Do I have Pancreatitis?

I want to first say I'm not a doctor. I have chronic pancreatitis due to a botched ERCP. A normal lipase level is between 0-169 u/l. So if your lipase level is 104 u/l I'd say that's normal. The doctors here won't consider treating pancreatitis unless your lipase is 3 times the normal. I've read that is the norm. I've been told an MRI or EUS doesn't diagnose pancreatitis but diagnoses the possible cause if you have pancreatitis such as masses in the pancreas, stones or defects in the bile ducts. They also use those test to diagnose pancreatic cancer. I've never heard of Omeprazole as a treatment for pancreatitis, rather I believe that's for reflux/heartburn. There are long term side effects that can happen with reflux drugs so ask your doctor if you should change meds. Once side effect is loss of bone density. For my pancreatitis I take Creon. You asked if you have pancreatitis. Your doctor should be able to answer that. When you have a pancreatitis attack you know it. The pain, for me was in the upper right to center abdominal quadrant just under the bottom rib and radiated to the back and is excruciating. If you have this pain you should go to the ER so they can run the labs for pancreatitis and treat the pain. Pancreatitis can be dangerous. Be your own advocate, do your research and take care. Hope you feel better.

I had an EUS with FNA and results showed benign background with some atypical cells. Doc said I don't have cancer, but he is sending me to an oncology surgeon Aug. 1st. He said since he has dealt with many issues he may be able to sort things out and give me some ideas. All my tests have shown mild pancreatitis, but I don't have the symptoms. My Lipase was a little elevated, but Amylase was always good. Have been dealing with this since April 1st. Went to ER thinking I was having a heart attack, because of the awful pain in chest, but heart was good. Then I went to my GI thinking it had to be digestive. Some days feel really good, but I am losing weight and tired. Again, I can be losing weight because I changed my diet so much.

Right now I have an appointment on Aug. 1st with an oncology surgeon. I had a EUS and FNA biopsy of pancreas. Results showed benign background with some atypical cells. My doc said I don't have cancer, but a specialist (because he works with various issues) may have more knowledge and be able to help. I have researched pancreatitis for the past 4 weeks and don't seem to have symptoms. That is why I am so confused.

Hi @harper7745 I wanted to join @windwalker in welcoming you to Connect.

I would like to tag fellow Connect members @claytamos, @dval and @pandaqty as they have all mentioned various forms of pancreatitis in the past and may be able to offer you support.

What is your doctor telling you right now? Also, as @windwalker asked, what all have you learned about pancreatitis?

@harper7745 Hi there. I don't usually answer questions outside of the group I mentor, but pancreatitis can be a very serious health issue; so I thought I'd step in and reply. Pancreatitis can lead to pancreatic cancer. I know that lifestyle changes can turn it around. If your current doctor cannot give you a clear diagnosis, maybe you need another opinion. I find that the better doctors are in medical teaching institutes. They tend to have more cutting edge equipment and cutting edge knowledge. For example I go only to Mayo Clinic for healthcare. There are other good options depending on where you live. The bottom line is, you HAVE to be your own best advocate. I would be interested in knowing how you are doing. I hope you will check back when you know more. Are you learning all that you can about pancreatitis?