Re : Calcification

[Guest guest]

Hello Fred,

I have extensive calcifications throughout the pancreas.

Calcification is the process whereby the pancreatic tissue becomes

hardened as a result of the deposition of lime salts. From what I

have read, there is no certainty about why this happens. I

understand there are different theories.

I don't know about the time scale but I can share my own experience

with you and tell you a few things my doctors said.

In 1988, when I was extremely ill with what I now know was CP with

acute flare-ups, I had a CT scan to look at the pancreas. I also had

an ERCP. No calcifications were seen. I actually improved a lot

during the 1990's, probably because of some significant dietary

changes. When upper-abdominal pain came back with increased severity

and frequency from 1999 onwards (it had never gone away but had

improved after some very bad years in the 80's), I finally had more

tests done last year. The CT scan this time showed extensive

calcifications. In other words, in the intervening 15 years the

calcifications had developed. This led to my diagnosis of hereditary

pancreatitis. (I have had bad abdominal pain etc. since I was 5

years old.)

My gastro told me that changes like calcifications often appear

relatively suddenly. (For example, both he and the pancreatic

surgeon believe there is a fair chance that I will become diabetic

suddenly rather than gradually.) He said that the calcifications may

well not have developed gradually over 15 years but pretty suddenly,

more recently. I am not a doctor and I am definitely only guessing

here but I wonder if those calcifications developed between 1999 and

2002/3 when my attacks of pain became more severe, frequent and

prolonged. I don't know that there is any relationship between pain

and the formation of calcifications; I am only wondering!

Both the specialists are of the view that there is little or no

exocrine function left (digestive) and that pretty soon I am likely

to be diabetic so the endocrine function, already impaired now, will

finish as well.

Having said that, it is possible to live without a pancreas at all

and certainly possible to live with a non-functioning or little-

functioning pancreas. Enzymes are prescribed to do the job which the

pancreas' own enzymes would do if it was still producing them. These

enzymes, in my personal experience and from what I have read, are

crucial to treat the unpleasant symptoms of malabsorption (lower-

abdominal pain, diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, gas etc.)as well as any

actual damage which long-term malabsorption could cause. Even the

traditional upper-abdominal pancreatic pain can improve once one is

on enzymes. This does seem to have happened with me. Once diabetes

develops, then, of course, insulin must be taken.

Since I was put on Creon (enzymes) last October, my attacks of pain

are shorter, less frequent and less severe. I also follow the usual

CP regime of low-fat and no alcohol whatsoever.

I hope that might be a little helpful and others may have more info.

With very good wishes,

Fliss (UK)