Elevated amylase and lipase, 15 year history of pancreatitis

[kyk]

During a recent trip to Mexico, I came down with 'travelers diarrhea' - fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomitting, dehydration.  Upon arriving back in the states, I was readmitted to the hospital due to elevated amylase and lipase.  I didn't have the severe pancreatitis pain until later that night and then only one other bout two nights later.  A CT scan, ERCP, and internal ultrasound were all normal and I was discharged after 5 days.  At the end of the week I followed up with my primary care physician and found my amylase and lypase were even higher.  By the following Monday they increased slightly: amylase was over 1,100 and lipase over 8,500!  I don't know the exact scale they were using, but normal is closer to 100.  Today, three weeks after it all started and one week after the extremely elevated levels, the enzyme levels have come down to over 700 and over 4,000.  I was on a clear liquid diet the last two and a half days, and have lost 15 pounds due to the little I've eaten throughout the weeks.  I was told to begin eating again and we will recheck Monday.

I have a history of being diagnosed with pancreatitis - beginning at age 15.  My gallbladder was removed 9 years ago, a duct was enlarged with an ERCP before that, my CT scans have always looked normal (no inflammation). In the past, my levels were not elevated this high and I suffered much more pain.  My most recent attack was in September, relieved by strong pain meds at home and rest for a couple days.  

So...  I feel like we're currently waiting and hoping for decreased levels - but I don't feel like anyone knows whats going on.  What else besides pancreatitis could be causing these levels to be so high?  Could such high levels be harmful?  I'm getting married soon and we're starting to think family, are there concerns about this during pregnancy?  Although I want to get better now, I want to have a better idea what's causing this in order to prevent it in the future.

Does anyone else have any ideas for me??

[Obnursern]

My lipase was 12,000 and I don't drink but had pancreatitis a couple times was hospitalized. I had to have my bile duct enlarged by a specialist. No problems since. Gallbladder was taken out before my last bout of pancreatitis .   My Dr said no more than 40 grams of fat a day.   Hard to do. No problems almost 3 years later.

[thestigno1]

Hi there,

I had pancreatitis 8 years ago, was the worst pain ive ever had, could barely swallow saliva never mind eat or drink anything went from 11 stone down 7 stone, but after 3 months i got better, only thing is im now 31 like going out and drinking and every now and then my amylase levels rise, and im also a glutten for spicy food and faty foods, i know recipe for disaster, but even when i had full blown pancreatitis my levels where no where near the hights urs has risen, worst mine got too was 400 adn i was told by the doctor it was serious, if i was you i would get to a specialsit and see what causing this, and in the mean time change ur diet, no faty foods no alcahol, and no spicy food with light excersise, and see if this helps,