Guest guest Posted May 18, 2003 Report Share Posted May 18, 2003 Katy, The reason why people with Pancreatitis bruise easily is that the spleen, which sits next to the tail of the pancreas, is often affected by the caustic enzymes or just the inflammatory process of the organ itself. The spleen produces, monitors, stores, and destroys blood cells. White blood cells fight infection. Platelets are responsible for the clotting process. The mineral calcium, vitamin K, and a protein called fibrinogen help the platelets form a clot. When the spleen is affected, it is possible to get infections, and the infection just compounds the already damaged or over taxed platelet cells. Additionally, persons with Pancreatitis are often malnourished, and have low levels of calcium and vitamin K. Usually, when a Distal Pancreatectomy is performed, the surgeon also removed the spleen as it is almost always affected. In my case, the spleenic vein had a large thrombus, or blood clot in it. Sometimes, it may see like injury to the spleen causes you to bleed easily, and bruise, sometimes, it is actually, causing normal circulating blood to clot prematurely. You asked, " I have been told with Pancreatitis you get severe bruising is this true? " I explained the factor that can cause people to bruise easily, I do not think that severe bruising is normal product of Pancreatitis. Severe bruising can be a life threatening emergency and could very well be indicative of any number of things. Karyn E. , RN Exec. Director, PAI Indianapolis, IN The PAI serves as a means of support, information, and advocacy. The PAI cannot offer medical advice or direction nor substitute for your health care provider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2003 Report Share Posted May 19, 2003 Hello Katy and Karyn, I always have problems with easy bruising but I really did not know that could be due pancreatitis. I also have had since my dx, nose bleeding, very easy too, in simple colds, or dry air. I only had severe ones, twice. The first one was when I had to use IV sedation for endoscopy. My arm became swelling and 2 days after I had a real big and painful bruising, red, purple, green that took almost all my arm and yes, it was case to go to ER. The recovering was very long, 3 months I think and I had to use a special medication and cream. In the second time I had to use IV iron due anemia, by the way my vein was not strong enough and again all pain and bruising in both arms. I was not prone to continue this way and had to change to muscular shots. And every single time that I hit myself, I always have little bruising spots ...very beatiful. Bye for now, Liane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2003 Report Share Posted May 19, 2003 Liane, Since you have problems with bruising and the nosebleeds, do you know what part of your pancreas is affected? Karyn E. , RN Exec. Director, PAI Indianapolis, IN The PAI serves as a means of support, information, and advocacy. The PAI cannot offer medical advice or direction nor substitute for your health care provider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2003 Report Share Posted May 19, 2003 Thank you so much for the information Karyn. I have several very large bruises, they are very visable for about 3-4 weeks. Will check with my Dr. Katy - In pancreatitis , KarynWms@a... wrote: > Liane, > > Since you have problems with bruising and the nosebleeds, do you know what > part of your pancreas is affected? > > Karyn E. , RN > Exec. Director, PAI > Indianapolis, IN > > > The PAI serves as a means of support, information, and advocacy. The PAI > cannot offer medical advice or direction nor substitute for your health care > provider. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 20, 2003 Report Share Posted May 20, 2003 Dear Karyn, I sadly don't know what part of my pancreas is not OK. All those years I only done CT scan twice, came back fine. Never done ERCP. The only image problem that I had, it was enlarged liver. My dx was done due eleveated amylase levels on and off, abdominal pain, lost of weight and diahrrea. Now I also have had high undirected bilirrubin levels, due hemolyses, and upper GI troubles as reflux and heartburn. My doc said that it's from pancreatic ducts blocked, CF related. All the best, Liane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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