Re: Re: hello....?/thank you

[Guest guest]

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

>

>

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