ERCP today failed

I had an ERCP this am for upper right abd pain/discomf that I have had off and on since about the middle of Sept. I thought I might be getting another stricture, so had a SBF 10/4. It showed some degree of stricture, but not enough to cause probs. I had just been taken off remicade for allergic reaction. I then started humira and 2 weeks later ended up in the er with severe pain. The U/S showed a dilated common bile duct, and no stones. I had my GB out 20 yrs ago. A week later I had a CT abd which also showed dilated duct and had very sl elevated lipase and sgpt. Anyway, since I was still having pain the gi did an ERCP today. He said that he couldn't get into the duct due to my anatomy, and he threw out words such as crohn's scarring, a something cele, and like a diverticulum. He said he has never not been able to find the duct. (Maybe thats why my bile ducts are dilated.) I am not yellow yet, lol. I was groggy so didn't ask a lot. He said he was going to make some phone calls to some experts, and that he was going to refer me to a major center. I am pretty upset, because I know this it going to entail surgery. Last time the surgeon wouldn't attempt resection laparoscopy because of scar tissue issues. I am going to Boston for my opinion because my sister lives there and am going for x-mas anyway. Has anyone out there had a similiar problem like this or have any opinions or referral names? I have been to Lahey clinic before 12 yrs ago and my doc is gone, but I remember someone here goes to Beth Israel. Appreciate any advice.

Hi Just wanted to say I am glad you will have your sister with you family support is great. Hopefully they will find out what is going on soon . So have they set up the appointment yet? Hang in there and keep in touch. lol gail

Judy: It is my common bile duct that is dilated, they saw sl "fullness" of sm area of the pancreas and the pancreatic duct was not dilated. So since I don't have a gallbladder, there has to be some sort of partial blockage in the duct. It is kinda alarming to me about the liver/pancreas troubles I have been reading about. One theory I had is that the remicade may have caused some healing/scarring of crohn's right in that area where the duct enters the duodenum. I really don't want to put blame on it though because that is only a guess.

Gail: I haven't heard back from the gastro yet (of course) but giving him the benefit of the doubt, maybe hw put a few calls in and is awaiting a response. Fortunately I am not in a great deal of pain, matter of fact, I feel good today, but last night I hurt.

Chronie: That is an option also, my sister lives only 20 min. from there. Do you know any names in particular? I think they all have their own area of expertise though. My original GI in Mass is still in practice I think and may give him a call for a referral. I will wait til Monday and then make my own appts if necessary.
Thanks all.