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Abdominal pain and bellyaches are common. Though most cases of abdominal pain aren't serious, sometimes you will need to see a doctor. We’ll review some of...
Abdominal pain can be uncomfortable but is very common. But when is pain in the abdomen serious? Learn how to describe your symptoms more accurately so that yo...
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Q: AUTOIMMUNE PANCREATITIS
asked by: bushcat on April 2nd, 2008
New User
Has anyone out there been diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis? What are your docs telling you? I have had chronic pancreatitis for over 10 years now and research has finally come up with a cause (other than post-op problems and alcoholism) for it. I want to hear your story.
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Dr. Nikola
replied on April 8th, 2008
Doctor
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.
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bsteen
replied on March 16th, 2009
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CHRONIC AIP
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
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lvttdn
replied on April 14th, 2009
New User
Hi Bruce/Just had a Whipple for AIP 3-12-09
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.
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townsend
replied on April 15th, 2009
New User
auto immune pancreatitis
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?
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