Re: question to Jen

[Guest guest]

Dear Jen,

Even though the ERCP is known to be the gold standard in

diagnostic tools for evaluating pancreatitis problems, I've heard

of too many members with verified CP say that they had an

ERCP done showing normal results, to believe that it's infallable.

The same goes for CT-scans, and unfortunately, a lot of the

results of CT-scans can vary widely depending upon the

expertise of the radiology technician who's interpreting the scan.

A few of us have some little horror stories about our CT-scans

and the gross disparity found in the interpretive reports from one

technician to another. I've heard it said many times that

sometimes chronic pancreatitis just doesn't show up as

anything until the damage is more advanced and absolute.

So in this regard, I think you need to consider your other

symptoms that would support pancreatic abnormalties.

Certainly your lab work is one indicator. It's just not " normal " to

have lipase levels as high as 3,000 and 780. Consistant pain in

the abdomen is another.

If your doctor is treating you as a chronic pancreatitis patient, I

think he is justified in doing so. Although this diagnosis is hard

for many people to accept without iron clad evidence when they

are in the denial stage, it is better for the patient and practioner to

deal with the reality of the situation and treat accordingly. You

will be better off to have the treatment that's needed, and if your

doctor feels that stenting would solve some of your problems,

then I suggest you welcome his concern and the fact that he's

trying to find the best solutions to improve your current status.

I wish you much success with the upcoming stenting procedure

in Toronto. This procedure has brought great relief to many

people, and I hope that it does the same for you.

Please keep reading and asking questions here. I'm sure that

you'll be able to learn a lot and you'll find yourself among many

new friends who have similar problems that want to help each

other.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

http://www.pancassociation.org/anthology.htm#Heidi

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be

substituted for professional medical consultation.