Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, If you don't feel comfortable with his answers you have every right to tell him you want to see a specialist. If he is not secure enough in his position, he may balk about it...but if he is secure, it shouldn't be a problem for him to send you on to see the specialist of your choice. If he is right then so be it, but if he is wrong , it could affect the rest of your life. There are options out there... you just have to stand up and take charge and get them. Good luck and Best wishes to you. {{{HUGZ}}} --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, If you don't feel comfortable with his answers you have every right to tell him you want to see a specialist. If he is not secure enough in his position, he may balk about it...but if he is secure, it shouldn't be a problem for him to send you on to see the specialist of your choice. If he is right then so be it, but if he is wrong , it could affect the rest of your life. There are options out there... you just have to stand up and take charge and get them. Good luck and Best wishes to you. {{{HUGZ}}} --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, If you don't feel comfortable with his answers you have every right to tell him you want to see a specialist. If he is not secure enough in his position, he may balk about it...but if he is secure, it shouldn't be a problem for him to send you on to see the specialist of your choice. If he is right then so be it, but if he is wrong , it could affect the rest of your life. There are options out there... you just have to stand up and take charge and get them. Good luck and Best wishes to you. {{{HUGZ}}} --------------------------------- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Thank you for your reply. Good advice. I used to see a woman doctor in a close by town (when I lived there) I think I will go back and see her. I find the doc I am seeing now can be a little intimidating to talk to, although he is a good diagnostitian for the most part. I was really turned off by him not responding to my request to see a specialist. Here's to hoping he's right Take care, Joia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Thank you for your reply. Good advice. I used to see a woman doctor in a close by town (when I lived there) I think I will go back and see her. I find the doc I am seeing now can be a little intimidating to talk to, although he is a good diagnostitian for the most part. I was really turned off by him not responding to my request to see a specialist. Here's to hoping he's right Take care, Joia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Thank you for your reply. Good advice. I used to see a woman doctor in a close by town (when I lived there) I think I will go back and see her. I find the doc I am seeing now can be a little intimidating to talk to, although he is a good diagnostitian for the most part. I was really turned off by him not responding to my request to see a specialist. Here's to hoping he's right Take care, Joia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my life. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I had an acute attack). What do you think? Dear Joia, What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with you should indicate that something is not as it should be! Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have had. What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others have been through when they first started, would want more assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to that diarrhea. I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to your present condition. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my life. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I had an acute attack). What do you think? Dear Joia, What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with you should indicate that something is not as it should be! Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have had. What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others have been through when they first started, would want more assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to that diarrhea. I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to your present condition. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my life. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I had an acute attack). What do you think? Dear Joia, What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with you should indicate that something is not as it should be! Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have had. What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others have been through when they first started, would want more assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to that diarrhea. I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to your present condition. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > >Reply-To: pancreatitis >To: pancreatitis >Subject: not progressive..? >Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 20:35:45 -0000 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >X-Originating-IP: 24.69.255.205 >Received: from n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com ([66.218.66.73]) by >mc1-f36.law16.hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC(5.0.2195.4905); Thu, 8 Aug >2002 13:38:17 -0700 >Received: from [66.218.67.200] by n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:48 -0000 >Received: (EGP: mail-8_0_7_4); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: (qmail 26007 invoked from network); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (66.218.66.218) by m8.grp.scd.yahoo.com with QMQP; >8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (HELO n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com) (66.218.66.89) by >mta3.grp.scd.yahoo.com with SMTP; 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from [66.218.67.130] by n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:47 -0000 >X-eGroups-Return: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-Sender: camandjoia@... >X-Apparently-To: pancreatitis >Message-ID: aiukn1+mhfq (AT) eGroups (DOT) com> >User-Agent: eGroups-EW/0.82 >X-Mailer: Yahoo Groups Message Poster >X-Yahoo-Profile: joiajeanson >Mailing-List: list pancreatitis ; contact >pancreatitis-owner >Delivered-To: mailing list pancreatitis >Precedence: bulk >List-Unsubscribe: pancreatitis-unsubscribe > >Return-Path: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-OriginalArrivalTime: 08 Aug 2002 20:38:18.0834 (UTC) >FILETIME=[876A1B20:01C23F1B] Joia: I will be nice as there may be children prsent and just say, see another doctor. I have serious doubts about his comments. -SC > >Hi, >I just got back from the doctor reviewing my stomach x-ray results >from the other day. Nothing showed up except reflux esophegitis >(whatever). Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't >have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I >will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my >amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only >slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the >pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my >life. He also gave me Modulon for the diarreah because I lost a few >pounds this month. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he >said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I >had an acute attack). What do you think? > >Joia > _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > >Reply-To: pancreatitis >To: pancreatitis >Subject: not progressive..? >Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 20:35:45 -0000 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >X-Originating-IP: 24.69.255.205 >Received: from n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com ([66.218.66.73]) by >mc1-f36.law16.hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC(5.0.2195.4905); Thu, 8 Aug >2002 13:38:17 -0700 >Received: from [66.218.67.200] by n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:48 -0000 >Received: (EGP: mail-8_0_7_4); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: (qmail 26007 invoked from network); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (66.218.66.218) by m8.grp.scd.yahoo.com with QMQP; >8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (HELO n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com) (66.218.66.89) by >mta3.grp.scd.yahoo.com with SMTP; 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from [66.218.67.130] by n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:47 -0000 >X-eGroups-Return: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-Sender: camandjoia@... >X-Apparently-To: pancreatitis >Message-ID: aiukn1+mhfq (AT) eGroups (DOT) com> >User-Agent: eGroups-EW/0.82 >X-Mailer: Yahoo Groups Message Poster >X-Yahoo-Profile: joiajeanson >Mailing-List: list pancreatitis ; contact >pancreatitis-owner >Delivered-To: mailing list pancreatitis >Precedence: bulk >List-Unsubscribe: pancreatitis-unsubscribe > >Return-Path: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-OriginalArrivalTime: 08 Aug 2002 20:38:18.0834 (UTC) >FILETIME=[876A1B20:01C23F1B] Joia: I will be nice as there may be children prsent and just say, see another doctor. I have serious doubts about his comments. -SC > >Hi, >I just got back from the doctor reviewing my stomach x-ray results >from the other day. Nothing showed up except reflux esophegitis >(whatever). Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't >have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I >will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my >amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only >slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the >pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my >life. He also gave me Modulon for the diarreah because I lost a few >pounds this month. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he >said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I >had an acute attack). What do you think? > >Joia > _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > >Reply-To: pancreatitis >To: pancreatitis >Subject: not progressive..? >Date: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 20:35:45 -0000 >MIME-Version: 1.0 >X-Originating-IP: 24.69.255.205 >Received: from n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com ([66.218.66.73]) by >mc1-f36.law16.hotmail.com with Microsoft SMTPSVC(5.0.2195.4905); Thu, 8 Aug >2002 13:38:17 -0700 >Received: from [66.218.67.200] by n18.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:48 -0000 >Received: (EGP: mail-8_0_7_4); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: (qmail 26007 invoked from network); 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (66.218.66.218) by m8.grp.scd.yahoo.com with QMQP; >8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from unknown (HELO n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com) (66.218.66.89) by >mta3.grp.scd.yahoo.com with SMTP; 8 Aug 2002 20:35:47 -0000 >Received: from [66.218.67.130] by n5.grp.scd.yahoo.com with NNFMP; 08 Aug >2002 20:35:47 -0000 >X-eGroups-Return: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-Sender: camandjoia@... >X-Apparently-To: pancreatitis >Message-ID: aiukn1+mhfq (AT) eGroups (DOT) com> >User-Agent: eGroups-EW/0.82 >X-Mailer: Yahoo Groups Message Poster >X-Yahoo-Profile: joiajeanson >Mailing-List: list pancreatitis ; contact >pancreatitis-owner >Delivered-To: mailing list pancreatitis >Precedence: bulk >List-Unsubscribe: pancreatitis-unsubscribe > >Return-Path: >sentto-278417-34274-1028838947-shannontuten=hotmail.com@...\ m >X-OriginalArrivalTime: 08 Aug 2002 20:38:18.0834 (UTC) >FILETIME=[876A1B20:01C23F1B] Joia: I will be nice as there may be children prsent and just say, see another doctor. I have serious doubts about his comments. -SC > >Hi, >I just got back from the doctor reviewing my stomach x-ray results >from the other day. Nothing showed up except reflux esophegitis >(whatever). Info the doc gave me today was that pancreatitis doesn't >have to be progressive, and that because I don't have acute attacks I >will probably fall in to that category. He says the level of my >amalayse will indicate acute or not and that my amalayse was only >slightly elevated the times that we checked it. He said that the >pancreatitis could just smoulder where it is for the duration of my >life. He also gave me Modulon for the diarreah because I lost a few >pounds this month. I asked for a referral to a specialist and he >said there is nothing a specialist could do for me either (unless I >had an acute attack). What do you think? > >Joia > _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Dear Heidi, This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. This will last for a day to two days. I can then have the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it either way. Thank you very much again for your help. Take care, Joia > > > Dear Joia, > > What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. > Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that > you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist > would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I > remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with > pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This > is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, > which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with > you should indicate that something is not as it should be! > Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What > is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " > > A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the > true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as > clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is > even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or > ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything > the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my > ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have > had. > > What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would > bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. > My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than > " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason > explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the > pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? > > Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you > feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy > you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I > personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others > have been through when they first started, would want more > assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your > doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those > will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to > that diarrhea. > > I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to > your present condition. > > With hope and prayers, > Heidi > > Heidi H. Griffeth > Bluffton, SC > hhessgriffeth@h... > Southeastern Representative > Pancreatitis Association, Intl. > http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Dear Heidi, This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. This will last for a day to two days. I can then have the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it either way. Thank you very much again for your help. Take care, Joia > > > Dear Joia, > > What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. > Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that > you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist > would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I > remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with > pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This > is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, > which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with > you should indicate that something is not as it should be! > Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What > is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " > > A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the > true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as > clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is > even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or > ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything > the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my > ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have > had. > > What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would > bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. > My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than > " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason > explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the > pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? > > Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you > feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy > you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I > personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others > have been through when they first started, would want more > assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your > doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those > will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to > that diarrhea. > > I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to > your present condition. > > With hope and prayers, > Heidi > > Heidi H. Griffeth > Bluffton, SC > hhessgriffeth@h... > Southeastern Representative > Pancreatitis Association, Intl. > http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Dear Heidi, This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. This will last for a day to two days. I can then have the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it either way. Thank you very much again for your help. Take care, Joia > > > Dear Joia, > > What catagory? You're either acute, or chronic, or both, or none. > Which one did he mean? You asked, so I'll say that I think that > you COULD benefit from a second opinion, and that a specialist > would be the way to go. You've had an acute attack, and if I > remember correctly, you do have " occasional " problems with > pain, some vomiting, diarrhea and other related difficulties. This > is how it started for many of us that are where we are today, > which is CHRONIC. The fact that these problems are still with > you should indicate that something is not as it should be! > Weight loss isn't normal. Elevated amylase isn't normal. What > is happening to your pancreas while it " smoulders? " > > A stomach x-ray isn't much of a diagnostic tool in assessing the > true condition of the pancreas. It just doesn't show things as > clearly as a ct-scan, or even an ultrasound can. And an ERCP is > even better, though NOT always necessary, if the CT-scan or > ultrasound reveal enough. I've never had an ERCP, everything > the gastroenterologist needed to see was evident in my > ultrasounds and even better in the many CT-scans that I have > had. > > What is " only slightly elevated " amylase? That statement would > bother me....wanting to know what was causing any elevation. > My amylase now is always about 20-30 points higher than > " normal " by my hospital lab's standards, but the reason > explained to me is due to the pseudocysts still there in the > pancreas. What would be the reason for yours? > > Yet you need to decide where to go from here based on how you > feel about this, whether these answers from your doctor satisfy > you, and how you feel on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I > personally, knowing what I do now, and after hearing what others > have been through when they first started, would want more > assurance from a specialist. Another thing he would do, if your > doctor won't, is start you on some enzyme supplements. Those > will help you with your weight loss, and will also put an end to > that diarrhea. > > I hope that whatever you decide it will bring an improvement to > your present condition. > > With hope and prayers, > Heidi > > Heidi H. Griffeth > Bluffton, SC > hhessgriffeth@h... > Southeastern Representative > Pancreatitis Association, Intl. > http:www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > Dear Heidi, > This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are > chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind > losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can > have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. > Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. > This will last for a day to two days. I can then have > the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that > doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of > the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We > don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of > anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised > and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing > about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it > either way. Thank you very much again for your help. > > Take care, > Joia Joia, Okay, now I'm not confused about his diagnosis. Chronic it is, yet I personally have doubts about the statement that it is not progressive. Perhaps it's just become progressive with me, as I am not in the same condition as I was a year ago, unfortunately. I don't mean to sound so negative, it's just that I do think anyone with this condition really needs to be treated by a specialist and have as much help, guidance and support from their physician as they possibly can to deal with it for the long haul. This pain and discomfort that you have should settle down a little with the enzymes. But I have not found the anti-acids to work one iota, either, for the more demanding pain. You also should ask your doctor, whichever one you see, to prescribe some pain medications for you to get you through those more difficult times, and also to recommend the correct vitamin and mineral supplements that are beneficial. And if you are interested in antioxidant therapy, I'd be happy to tell you about that. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@h... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http://www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > Dear Heidi, > This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are > chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind > losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can > have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. > Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. > This will last for a day to two days. I can then have > the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that > doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of > the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We > don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of > anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised > and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing > about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it > either way. Thank you very much again for your help. > > Take care, > Joia Joia, Okay, now I'm not confused about his diagnosis. Chronic it is, yet I personally have doubts about the statement that it is not progressive. Perhaps it's just become progressive with me, as I am not in the same condition as I was a year ago, unfortunately. I don't mean to sound so negative, it's just that I do think anyone with this condition really needs to be treated by a specialist and have as much help, guidance and support from their physician as they possibly can to deal with it for the long haul. This pain and discomfort that you have should settle down a little with the enzymes. But I have not found the anti-acids to work one iota, either, for the more demanding pain. You also should ask your doctor, whichever one you see, to prescribe some pain medications for you to get you through those more difficult times, and also to recommend the correct vitamin and mineral supplements that are beneficial. And if you are interested in antioxidant therapy, I'd be happy to tell you about that. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@h... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http://www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 > Dear Heidi, > This doctor diagnosed me with " Chronic " . I know my symptoms are > chronic. He did suggest enzymes which I will take. I didn't mind > losing 4lbs, but don't really want to lose a whole lot more. I can > have a good week, but when it hits again it practically flattens me. > Not just for the pancreas pain, but the nausea and headache with it. > This will last for a day to two days. I can then have > the " discomfort " , that I would describe as bad idigestion that > doesn't go away, for weeks before having another good spell. None of > the prescription anti-acid (nexium, prevacid) work even one iota. We > don't know why I have this, he just presumed that it was because of > anorexia/bulimia. I am writing down these other questions you raised > and taking them to the woman doc. I wondered the very same thing > about the " smouldering " pancreas. I don't like the sound of it > either way. Thank you very much again for your help. > > Take care, > Joia Joia, Okay, now I'm not confused about his diagnosis. Chronic it is, yet I personally have doubts about the statement that it is not progressive. Perhaps it's just become progressive with me, as I am not in the same condition as I was a year ago, unfortunately. I don't mean to sound so negative, it's just that I do think anyone with this condition really needs to be treated by a specialist and have as much help, guidance and support from their physician as they possibly can to deal with it for the long haul. This pain and discomfort that you have should settle down a little with the enzymes. But I have not found the anti-acids to work one iota, either, for the more demanding pain. You also should ask your doctor, whichever one you see, to prescribe some pain medications for you to get you through those more difficult times, and also to recommend the correct vitamin and mineral supplements that are beneficial. And if you are interested in antioxidant therapy, I'd be happy to tell you about that. With hope and prayers, Heidi Heidi H. Griffeth Bluffton, SC hhessgriffeth@h... Southeastern Representative Pancreatitis Association, Intl. http://www.pancassociation.org/storieshome.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, you are entitled to a second opinion on any health question and if you want a specialist to give that opinion, you have the right to ask to be referred. If he refuses to give it, find another doctor who will be your primary who has no problem referring you to a specialist for your second opinion. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, you are entitled to a second opinion on any health question and if you want a specialist to give that opinion, you have the right to ask to be referred. If he refuses to give it, find another doctor who will be your primary who has no problem referring you to a specialist for your second opinion. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2002 Report Share Posted August 8, 2002 Joia, you are entitled to a second opinion on any health question and if you want a specialist to give that opinion, you have the right to ask to be referred. If he refuses to give it, find another doctor who will be your primary who has no problem referring you to a specialist for your second opinion. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Southwest Representative Pancreatitis Association, International Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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