? Pancreatitis and ERCP

Posted By Robin on January 10, 1999 at 05:13:19:







I have a long standing history of Pancreatitis that was caused from having an ERCP (You don't realize how large a 2% chance of getting Pancreatitis from an ERCP until you become one of the 2%!).
Anyway, I am currently having another attack judging by the symptoms.  I can even feel some swelling in the area of the pancreas.  I am trying to manage this at home, as I do not want to go into the hospital again (I've been hospitalized approx. 5 times for flares over the last 4 years~including the initial attack).  I developed the Pancreatitis from having an ERCP.  One thing the doctor told me if this happened again is possibly having ANOTHER ERCP.  I am scared to death of having another ERCP due to the outcome from the first one.  What are the chances of causing more of a problem if I have another ERCP?  If I should go through with it, would it cause the pancreatitis to flare again, should I wait until I am over this? (BTW, my doctor did suggest that I go to the ER on Wednesday 1-6-99, but I refused,thinking it would settle down.  Also, each time I go in with these complaints, I don't go home for well over a week.  The first attack, I was in for five weeks, home for two, back in for four, and nine months of TPN!  See why I don't want to go??)
Does this ever peter itself out, or is this something I could have to work with the rest of my life?  I also have a long standing history of elevated LFT's, which was the initial reason for having the ERCP to begin with in Jan. 1995.  I had my gallbladder removed in Feb. 1997 due to stones.  I also have Endometriosis that was removed from the bowel, but the doctor is suspecting that adhesions are forming in the area that the Endo was removed.
I know this was long, but I wanted to give you as much information as possible.  Thank you in advance for helping me.  I have used this forum before and have been most happy and most appreciative to the fine docs that dedicate their time to helping others.