Re: I saw the doctor - need advise

[Guest guest]

Stacey,

This has been my experience. I had an ERCP in April of this year.

I had a double sphincterotomy due to abnomal pressure measure during

the ERCP. At the same time, I was diagnosed with chronic

pancreatitis due to a very narrow pancreatic duct and damage to to

the pancreatitis. The specialist tried stenting the duct but it had

to come out on an emergency basis 2 days later due to occlusion.

Prior to the ERCP, I had all the tests to determine SOD,

pancreatitis, gastroparesis, etc. All of those tests were normal.

I only received a diagnosis after the ERCP.

To be honest, I have to say that the specialist told me after the

surgery that the spinchterotomy would or would not help me. It

helped for about a month and the problems before the ERCP have come

back, though not quite as drastic. I still have the pain in my back

and epigastric area but for most days it is tolerable. There have

been about six occasions since the ERCP that the pain was bad and so

far the diet, pain meds, enzymes, acid reducer and anti-nausea meds

have helped me control it.

I think SOD affects people differently. My understanding is that if

you have an SOD score of 1 or 2, a sphincterotomy is more likely to

help. I scored a 3.

The Hopkins website has excellent information on their on SOD and

ERCP.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Pat