information in to your

doctor and see if he would dispute what research has already

proven to be true.

http://hopkins-gi.org/pages/latin/templates/

If you click on this url, it opens the Hopkins Digestive

Diseases website. Enter " chronic pancreatitis " in the search

box, and then click on the " Biochemical Measurements " section,

and this statement will appear:

" Biochemical Measurements

Isoamylase, lipase, trypsin, and elastase levels may be low,

normal, or elevated in patients with chronic pancreatitis. In early

or mild cases of chronic pancreatitis, it is difficult to make a

definitive diagnosis based on serum enzyme levels alone. "

I have documentation from other sources that also say the

same. It's unfortunate that your doctor and his associates are

still from the dark ages where they think amylase and lipase

levels are the only indicator of pancreatic distress.

On this site, go to " Diagnosis "

http://www.hendrickhealth.org/healthy/001016.htm

I'm sorry that you are feeling frustrated by the pain and seemingly

fruitless interaction with your doctor. Is there any chance that you

might be able to find another doctor who is more knowledgeable

about the condition, one who will admit you for hospital care

without having to see raised a & l levels? It's truly a shame that

you should be having to stay at home through such a painful

time. What kind of pain medication has your doctor prescribed

for you? It sounds as through you may need additional

assistance with pain medication, also.

I hope some of this information has helped you. It's frustrating

when you have doctors that don't look at your symptoms and

pain, instead of relying on a test that doesn't always tell the true

story.

Please keep in touch and let us know how it goes tomorrow.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

State and Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.