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pancreas problem?

Hi, I'm 28, male, non-drinker, former smoker. In August, I developed a dull ache in my left side, along with sporadic back pain, gas/gas pains, painless muscle spasms, floating stools, achy joints, and fatigue. No nausea or vomitting, but I do notice that fattier foods seem to aggravate the problem (causing sharper abdominal pains and general sick feeling).
  My doctor immediately ordered a Spiral CT scan w/contrast and amylase/lipase blood tests. Everything came back clean/normal. A hepititis and stool test (for parasitic infection) came back clean as well.
Interestingly, about five years ago, I had the same left-sided abdominal pain and some back pain, went to my then-doctor who ordered an upper GI w/barium, came back clean, and he put me on Prilosec. It kind of helped the heart burn, but not the pain, which eventually seemed to go away on it's own, with an occasional flare-up. I wonder if this is possibly related?
Lastly, my doctor is stumped, and has sent me to a gastro doctor, my appt in a few weeks.
For now, trying to collect as much info as I can. Learned that my symptoms (includ. the floating stool & muscle spasms are evidence of malabsorption of nutrients and fats),pain, etc. can be linked to chronic pancreatitis. Also found out that if I've in fact been experiencing mild discomfort due to this condition over the past five years when it began, neither the lipase/amylase levels or CT Scan would necessarily show much.
For anyone experienced with this, any suggestions on what tests to pursue? Any input or suggestions would be great. Thank you!!!


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Avatar universal
LRP
All of your comments are intersting...I have been having the same problems...pain in the upper left abdomen...it started when I had an H. Pilori problem (peptic ulcer) and when that was cleared up the pain developed into exactly what you describe.  Although my Amalyse levels are slightly elevated....My ultrasound came up clear but now they want me to do a CT scan this week.  

I can't help but worry about Pancreatic Cancer....

But I have had the same problems with pain in my back also...

Does your pain get worse after you eat food ?  That is very interesting that what you eat controls the level of your pain to a certain extent...I notice that when I don't eat anything I feel more pain free....

Any kind words would be appreciated....just tryin not to think of the worse....

Thanks

LRP
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Avatar universal
Is there a corralation between a high caffeine intake and the
pancreas?? I just had my gallbladder out, do to stones and they
were concerned about blockage, still have weird feeling on left,
how long before surgery area pain goes away???
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,
Thank you both for your replies - it's good to know there's others out there, at least! That diet sounds encouraging - I'm not sure if I quite have the discipline for that radical a dietary change, though I've managed to cut out all meats in favor of soy products (drastically reducing my fat intake in the process) and have cut out a great deal of refined sugar, pasta, and bread. These changes have certainly helped me, along w/taking multivitamins and Milk Thistle.
I'm anxious to get the Gastro doc's take on all of this, hoping he'll agree to an MRCP or EUS.
Brian, good luck w/your CT on Thursday! Let me know how it goes.
I welcome both of you to keep in touch at ***@**** if you'd like, and will do likewise. Take care.
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Avatar universal
Mas77

Seems like I'm in the same boat as well. I'm going in for my CT scan this thursday. We have identical problems.

I've been through several tests so far. Amalyse and Lipase levels are normal. Ultrasound shows no evidence of an enlarged liver, gallbladder or pancreas. No sign of any stones either. During one of my attacks, the doc noted elevated WBC and Liver enzymes, but after the attack was over, those leveled off back to normal. I've been experiencing these pains in the upper left quadrant of my abdomen. For a while I had ulcers, but those healed up yet the pain remains. It hasn't moved or changed in 6 years. Some days are better than others, but like you fattier foods, dairy, and wheat products tend to set me off. Stool samples also show high lipid and triglyceride levels. They always float. So, again, like you I'm not digesting fats very well. I've also had scopes from both directions and I'm clean. It really puzzles me.

The pain you describe is very similar to mine. Its very focused, and constantly in a very specific region of the abdomen. It usually radiates to my back and at times becomes so unbearable I can't sleep. Laying on my left side while sleeping aggrevates it.

Staying away from fatty foods, and taking pancreatic enzymes seems to help...but I'm never free from pain.

If you find something out, let me know... I'll tell you how my CT scans come out.

Brian
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Wow you have discribed my condition to a tee! I truely feel my problem is associated with pancreas/ gallbladder?! I have started a regime of NO caffine what so ever! Aloe Vera Juice, Pancreas Lyophilized Gland Concentrate this will to help replenish the needed emzymes I could be losing and have gone to a totally raw diet no cooked foods! As all enzymes are lost in the heating process. Ive also added Q10 supplement. In just several days I have added energy, no pain,gas,bloating ect!!I also have changed from pepcid/tums to super papaya enzyme plus tablets after meals to aid digestion.
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