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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
? Pancreatitis and ERCP
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
? Pancreatitis and ERCP
by Robin__0__0, Jan 10, 1999 12:00AM
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.
_______
Dear Robin,
Pancreatitis can burn out over the years. before considering having another ERCP, you should know why the doctor wants to do the test and how the information may alter how you are managed. If there is no gain to you, then refuse the test. IF the goal of the ERCP is to visualize the pancreas, ask your doctor about endoscopic ultrasound which does not have a risk of causing a flare of the pancreatitis.
This information is presenteed for educational purposes only. Ask specuific questions to your personal physician. If you wish a second opinion,. we would be ahppy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. You can arrange an appoinment with Dr. ben-Menahem, one of our experts in pancreatic disease, by calling our Physician Referral Line at (800)653-6568.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: pancreatitis
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