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Q: pancreas diagnosis ?
asked by: plantmut on December 9th, 2008
New User
I had my 2nd acute pancreatitis attack this past Sat. The 1st time it happened ( about 2 months ago) I didn't realize what it was and just figured it was really bad indigestion. The 2nd go round I went to the ER the pain was much more intense and severe and I know it was something truly wrong. I have had a endoscopy, colonoscopy, abd ultrasound, CT scan and labs that all are normal. How is this possible? The pain is classic upper abd pain in the middle and to the left that radiates to the back. The pain is accompanied by sob, severe abd tenderness, nausea and vomiting. I had a blunt trauma to my abd in 1995 and lacerated my pancreas, had my gallbladder removed, and had a large blood clot on my liver. Due to my history after my 1st "attack" I wen to my primary dr who sent me to the Gi dr that ran all the tests. When I was in the ER on Sat I had more labs drawn and the CT scan and all came back normal. I honestly never thought about it being related to my pancrease until the ER doc said it appeared to be pancreatitis to him and after reading about it my symptoms are classic and it all makes sense.

I have some questions. How can my labs and tests be normal if I'm having pancreatitis? Can you have this for a long period of time without knowing or being properly diagnosed? How do I get diagnosed? What can I do in the mean time to prevent another "attack"? Why do I feel so tired after the "attack"?

Thank you for your time.
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peekaboo888
replied on December 9th, 2008
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I'm going through the same thing I've been having these attacks for many years always thinking it was gallstones and just last week found out it was pancreatitis. Out of over a dozen blood tests only two came back with high enzyme levels. I also had an endoscopy 2 weeks ago and the dr said my stomach was normal but she scheduled another one but one that goes right to the pancreas and gallbladder and that's how they found out that mine is swollen & scarred.

I don't drink & have no stones or hereditary situations so I'll find out tomorrow when I see my gastro as to what's next and if she has an idea of what's causing it.

To add insult to injury:

I had the test done on Thursday and had a really bad attack on Saturday night so when I phoned the emergency they said I needed to come in to make sure nothing was torn. They didn't even have the results and thought I was there trying to get meds. My sister had fun yelling at them but I'm going to make sure my dr makes sure they have the info on file.

I'll let you know what she says tomorrow but I would ask your dr which endoscopy she gave you. The second one I had I could feel her right in my pancreas but at least I know now.

Make them test everything.
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