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Hi everyone!
After 32 years I was finally diagnosed by a Registered Dietitian (even though my GI tested me in 2021 and 2023 through fecal and blood tests, both yielded “normal” results) with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). I’ve started Now Super Enzymes and felt relief the same day! My bloating, gas and cramping drastically reduced. After 2 weeks, I’m starting to see bloating increase and I’m feeling discouraged! My GI prescribed Zenpep and I’m just waiting on my RD to agree to switch to Zenpep. Has anyone else delt with extreme bloating and have success with Zenpep? My RD is confident that if her hypothesis is correct and I do have EPI, I can live a symptom free life.
I also have hashimotos, rayneauds, and gallbladder removed.
Thanks!
Replies to "Hi everyone! After 32 years I was finally diagnosed by a Registered Dietitian (even though my..."
@andinatalie
I also meant to mention that registered dietitians are not usually able to prescribe medication so you should not depend on them on making decisions about doctor prescribed medications. Your specialist doctor is the expert on gastroenterology and medications, not dietitians. If you would like to, you can get a second opinion by a different gastroenterologist if you don’t believe you are being heard about symptoms and getting the right testing/diagnosis/treatments. Dietitians can definitely complement doctors’ diagnoses and treatments by reviewing diet and supplements/medications to make recommendations on changes to diet and supplements but not medications.
Hi, @andinatalie, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will note I moved your post here so that you can connect with others such as @cmhgiddy24 @creondave @psnead @marylandbob @cc8 and others who have been talking about EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency):
- Does anyone have EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-have-epi-exocrine-pancreatic-insufficiency/
When will you start the new medication? How is the bloating today?
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@andinatalie
I don’t believe registered dietitians are able to clinically diagnose. They have a bachelors degree and dietitian license but limited in what they can do compared to a medical doctor.
Did your gastroenterologist do bloodwork, ultrasound, MRI, endoscopy and colonoscopy? Have they ruled out pancreatitis and any issues with liver or post gallbladder removal? Have they ruled out celiac disease?
Are you seeing an endocrinologist for Hashimoto’s and are you being treated for hypothyroidism? Are you working with a rheumatologist to see if you have any other autoimmune diseases contributing to your symptoms?