Elevated amylase and lipase but pancreas appears normal. Thoughts?

Hello , I went through some issues with my lipase levels a couple of years ago. My levels were significantly higher .. around 2000. Yes , I said 2000 .. After several tests and several bouts of pancreatitis it was determined I had pancreatic pseudocysts growing in my pancreas. I was prescribed CREON .. a medicine to assist in the pancreatic in the digestive process. It helped with all but two of the pseudocysts, they continued to grow. Ultimately , I had surgery to drain the cysts, remove my gall bladder and repair a hiatal hernia. I lost 73 pounds through these issues but since the surgery I have recovered to a healthy weight with little to no pain. I eat smart and exercise several times a week to maintain my health. I am 62 a year old non-insulin defendant diabetic. I hope this helps ..

Hi @thefam2016 and welcome to Connect. That must be so frightening to experience your Mom's brother pass away and have worrisome test results involving the same area of concern in your mother.

@harper7745 and @tigreyes2004 both have experienced with elevated amylase or lipase (or both) and may be able to offer support as you look for answers and may be able to share further testing options.

@marvinjsturing has experience with pancreatic cancer and may be able to share his experience.

Have you thought about getting a second opinion on her CT? Sometimes it helps to get a second opinion. How long has your Mom's fatigue, weight loss and, nausea, vomiting and night sweats been occurring?

@thefam2016 @ethanmcconkey - I agree that a second opinion on the CT is a good first move. Is your mother seeing a GI doctor?
Her troubling symptoms that you mentioned might not necessarily originate in the pancreas. However, it is very important to evaluate the pancreas thoroughly as well as consider other causes of her symptoms. We can’t just say that pancreas is normal and leave it at that. Your mother is lucky to have you helping- she probably is very tired now.

Off and on for 2 years

Thank you everyone very much i have scheduled for for a second opinion with her gastro doctor to find out what she thinks i will post an update around 11/19/19
My mom is my world just like my kiddos and i cant imagen life with out her i am the blessed lucky one to have her

I was diagnosed with with pancreatic cancer 5 years ago. My symptoms included orange oily diarrhea and indigestion/severe abdominal discomfort. I was a Type II diabetic and had it under control by medicine, diet and exercise. My blood sugar started going up and there was nothing I could do to get things under control again. My doctor ordered a CT scan. My tumor was so obvious that they didn't even check with a radiologist. Fifteen minutes after my scan, I was back in my doctor's office and he told me I had a large growth on my pancreas. Nobody said "cancer" until after my surgery and it was verified.

My lipase level was high, but only 160. Amylase was normal. CT Scan and MRI showed mild pancreatitis. Had an endoscopic ultra sound and it showed head of pancreas swollen. Biopsy showed inflammation. Doc discovered that I have an auto immune pancreas, which can mimic pancreatic cancer. Biosy showed no cancer. Steroids was my RX. Now I am ok and just being watched for symptoms. Glad you got a 2nd opinion. In my opinion you need more than a CT of abd. I did! Good luck and keep us posted.

My only symptoms were weight loss, fatigue and orange oily stools. No pain, nausea, etc. Hope this helps.

@harper7745
Hi Louise
I see your back. Hope your doing ok. I have not been well. I'm scared to have the next blood test because I am having a lot of stomach issue & the neuropathy is killing me. They put me on Gabapentin & they keep increasing it & I do good for a week & then the needles & pins in the legs & feet. It is hard for me to get around. I'm getting discouraged but I keep going. My new grandson is keeping me alive. he is 7 months old & they are coming down for the week end. Glad your back. I'm praying for you.
Take Care
Tigreyes/Genie

Hi Genie
I got back a few days ago. Had a good trip. I am feeling better. So sorry that you aren't. Is your neuropathy from Diabetes? Had appointment with my GI doc. I am on Steroids for 1 more day. Had 2 month RX. Also on Creon, which is pancreatic enzymes to help me digest my food. Guess they are working because I gained 5lbs. with it. Lost 18lb total. Now we just have to wait and see if I stay ok. If I get sick again, or symptoms, I will have to be on Steroids for life. Please don't give up. I know discouragement!! Hopefully your blood work will show something this time that will help. Your grandson needs you. I am praying for you too. Louise