Digestive issues and can't get pancreatic cancer out of my mind

@diamondback2k9 Having this type of issue can really change your lifestyle around. I see in another post you made, you were diagnosed with EPI [Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency] What did your doctor suggest to you on this diagnosis, how to handle it and what to eat?
Ginger

They didn't talk about my diet. They only gave me creon and that has been very helpful.

They believe my EPI is indopatic no underlying cause as my CT scans where clean

Hi, @diamondback2k9 - sorry to hear you've had to deal with these digestive issues. Glad to hear the pancrelipase (Creon) has helped with the chronic diarrhea.

I'd like to introduce you to a few members who may have some thoughts for you regarding your increasing bilirubin and slightly elevated total protein and to what that might be linked. Having pancreatic cancer run through your mind would be unsettling, for sure. Please meet @mike50 @icafe51 @stageivsurvivor @usernameimpossible @jlmp @parrot53 @naturegirl5 @wangzhen.

What did your doctor say about the night out drinks and whether they could have elevated your protein and billirbrin test, diamondback2k9? I'm also wondering what makes it hard to get pancreatic cancer out of your mind even though your doctor said you're okay?

They didn't respond yet but I'm doing another stool test and working with my GI dr so hopefully we have the results soon from that

Just got my stool elstate test back and it was greater than 800. Stomach pain continues. Still pushing for answers but my mental health is in a bad spot right now

Just want to give a quick update here. I was given an acid blocker to take in the morning and most if not all of my stomach pain is gone and I'm having no back issues either after that. My Dr does want to do an endoscopy so will complete that test and see how things are going. Bowel movements are seeming getting better slowly as well.

Good luck on the acid blocker.

I was in a similar position during the COVID-19 lockdown, as tests, MRIs, and doctor appointments were painfully slow, and living alone took a toll on my mind.

Since I have been dealing with this, having a treatment for SIBO (which I tested positive for) has helped me significantly. I am on a strict low FODMAP diet, and I am also much better when I follow the measurements correctly. Recently, I had another CT scan and so far, no pancreatic cancer has been detected after having he last one in June of 2022.

I have only had two very small servings of red wine at Christmas, and I would not recommend it. The lack of energy and bowel issues were horrible for days after each small serving. For me, there are no "cheat days" on the diet; the result was that I probably lost 8 days total over those small servings of wine. To each his own, but I can't tolerate losing that much time in my life.

Ask your doctor to give you a CA125 blood test, which will eliminate your fears about pancreatic cancer, which by the way, rarely has the kind of symptoms you have. Relax. an upper full endoscopy..full upper gi series also can look into part of the pancreas. Once you've eliminated these 2 tests and are clear.... relax some more and enjoy life. The mind-gut connection is so powerful that its no wonder you are having digestive problems. A good diet by a good nutritionist would help. Walk, sleep and enjoy!

@creondave i went thru what you’re going thru now. After the antibiotic I worked with a nutritionist who I wholly recommend you do the same. Once you get your diet back on track you won’t need them. I had a total of 4 visits remotely. I also bought Fodzyme powder that will help you digest those foods you cannot any longer. I also found a company called Gourmend that sells an onion powder and garlic powder we can consume safely. Turns out the green part of green onions we can eat but not the bulb. Same think with garlic, we can eat the green part of plant but not the bulb. They also sell broth we can consume as well.