Interpeting ERCP w/ menometry results for Sphincter Of Oddi Disfunction Test

[DigitalMan]

This is kind of a follow up to a quetion Nanny asked in one of my below questions, but I have been meaning to post it so I'll start a new topic.

My wife who has been having post gall blatter removal attacks of massive upper abdominal pain did have an ERCP with menometry on January 4, 2001. The pressures were OK in the parts they could get to, but they couldn't get to the pancreatic duct. It's always bothered me greatly that they couldn't get to one place since her symptoms sure match Sphincter Of Oddi Disfunction (type III, pain only). Since she got real bad pancreatitis from both of her ERCPs, this doctor said he would never do another ERCP on her. Does anyone else know if there is another way to detect and correct SOD?

Anyway, here are the results and I'm hoping someone can help us understand what the mean. "The biliary sphincter had a normal basal pressure. The manometry catheter could not be successfully passed over the guidewire, and therefore pancreatic sphincter manometry was not performed."

Thanks,
Guy

[Lor]

Your wifes symptoms do sound like what I suffered with after my gallbladder removal. Like you my husband was helpless. I can give you a phone number to call. To see if you can find a Dr who can do the pancreatic duct menometry. When I saw my Dr he told me of about 5 or 6 places in the US where he would recommend having it done. As you found out by your wife getting sick with pancreatitis it is important you get this done by someone who knows what they are doing. Email me at ***@**** I'll get you the number. Lorna

[TazLady]

Hi,

I have also had this test done.  I have Chronic Pancreatitis and SOD.  The specialist I have now has performed many ERCP's on me and only during one of them did I have a bad pancreatic attack.  The secret.....do not let them use the dye while performing the ERCP.  Yes, this can be done and have accurate results too.  My specialist is one of the top in the US, not to mention California.  He is a teaching professor at Univercity of San Francisco.  See if you can't find another specialist to perform the ERCP using no dye.  Dr. Ostroff says that the dye is a major factor in causing pancreatits during surgery.

Now, this monometry didn't end my pain.  I still have quite a bit.  And the other surgerys I have had have helped manage the pain, but with pancreatitis, pain is a part of everyday life.

Good luck to you both.
TazLady

[Beaker]

Hi, like the others I had ERCPs where the pancreatic duct was not entered.  Finally I got to the right Physician, Dr. Stephen Martin at the University of Cincinnati Hospital.  I had gone through this for over 8 years before I got some results.  He went into the pancreatic duct did a sphincterotomy and place a stent.  Although having the surgery is one thing but staying on a strict diet is the other.  No red meat, no high fatty foods and getting as much of the stress out of your life as possible, is the only way to get rid of the pain.  If I eat something I shouldn't, I still have pain.  Usually it is something I am not aware of at the time.  To be honest, I cannot go out to eat without having pain.  Some preprocessed foods cause problems.  Unfortunately your wife is going to have to make some life changes.  At times, I would like to have a hamburger but the price I have to pay for a few minutes of pleasure is not worth the pain.  I would see if there is a doctor in your area who is experienced in the biliary tree.  If not, you can call Dr. Martin's office and maybe he can refer you to someone who is close to you.  513-475-8766  It may be the cost of a long distance call but if you find the right doctor because of it, then it is money well spent.  Let us know how your wife is doing, all of us certainly understand the fustration you and your wife is going through.  Good Luck!

[ShadowLin]

I had an ERCP and the procedure was stopped because I yanked out all of the tubes. The nurses told me that I got very agitated and was fighting.  My doctor (a specialist) was very silent about what happened and would not discuss it with me. He frustrated me so much. I am concerned that he carefully put in  of the tubes and everything else and I pulled them out. He said he got into my pancreatic duct but not my cystic duct (where he suspected stones) He would say nothing more. I had had my gall bladder out in 98 and he thought I had some sludge type stones there causing my side to colic.

I have had dull right side pain for over a year (after all sorts of tests and scans, nothing found.) The pain has become deeper and moves to my back. I hold my right side at my waist constantly (even at night) Now when I walk or bend over to tie my shoe, I feel my side pulling. I feel a soreness deep inside when I hold my side with one hand (fingers in front and palm in back. Sound familiar to anyone??????

Anyone's comment will be welcomed. I am depressed about this and do not know the next step.