Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is considered as a benign type of chronic pancreatitis that can be treated with corticosteroids. It is manifested with abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea.

There are 3 diagnostic criteria for autoimmune pancreatitis:

1. Diffuse narrowing of the main pancreatic duct with irregular wall should be shown on ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography);

2. Abnormally elevated levels of serum gamma globulin and presence of autoantibodies (ANA, RF...), and

3. Histopathologic examination of the pancreas shows fibrotic changes with lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltrate.

Major life change and pain in the butt.
I'm only 49 and had Whipple's surgery last May. 08 I'v been through hell qand back trying to get some kind of regularity and some quality of life back with this disease.
Trying some new meds again along with pred. again, see if this helps any.
Major problem still: throwing up, and chronic pain, pancreas area.
Any insight useful, thanks Bruce

They thought I had cancer,though I;m just 44.Whipple was a mistake/unecessary.I,m assuming you elected to have it for pain issues? I'm now worried about the part of my pancreas which is left.Did you have the type with GELS (granulocytes in the path report)or the more common type.Common is a funny word,we both know this is rare.I'm scared.Are you on pancreas supplements? How does your GI Dr. know when to treat you? Does he do imaging regularly? Does your amylase go up when you have attacks? I wish I could help,but I,m new to this and also worried about quality of life now and ongoing.Do you have IGG4 in your bloodwork? Mine didn't give off much IGG4-probably why they misdiagnosed me.I should have gone out to Mayo clinic,but..now I have to try and go on.

I think my 20 year old son has the above there is no other reason for his pancreatic flare ups. my two other children have autoimmune thryoid and diabetes getting a diagnoses has been a nightmare anyone know of a connection between these diseases?