Do I have Pancreatitis?

Only pain I had was pain in upper rt. quad. and did not radiate. My amylase was fine, but lipase was 104. Also have yellow stools.
How did you manage to not have an attack for 20 years?

First sign was chest pain. Went to ER thinking I was having a heart attack. Had heart tests, all were good. They sent me home and I felt ok and went on a trip 3 days later. No symptoms. Two weeks later, pain in upper rt. quad about 2 hours after eating. Went to GI doc. Had CT of abdomen. Showed mild pancreatitis. Had MRI showed same. Had EUS with pancreas biopsy. Suggested chronic pancreatitis.. Only symptom was pain now and then and yellowish stools. Never had any sign of any of this. That's why I am confused.

@harper7745 I am not sure how much I can add to this discussion because my 4 attacks of pancreatitis were about 20 years ago. I do know that there was no question about whether or not I had pancreatitis - the pain was excruciating (under the ribs on the right side and all the way through to my back). At that time, doctors did a blood test to check for amalayse levels to verify the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Hope that the specialist can find some answers for you.

My pancreatitis was acute and “drug induced”, from the mesalamine I had been taking for ulcerative colitis. The symptoms were primarily pain on the left side that radiated upward; stool was lighter in color. When you have UC, you’re more aware of stool than anyone should ever have to be...lol. The pain was constant and became more noticeable after I ate. I contacted my GI doc after almost a week and the only test that confirmed the pancreatitis diagnosis was the bloodwork (lipase and amylase were elevated). Once I discontinued the mesalamine, it resolved within a week. Now I’m scrambling to get the UC back into remission and currently on Uceris (budesonide) which so far is not helping. A few years ago, my husband had pancreatitis from gall stones and that pain was excruciating, left side right through to the back. He couldn’t even stand up. A trip to the ER and an emergency cholecystectomy followed. He has had no issues since. We too have never smoked, do not drink alcohol, walk 5 miles a day and have always been in excellent health. This ulcerative colitis has been a nightmare and I am terrified of the biologics, but living like this sucks. Good luck to you! I’m sure some bloodwork and an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI would render a diagnosis! You’re young, and I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Good luck with the diagnosis and treatment!!

I don't have gallstones, or sludge or polyps in my gallbladder according to the doctor today. Specialist in radiology.

My main problem is floating stool, feeling sick after eating with occasional pain. I am kind of afraid of eating to be honest. All doctors told it is not pancreatitis, but I might have a problem with pancreas enzymes due to greasy stool.

I am 26 years young, male. Not overweight, do not drink, smoke or do drugs. I have problems with digestion for the last few years, mostly with regards to fats. I can get floaty diarhea if I eat nothing but nuts, but if I mix it with protein and carbs, then I have more formed stools.

A week ago, I started getting stomach heaviness, indigestion, bloating, heartburn, a galore of symptoms all over the abdomen: left right, upper, down. It is not much better a week later, where almost any food triggers the symptoms. I feel the best when fasting. My stools are as always not looking good. I have a history of stomach, duodenum ulcers, and h pylori. Also have two gallbladder polyps with no stones.

What were the signs for your pancreas problem? Did you get immediate onset of pain, heartburn, aching, pushing, bloating, stretching feeling after meals? Did you get them randomly without any meals? I would just write this off as stomach ulcers but then I don't digest fat and lipase is what does that, produced by pancreas.

Hi @harper7745,

I'd sincerely encourage you to visit the Gastroenterology & GI Surgery Page on Connect, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/ – an incredible resource for information, current therapies, clinical trials, etc; you can also browse through newsfeed posts from Mayo Clinic experts. For instance, in this video, Mayo Clinic gastroenterologist, Dr. Santhi Swaroop Vege M.D., shares how new treatment protocols for pancreatitis/pancreatic cancer are improving outcomes.
– Road to Early Diagnosis for Pancreatic Cancer https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/gastroenterology-and-gi-surgery/newsfeed-post/better-every-day-new-therapies-for-pancreatic-cancer/

I’m tagging @marvinjsturing @gaylea1 @destructiveforc as they might be able to share their insights and shed more light on your symptoms.

My pancreatitis was acute and “drug induced”. It was a direct result of the mesalamine I was taking for ulcerative colitis. It resolved within weeks of discontinuing the Rx. Unfortunately within days, I was in the worst UC flare, which became a nightmare, starting with both oral and rectal budesonide, oral prednisone, which I have just started to taper, in addition to the biologic, Entyvio. I have completed 2 of the 3 loading doses. I am hoping that this will work, or I am facing a total colectomy. We meet with the colorectal surgeon on Wednesday. In the meantime, the bathroom visits have decreased from 15 daily to 2-3 and bleeding has stopped. I also started a plant based diet, based on several things I have read about UC and Crohns and the good results people have had when they give up all animal products. Right now, I’m not sure if these positive changes are the prednisone, the Entyvio, the diet or the many, many prayers. I am just cautiously optimistic that something is working and there has been a remarkable improvement. I am once again able to leave the house and have stopped losing weight. I was losing a half pound a day and have been able to maintain 100 pounds. Sorry this is so long and not on the topic of pancreatitis, but that was my experience with it.... Anyone with ulcerative colitis that is in remission? Thanks and good luck to ALL of you!!

Hello @harper7745

While I have not had a diagnosis of pancreatitis, I do have some other problems with the pancreas and have had several digestive tract surgeries for other problems. I can understand the concerns that you speak of in that you do not have a good understanding of why the doctor is suggesting that you have pancreatitis. If that correct?

I am glad to hear that you have an upcoming appointment with a specialist on Aug. 1. If you prepare for this appointment with a list of your questions and concerns this will help you. I am reminded of a post on Connect about how to approach an appointment with a new specialist and I thought that some of the ideas might be helpful to you. Here is the link, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/your-tips-on-how-to-get-off-to-the-best-start-with-a-new-specialist/?pg=1#comment-240765

After you read the post on this link, then start your own list of things to discuss with this new doctor. At the appointment, take each of your questions one at a time and make sure that he or she answers each question so that you understand what is being said. Remember, you are their patient and it is important that the medical team communicate with you so that you understand what is happening.

Many of us on Connect have had difficult and/or hard to diagnose medical problems and we have learned to be our own advocate in our health care. Take time to educate yourself on pancreatitis and have your questions answered by this new doctor.

Will you post again and let me know how you are doing with this process?

I have been on Omeprazole for acid reflux and Barrett's esophagus. I heard that Omeprazole can give you pancreatitis, actually on the Mayo clinic website. Have been on it for 13 years. My pain when I had it was in mid chest and upper rt. quad, more over the liver. My doctor said I have pancreatitis, but I don't think he is sure because he is sending me to the specialist.