Causes...?

what are other causes for the pancreas to become inflammed, to the point the pain sent me to the hospital, other than booze as I haven't drank heavily for years and now only have 1 or 2 drinks a month if that. the Doctors are persistant in saying that this is alcohol related but, I haven't had a drink in three weeks prior to this incodent. Please help me to understand!!!


This discussion is related to pancreatitius.

[mammo]

It takes years of drinking alcohol for your pancreas to become inflammed, and it won't go away just because you aren't drinking as much or at all.  You need to cut out alcohol completely and follow your doctor's plan of treatment. The damage was done when you drank heavily and is just now showing up, but this is common.  There are things like smoking and drinking which hurts our bodies but may not show up for years, and often years after one has ceased to drink or smoke.  This is serious and you need to take it seriously.  I do hope they are treating you and wish you all the best.

[mrclean53]

I'm 56 and fairly healthy-not too overweight and active.But I used to drink and take illegal drugs for 10 or 15 yrs.Now I'm taking hydrocodone 10mg. 2 or 3 times a day for arthritis prescribed by my doctor and also celexia for depression due to years of drug and alcohol abuse.I don't drink anymore about 4 /5yrs since any heavy drinkng and then it was just friday nite binge of 1 pint of rum.Do you think the drugs such as meth,coke,pot,Lsd,etc. could have caused some damage in my liver and haven't showed up yet?It's been 25 yrs since I've taken any illegal drugs.I have a dull sensation in my liver area at times but all blood tests i've had show normal results.I've never had any ct scans but ultasound 5 yrs ago showed nothing.Do I need to be concerned about future problems of liver damge showing up after all the abuse in my earlier years? Thank you, Bob