uc and pancreatitis

Hi,  Wondering if anyone else has this kind of problem.  Having abdomal pain.  I just went through a meckel scan (scan of small intestines) and an ultra sound and a blood test.  Scans and ultra sound came back noromal, Thank God, but the blood test says I might have pancreatitis.  I have to go for another blood test tomorrow and also a stool sample.  I came out of the docs office crying...it seems I go from one thing to another.  It gets me down.   I'm still tapering from a flare in March and so far so good on that end.   

tjf...Sorry to hear that you're going through the same thing. It seems like it never ends. We'll both hang in there. Let me know how you make out and I'll do the same. Thanks for being there.

lenie...wow, you're going through a horrific time right now! I'm hoping it's as simple as a slightly blocked pancreatic duct (gallstone).

What test exactly stated you might have pancreatitis? Do you know the ##?

When do you see the doc next?

Hang tough...I hope you get answers soon.
quincy xx

Hi! I was diagnosed with pancreatitis 4 years ago in 2004 (diagnosed with UC in 1999). My recent endoscopies have revelaed that I now have chronic pancreatitis, because my ducts look very worn and ragged. I have absolutely nothing wrong with my gallbladder. My ERCP showed that I had some sort of tumor blocking one of the ducts, but my Dr. couldn't get past it during the procedure to remove it. I had the CA 19-9 blood test for pancreatic cancer, and it showed that my levels were elevated for it. More pancreatic tests were done and no cause has been found. My Dr said that Cystic Fibrosis is usually a cause for chronic pancreatitis if no other cause is found. I had a sweat test done and my #'s were in the inconclusive range! So needless to say I have flare ups with my pancrea*** often. If you have any questions, hopefully I can help! Sorry you are going through this, I know how you feel! My Dr. was hopeful that if we got my Colitis under control, the pancrea*** may subside!
Cara

Hi lenie...you're most welcome. Happy to hear the tapering is going well.

I think there are some who have UC-related pancreatitis...especially for those of us who don't have blockages or drink or have taken innumosuppressant meds or have CF....etc.
I would think there is a CF marker that could be tested for...

My sister has pancreatitis...but that's from blockages from gallstones (that she seems to produce without a gallbladder).

If you are getting other tests done...I would suggest the MRCP (MRI) done firstly rather than an ERCP.

Please keep us posted....I truly can relate to your fears...I've been diagnosed with UC-related liver disease..scary indeed.

I do believe that keeping the UC flares to a minimum will help with the other related extraintestinal problems (if they are indeed related).

The guessing and worrying is always worse from my perspective.

quincy

Hi lenie,
I do not take anything for the pancreatitis. The only thing you can do is have a pain pill and something fot eh nausea. Like the previous post, quincy, I believe said, your doctor will probably do the MRCP first. It is like an MRI only they inject contrast to see if a duct is blocked. Mine showed the tumor so he did an ERCP (scope down your throat) I seem to have flare ups often but that is the difference between chronic and acute pancreatitis. If this is the first time you have had it, it may be the last. Many people only get a flare up once. I don't kow what your case is. If your Dr. suspects CF it would probably be after some other tests were done to rule out other possibilities. While you are having a flare up though, you should do a liquid diet for a few days to let the pancreas rest (or whatever your Dr. told you to do) In my case that usually works better, and helps me get over it faster. I hope you feel better soon. Do you know what tests your Dr. is going to order next?
Cara

lenie....I'm sad to hear about your husband's recent diagnosis of prostate cancer. What's the plan...surgery, radiation or?

I can't remember when you went through the treatment for breast cancer...could that possibly be a reason for the pancreatitis?

Depending on what is causing your pain will determine possible meds/enzymes..etc.

My sister doesn't take anything for hers, except pain pills when she gets bad.

I refused the ERCP to diagnose PSC because it can cause pancreatitis....I waited 9 years to have the MRCP...didn't want more problems. I'm glad I waited.

quincy
quincy

Hi Arlene...I've never heard of freezing the prostate to kill the cancer..interesting. Have to look it up.

I say "give me a break" a lot....more regarding my back, however.
One wrong move and the familiar twinge....thankfully Robaxin can be purchased through the pharmacy..sigh. I do take Robaxacet...probably will fry my liver, but I figure the meds will help as well as all the coffee I drink..lol!

I won't deny I'm scared if things regarding my liver go south...

Yes, it's possible regarding UC-related pancreatitis (which is the autoimmune aspect of it), but you have to find out the reason firstly. There may be meds/enzymes you can take to prevent further problems....as well..I believe keeping the colon as calm as possible will help us when other issues happen at the same time.

We take a day at a time, and life goes on. All we can do is learn as much about stuff as we can, know exactly what we're dealing with and how to treat/maintain so that we can function as best we can.

We never know what tomorrow will be like...although I'm a pessimistic optimist...I always hope it will be a good one.

Hang tough...answers are always helpful even though sometimes tough to swallow. You've been through what I fear already...so your experience will get you through this as well.

quincy xx

9 VIALS....WOW!!!

I have this link you might be interested in....I found it extremely helpful. 

http://www.labtestsonline.org/

Scary indeed, but at least you have Xanax..lol!

q

I am sorry to hear about your husband and all the problems you are going through. I will keep you both in my prayers.

lenie...it's nice to have the docs in the same clinic building....I have the same situation and have gotten some results while seeing the other doc.

You could/should ask for a copy of the results...good to have because we'll be asking about the numbers as well as for your own personal records..etc. I started to ask for copies and it's been good to have them available rather than trying to remember numbers, tests..etc. Also it's great for doing some research (regarding tests/numbers) on my own.


Looking forward to Monday's report....hope you have a feeling-well weekend.

quincy

make a list....I always bring one with me and put it on the desk beside where I'm sitting. Sometimes my GP will just take it and look. Kind of interesting about that (shocked me at first). It just makes the appointment more effective.

I write it in large print at the top *COPY OF BLOOD TEST RESULTS*

You'll never forget a topic again....I'm nervous as well and do kind of feel better once I'm there .. probably because of the increased adrenaline. There's nothing worse than forgetting something.

I love cookies and cake by the way!! LOL! I'll enjoy them vicariously. Your gesture is most appreciated. No need to keep thanking me, however..I'm genuinely interested. I can relate to only so much of what you''re going through/you've been through.


I hope your results are in by Monday...what a great doctor you have!

Hang tough with how you're feeling...have you tried any pancreatic enzymes to help digest food? Maybe that can help?

Hope tomorrow has you feeling better.
quincyxx