High lipase

@ainsle14, welcome to connect and I have chronic pancreatitis, so I have dealt with a diagnosis of elevated lipase quite a bit, but it has always been accompanied by an elevated amylase count also. Did you get any indication that that number was also elevated? I have had so many imaging studies of my pancreas that I can tell you that the P is a very small organ that hides itself well - it is camera shy. After one set, the docs went in to do a celiac plexus block (sort of an epidural for the abdomen) and they discovered a large tumor. I don't say that to alarm you, but simply to make the point that not everything shows up on scans of the P. If you continue to have the same symptoms, it may be wise to have an ERCP performed to get a really good look at your pancreas. Do you still have your gall bladder? Let ma see if I can find a few other folks who have had pancreas or enzyme issues and I will send a separate post.
Be blessed, Gary

Hi @ainsle14. I have had numerous Ct's and MRCP's, Xrays and probably 12-15 ERCP's. The scans generally will show calcification's of the pancreas or blockages and maybe the condition I have called pancreas divisum. My pain level, if you are familiar with how you are always asked to describe it with a number 1-10, was at about 13. I have been told by nurses that among child birth, kidney stones, and pancreatitis that they would least like to have an acute pancreatitis attack as it is the most painful in their opinion. I found two places that may give you some ideas about elevated lipase w/out elevated amylase;
https://www.livestrong.com/article/234466-causes-of-elevated-lipase/ and http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hyperlipasemia-high-lipase.aspx. If the level remains high and there is no other diagnosis that makes sense, I would consider an ERCP. By inserting a scope down your esophagus to get a close look at your pancreas, they may discover what is causing the problem. Not to be an alarmist, but pancreatic tumors usually do not cause pain, but need to be dealt with and the sooner, the better. If your GI recommends that procedure, try to find a hospital that does a high volume of the procedures - you don't want an amateur. One of the major problematic possibilities of the procedure is an acute pancreatitis attack, but my doc at the Medical Univ. of SC has never caused me to have one and that is why I drive 7 hours round trip (actually, my wife does) to have mine done. Please ask any questions you like and I will do my best to give/find an answer.
Blessings, Gary

Hi @ainsle14. I have had numerous Ct's and MRCP's, Xrays and probably 12-15 ERCP's. The scans generally will show calcification's of the pancreas or blockages and maybe the condition I have called pancreas divisum. My pain level, if you are familiar with how you are always asked to describe it with a number 1-10, was at about 13. I have been told by nurses that among child birth, kidney stones, and pancreatitis that they would least like to have an acute pancreatitis attack as it is the most painful in their opinion. I found two places that may give you some ideas about elevated lipase w/out elevated amylase;
https://www.livestrong.com/article/234466-causes-of-elevated-lipase/ and http://chemocare.com/chemotherapy/side-effects/hyperlipasemia-high-lipase.aspx. If the level remains high and there is no other diagnosis that makes sense, I would consider an ERCP. By inserting a scope down your esophagus to get a close look at your pancreas, they may discover what is causing the problem. Not to be an alarmist, but pancreatic tumors usually do not cause pain, but need to be dealt with and the sooner, the better. If your GI recommends that procedure, try to find a hospital that does a high volume of the procedures - you don't want an amateur. One of the major problematic possibilities of the procedure is an acute pancreatitis attack, but my doc at the Medical Univ. of SC has never caused me to have one and that is why I drive 7 hours round trip (actually, my wife does) to have mine done. Please ask any questions you like and I will do my best to give/find an answer.
Blessings, Gary