Chronic Pancreatitis?
I was diagnosed with EPI and after a CAT scan & MRCP was told I have Asymptomatic Chronic Pancreatitis which is life altering. The radiologist said no Pancreatitis, but because of one calcium deposit, the Dr. Says I have it. I disagree. Anyone else have this? Am I just in denial?
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I have chronic pancreatitis from a medication I took. Have had 2 hospitalizations with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis isn’t fun!!!!!! The worst pain I’ve ever had. Now just have to watch what I eat, especially no greasy foods. Also took Creon for a while but it made symptoms way worse for me. So not on any meds. Hard disorder to treat.
I don’t know anything about calcium deposits but am curious why you were tested for EPI? Did you have the traditional symptoms for that - loose, greasy stools? Is that what lead to an MRCP or was that because of something seen on the CT scan?
Those of us with chronic pancreatitis often take a PERT, really limit fats in our food intake and will agree that it is life altering.
Sorry to hear of your acute pancreatitis episodes. Curious what medication led to pancreatitis for you?
I have no idea and I don’t have any episodes. That is what makes me think that I don’t have it.
I had colon issues for a while and finally asked for a test for EPI. I had a Dilated bile duct a few years ago that I wanted to check on so they ordered a follow up MRCP from 4 years ago.
Got it. I also have a dilated bile duct that my doc just said is because of gallbladder removal.
But you still have your gallbladder so smart to have the MRCP.
I have all the above tests and they determined part of my pancreas had atrophied, but EPI was not diagnosed until I had a poop test and my reading came back at 129 for enzymes that shoould be in the nromal range of 200-500 is normal. Have you had that test?
I am wondering if your lipase or amylase levels are elevated and if anyone has checked you for autoimmune chronic pancreatitis. The doc doing the ERCP may have seen something in the scope that radiologist didn’t see on imaging, hence the discrepancy. It’s always confusing when different docs say opposite things. That’s where your own research can come in handy.
No, I did have my gallbladder removed 18 years ago.
@choosejoy what is EPI and MRCP?