Guest guest Posted November 15, 2002 Report Share Posted November 15, 2002 Joia, Yes, I've heard of the endoscopic ultrasound but have never had one. The ERCP is probably the most definitive diagnostic tool but it has risks. Your symptoms are not like mine for the most part but that doesn't mean it's not CP. If it is CP, there is still hope and things that can be done to improve it. You really need to go to the ER during one of the bad times and have the levels tested. They could be much higher if they are elevating even when you feel okay. The GI is probably trying to see if other things are going on to cause your symptoms. I think you should pay very close attention. Avoid all alcohol and limit your fat intake. Please take care and let us know how things progress. As you will learn from the group, it is very unusual to be given a diagnosis of CP so quickly. W Re: hello....?/thank you Hi , Thank you for your reply. The doctor that diagnosed me did the test because I was feeling ill on a reacurring basis. My husband made me go in. I probably wouldn't have gone in of my own volition just because when I am feeling ok I think it wasn't that bad. When I'm in it I really don't like it. The way it feels is like a bad flu. I get a really bad headache, nausea(vomited only once), dizziness and indigestion. I also get pain in my upper gut that feels like an extremely bad hunger pain with a third degree burn. This has improved, but then I tend to avoid eating because I avoid the discomfort by doing so. I have also lost 10 lbs since July. I have had the floaty stools. A couple of times they were bulky and greasy looking. I didn't have them tested, so I don't know if it actually was the steatorhea that I have read about. So, with those symptoms and the slightly elevated amalayse, the doc said I had CP and gave me no hope. I have been tested for other things like ulcers and some kind of stomach bacteria, but both turned up negative. The GI is sending me for another barium swallow, but one that will show the whole small intestine, not just the stomach and duodenum. I don't know what he is looking for, but I do know that it isn't a test that would try to prove CP. I have been feeling pretty good lately so.....I don't know. Have you heard of " Endoscopic Ultrasonography " ? I read somewhere that it is much better than a regular ultrasound for diagnosing CP. > Joia, > Thanks for more on your story. The acute attack with the highest amylase level was only 514 (i think - it was in the 500's anyway). They kept me in the hospital for 3 or 4 days with that one. For me, the numbers don't always indicate the worst pain. I've been in the hospital longer when the numbers were lower. They have even admitted me with normal labs simply because the pain, nausea, and vomiting is so bad. In fact, I have been in the hospital 10 times since July and the amylase was only elevated on 3. Several of the other times, the liver enzymes were very elevated, but a couple of times the enzymes were all normal. > > Personally, I'd pay attention, gather information, and maybe find another GI. Just my opinion. > > W > > PANCREATITIS Association, Intl. Online e-mail group To reply to this message hit & quot;reply & quot; or send an e-mail to: Pancreatitis (AT) Yahoo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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