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Crohn's, UC, Diverticulitis, Now EPI - Need Advice
Pancreatic Disorders | Last Active: Nov 13, 2022 | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
Hi, I’m in the process of finishing up 72 hours of high fat eating in preparation for the fecal elastase and other stool testing on Tuesday. Right now, my doctor suspects that I have either EPI or chronic pancreatitis. What surprises me after forcing down all that junk food is that I don’t have diarrhea. In fact, I feel extremely bloated and constipated, despite taking Miralax each of the last two days. Does the constipation rule out those two conditions? Last week, I ate a couple of pieces of pizza, and had many bouts of diarrhea the next day, My most recent abdominal CT scan showed that my pancreas looked “atrophic.” Yet I seem to bounce back and forth between constipation and diarrhea.
I’ve lost 60 lbs unintentionally and have no appetite. I fill up quickly. Pain is in the upper left to middle area of my abdomen, and radiates into my back. Any ideas?
Replies to "Hi, I’m in the process of finishing up 72 hours of high fat eating in preparation..."
Hi Susan,
I've been thinking about you and wondering if you're any further along in getting a diagnosis. After reading your post, I see that your doctor suspects EPI or chronic pancreatitis. I hope you get your test results soon and can work towards a treatment plan.
An interesting change happened to me after the prep for a colonoscopy I had recently. I was on 40mg of esomeprazole magnesium for acid reflux for 6 weeks, and I stopped taking it for the two days of prep because I would not be eating a meal to activate it. To my surprise, the steatorrhea stopped and so far has not returned. My stools are still abnormal, though. When I met my doctor after the colonoscopy, she said I could take Imodium or Pepto Bismol to slow the fast and frequent bouts of steatorrhea. I did take it the day after my colonoscopy and had constipation for about a week but was still able to pass stools. So, it's a mystery to me why the steatorrhea stopped. Was it the fast, stopping esomeprazole magnesium or Imodium, or a combination of the three?
I've read esomeprazole magnesium can help with taking pancreatic enzymes for EPI, but it's also not recommended for long term use. It's recommened for 4-8 weeks, so that's why I decided to not take it anymore. I'll be seeing my GI on Friday and find out what she advises to do.
I apologize for the long post, but it's been such a roller coaster and I'm still losing weight. I'm using Vital Nutrients pancreatic enzymes while waiting for Creon to arrive in the mail. Because I have severe insufficiency, I think they're not strong enough. It's also still difficult to eat and knowing what to eat to increase my caloric intake. My doctor said to drink Ensure, but I'm still not getting enough calories in a day due to the major diet restrictions for EPI.
Thank you for listening and all the best to you,
Linda
Hi Linda,
I’m so sorry that you still don’t have your Creon, and are continuing to lose weight. The story about the colonoscopy is intriguing. I wonder what stopped the steatorrhea? That’s one symptom I don’t actually have, though I guess it is possible to have EPI without it.
I’ll keep you posted!
Hi, Grannydee,
I’m in an Uber on the way to the lab right now to drop off my fecal elastase. May have to redo my 72 hour stool fat test. But I hope to get a diagnosis soon! You’ve been so helpful, and I really appreciate it!
Susan
I’m rooting for you! 😉
My elastase was 51, so apparently I have EPI. I got the results at the same time my doctor did, but he hasn’t called me yet to make it official. My biggest problem now is constipation. I am taking Senna, and hoping it will help. Thanks Grannydee and Linda for all your support. There is some relief in getting the diagnosis, even if it is not a good diagnosis.
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I can identify with many of my symptoms and await a response. Thanks