Gallbladder Preceeded the Pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Re: Post Gallbladder Pain

So many people I hear from state that they previously had a gallbladder

surgery before being diagnosed with pancreatitis. Their stories talk about being

sent home after the gallbladder surgery even though the pain that precipitated

surgery was still there. Well, those were my stories, too. When I heard those

accounts, I knew that it had not been 'just in my mind,' or just 'post-op'

pain.

I, in fact had pancreatitis. I think it is important that there be more

investigation about the possibility of associated pancreatitis with severe and

lingering gallbladder disease. Early recognition and diagnosis is the key to

improved patient outcome and optimal quality of life.

In my situation, it wasn't until I had Dr. staring at my insides

during the Distal Pancreatectomy that I learned that this disease had started a

good ten years earlier. This goes back to the exact date of my gallbladder

surgery. Though I did remain relatively asymptomatic for the years leading up to

my

other huge attack, had the pancreatitis been diagnosed in 1989, there would

have been more choices regarding treatment / surgery options. As it was by the

time I was diagnosed my pancreas was diseased throughout, I required a Distal

Pancreatectomy, and became insulin dependent the following month.

I congratulate Adam's surgeon for his perseverance in obtaining a correct

diagnosis.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International