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Doctor's appointment to J.J.

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> Long story short I ate tainted food on 11/8 and this somehow

kicked something with my pancreas into high gear. I have been

hospitalized three times in the last two months with

malnutrition/dehydration--- nausau, diarrhea, chest to back pain,

sweats, weight loss---it's been awful.

I work for a doc who, prior to the aforementioned, told me I

should seek the advice of a GI doc who specializes in the

pancreas, as he beleived I had CP. I actually have my

appointment today and wonder if anyone knows something

specific I should asked.

Dear J.J.,

This reply is probably too late to help you if your appointment is

today, but I just got online and saw it. All I can say is, " been

there, done that " in regard to all of your symptoms/complaints. I

have been fighting the malabsorption syndrome for over a year

without success.

As far as today's appointment goes, ask the doctor what other

tests he plans to do to determine whether or not you have CP,

and what tests he recommends to find the true cause of your

condition, if the documentation that he already has is not

enough. The most common tests are amylase and lipase

bloodtests. There is also another fasting blood test that checks

triglycerides levels - if they are high, it is an indication of CP.

Radiology tests that can show pancreatic problems are

ultrasounds, CT-scans, MRI's and MRCP's. ERCP's are one test

that should only be considered once all the other testing

procedures are non-conclusive. An ERCP is a highly invasive

procedure and is the 7th cause of pancreatitis, so it's not the type

of procedure a competent physician would undertake as for

making preliminary pancreatitis diagnosis'.

Quite often amylase and lipase blood tests will show normal,

even in a person with chronic pancreatitis, so this should not be

the definative test to determine your condition. The more

damage there is to the organ, the more chance there is of loss of

amylase and lipase enzyme production, thus the A & L test can

often read low or normal. IMO, X-rays are practically worthless

for determining pancreatic damage, so hopefully your doctor will

not suggest that. Since he is a Gastroenterologist, I would

assume he will be knowledgeable about those tests that are

more accurate.

If CP is diagnosed, ask him about enzyme supplements. Since

you are already taking them, you should continue and you will

find that they are very helpful. You should also discuss pain

medications, since more than likely, you will need them. After all,

this is a chronic PAIN condition, or as one member calls it,

PAINCREATITIS!!! You will need something that provides relief

from the pain.

Also talk to the doctor about your diet. A low fat, low protein, high

carbohydrate diet is what is commonly recommended, with no

more than 25 grams of fat daily, and no more than about 6-8 fat

grams per meal.

There are a lot of other questions to discuss; about going to the

emergency room, his admitting procedures, etc., but these can

wait until you have a firm diagnosis.

I hope this information was in time. I'm sure I forgot a lot, but I

wanted to try to repond in time for you to see the message before

your appointment. Please post again after you appointment and

let us know what happened, what the doctor said, and what the

plan is.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

professional.

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