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Pancreatic Injury from COVID-19
Digestive Health | Last Active: Apr 10 3:29am | Replies (30)Comment receiving replies
Thank you Colleen for your reply and helpful information.
So, the biopsy was 11/22 and I left with with severe upper abdominal pain. 11/23 8:30pm, I called the GI Specialist and he confirmed what I already suspected...I needed to go to the ER for Acute Pancreatitis . I was admitted with a confirmed diagnosis via labs and CT scan. An additional finding was a very elevated D-dimer and a CT scan for possible PE, which was negative. US was done on the Gallbladder which is normal. After receiving multiple IVs to replace fluids and nutrients and morphine for the severe pain and a steady stream of physicians...I learned from them that the Endoscopy showed no cancer, which is a relief, but they think it is an Autoimmune Chronic Pancreatitis and those labs won't be back for 2 weeks. I just can't find many answers. Why was the D-dimer elevated which can indicate cancer or sepsis if not a PE. Why do I have no appetite and when I do eat, I have pain after wards. Do I need to change my diet or anything else. I was discharged home this evening and have several followup appointments scheduled. Anyway, I'm thankful for this group and sorry so many of us seem to have the underlying anxiety.
Replies to "Thank you Colleen for your reply and helpful information. So, the biopsy was 11/22 and I..."
I am struggling with a “hurry up and wait” issue trying to have testing. In the mean while .. I’m losing weight. Uncontrolled diarrhea. Nausea. No appetite. Abdominal pain when I eat anything.
GI wants me taking ZenPep ($687 my part ..🤣). No way.
I purchased natural digestive enzymes at my local health / nutrition store. They help tremendously. You might try that while you await your test results. Lifting you in prayer.
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New update:
My ANA was positive and Igg 2 low which explains the long history of sinus infections and pharyngitis but the Igg 4 was normal. So my GI ordered a trial of Steroid medication to make a definitive diagnosis. He says if I don't have any symptoms or continued pain then that means I DO have an Autoimmune pancreatitis and he will reorder a CT or MRI in March to compare any shrinkage to the mass.
Now the normal side effects of a Steroid are great for me right now because I still don't feel hungry or have much appetite and my energy level has been incredibly low, plus after the hospital stay, I got an URI and my Asthma was triggered. So I'm hoping to feel better soon.
When the GI and I discussed what could be causing the pancreatic mass since at this time it is not cancer, he leaned toward the Steatosis. But doesn't that just suggest an autoimmune condition? Steatosis occurs when the body attacks the pancreas and it begins to lose its cells which are then replaced by fatty deposits aka fake cells and the pancreas can no longer produce either the hormones or the Digestive enzymes.
He wants to see me in March to reassess.
Any thoughts or information much appreciated.