I was just dx w/Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI). Anyone else?

Posted by dogloverinfl @dogloverinfl, 2 days ago

For a quick description, I am not able to break down certain enzymes and in turn get extreme side effects such as stomach cramping, vomiting, not able to absorb nutrients, weight loss and there’s other issues that can come with it. Celiac and crohns can bring on these issues as well as other digestive dx. I was given the prescribe enzyme Creon. It is from a pig.
Does anyone else have this issue?
** I am scheduled for EGD this next month. Not sure what they’ll find.
Thank you.

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debhammel | @debhammel | 2 days ago

You'll find that there are lots of us on this forum with EPI. My own diagnosis came after a bout of food poisoning that never went away. A stool culture revealed very low fecal elastase and high calprotectin, which led to a colonoscopy with biopsies that indicated I also have Collagenous Colitis. Like you, I experienced weight loss, and had chronic diarrhea. Creon helped tremendously and I was also treated for the colitis and remain on Budesonide (a steriod) for that. Good luck with your EGD!

windym | @windym | 21 hours ago

Hi ,I have had Cronic Pancreatintits for at least 20 years .Recently I underwent massive surgery a total gastroectomy with a removal of my spleen and gallbladder. Part of my Pancreas has been removed and what is left is calcified and insufficient ,I also have to take creon with every meal and snack for the rest of my life .This happened 10 months ago. I was having trouble adjusting the amount of creon I need with my meals It would cause me debilitating pain for hours after taking the creon .I don't know what questions you may have ? I also lost a lot of weight. I was 130lbs a year ago and today I'm severely malnutritioned and weigh in at 85.6 lbs. No muscle mass energy or answers on how to get the nutrition I need .Although that is due to my extreme surgery .It is very hard for me to get any answers so I have learning what work's and doesn't by trial and error . I am more than happy to help if I can ,while maybe gaining some insight from others who have had similar surgeries .So far I have not found anyone who has had such extensive surgery as I had. I am sure my pancreas has been insufficient for quite some time only I found a way to manage it when I started noticing it was bothering me. Good luck and If you have questions that I may be able to answer ,I'd be more than happy to help if I can.
Best Regards ,
Windy ( 57 year old female )