Normal Pancreatic Enzymes

[Guest guest]

Karolina,

You wrote, " All he did was order blood work to check my liver and pancreatic

enzymes.. Everything came back within normal limits so he discharged me.

He didn't even give me anything for pain. "

I am sorry you had such a difficult time in the ER. That is good that you

called your GI first, though it did not seem to help. It is common for persons

with chronic pancreatitis to not have elevated enzyme levels. This can occur

for two reasons. One is that the disease may have extended throughout the

pancreas, thus damaging all of the cells that produce the enzymes. The second

is

that the area of damage may not extend throughout the pancreas and involve

only a focal point on the pancreas, thus the area of damage is enough to cause

substantial pain and problems but not be large enough to exaggerate the

number of enzymes.

It may help you to get a letter in writing from your GI that states you have

chronic pancreatitis with chronic pain. Have it lists your medications that

you take, as well. Ask him to make a note to the ER physician in the event you

need to go to the ER stating that it is likely that your pancreatic enzymes

will not be elevated due to the state of your disease, but that does not

negate any complaints of pain that you may have. The letter should conclude

with

a request to treat his patient's pain appropriately and to notify him/her if

the ER doctor has any questions or concerns.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Indianapolis, Indiana