Blastomycosis treated with Itraconazole, developed Acute Pancreatitis
Hoping someone can recommend a Mayo Infectious Disease Doctor or Scientist.
I am currently being treated for blastomycosis with Intraconazole (200 MG - 2x a day).
Two weeks ago I was hospitalized for an acute pacreantitis. Lipsae level was measured at 9200 initially in ER.
Stints were placed in Liver and Pancreas. Gallbladder removed 3 days later.
Departed hospital after 11 days. Itraconazole was then resumed.
Will have endoscopy in 3 weeks to look at liver and pancreas and assess stints.
I would greatly appreciate anybody’s advice as it pertains to finding the correct professional to help me assess my situation.
Thank you and merry Christmas all.
I am terribly concerned that a relapse with Pancreatitis may occur which was the most painful experience over a prolonged time one could imagine.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Infectious Diseases Support Group.
Hi @cubs0816
I'm tagging a few other members who have taken itraconazole @dennish @pattymac @amandajeffersaz. I'm sorry to hear that you developed pancreatitis and also had to have your gallbladder removed. You may be interested in these discussions on Connect:
- Pancreatitis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatitis-1/
- Gallbladder surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gallbladder-surgery/
You asked about Mayo Clinic experts in Infectious Diseases. Here is the team at Mayo Clinic, Rochester https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/infectious-diseases/minnesota/doctors
Are you still fighting the fungal infection blastomycosis? Are they suggesting that providing the endoscopy is clear that you will return to intraconazole treatment?
Hi Coleen and thank you for reaching out. They have resumed the Intraconazole for the Blastomycosis but nobcan definitely say why the Pancreantitis occurred and whether the Intraconazole played a role.
My concern is few doctors have actually treated Blastomycosis but I know Mayo is very familiar with it as it is prevalent in MN, WI and MI.
If Pancreantitis is to occur again, it could be devastating as the liver and pancreas are already damaged. Another endoscopy is needed to look at the stints they put into the liver and pancreas.
I need to identify a Mayo doctor specializing in the treatment of Blastomycosis.
Thx,
Ray
I suggest that you call Mayo Clinic Rochester. Here is the contact information http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63 You can inquire about Mayo's expertise, appointment availability, etc without any obligation.
Hi @cubs0816,
I was recently diagnosed with disseminated histoplasmosis (a systemic fungal infection) and was prescribed Itraconazole 400mg daily. Granted I’ve only been on it a couple of weeks but I have not noticed any adverse side effects from it. DH is pretty rare, especially in AZ where I live; however, I feel very good about the care I am receiving from Dr. Patron at Mayo Phoenix. Although DH was not listed on Mayo’s website as a particular area of his practice, I know that he has started me on the right course of treatment and is an excellent doctor. My point is that although you might be concerned about finding a doctor most versed in treating Blastomycosis, all of the Infectious Disease doctors at Mayo have broad-based knowledge in diseases including fungal diseases and they also consult with their colleagues to draw upon their knowledge and experience. I do see that Dr. Brumble at Mayo Jacksonville, FL has experience in treating fungal infections, and I know that Dr. Banacloche at Mayo Phoenix has experience treating invasive fungal infections. Perhaps the best part of being treated at Mayo is their team approach. Whoever you may find to treat your Blastomycosis will work with the other doctors on your team to treat your other health issues. It is an approach that makes perfect sense. Good luck to you in your treatment at Mayo, and your recovery from Blastomycosis!
@susan5051
Thanks Colleen, I reached out as suggested and have requested all my medical records so I can get them to Rochester.
Thanks Susan. God sped on your recovery from the histoplasmosis. I appreciate your advise and reached out to Rochester.
Happy New Year.
Thanks, Ray. I hope you find good treatment at Mayo and I’m certain you will.