Only the pancreas???

[Kare111]

My father was diagnosed with pancreatitis on 8-4-02.  He went 5 weeks at home NPO except water.  Lost 50lbs, then admitted to hospital for 5 days, released with 12 hour tpn bag, which he used for 42 days.  After ct scan showed improvement, he was told to start eating a low-fat diet.  After 7 days, he was re-admitted to the hospital (from er) with debilitaing upper abdominal cramping.  He has been in the hospital ever since.  Repeated cT scan shows pancreatic tail inflammation (supposedly decreasing in size), and a pseudocyst which appears to be decreasing in size as well.   Latest CT scan showed splenic vein thrombosis and enlarged veins in the stomach, but gastroscopy performed yesterday showed no varices in the stomach or esophagus.  Gallbladder US shows sludge (but no stones), and common bile duct has shown inflammation in the past.  Dr's are claiming pain is Irr Bowel Syndrome and stress related.  After gastroscopy yesterday, dr. stopped iv pain meds to PO as needed.  Allowed him clear liquids, which after eating jello this morning, started the abdominal cramping all over again.  His mental status is deteriorating so quickly it scares me.   He requested to talk to a psychiatrist last night, and threw everyone out of his room.  Is it possible the splenic vein thrombosis is causing the pain???  His doctor says this (thombosis) is a very uncommon problem, and he has only seen 1 other patient with it.  Dr. has prescibed Benyl, protonix, and Ativan (8mg/day).  

We are getting very frustrated, and my dad is losing his mind.

Any help is appreciated.

Regards,
Karen

[Lor]

Do some research on that pseudocyst. I have read in the past they have syptoms (symptoms) like you discribed.

[gerardo]

my kid has recurrent pancreatitis can anyone help

[Nanny]

I would suggest that you keep pursuing further investigation of the pseudocyst in the pancreas.  I have chronic pancreatitis, with pseudocysts in the tail and the head of my pancreas.  The pseudocysts can and do cause moderate to severe upper abdominal pain when irritated, more pronounced where the pseudocysts are located, which can only be relieved by strong pain medication.

[Nanny]

Gerardo,

Is your child under the regular care of a gastroenterology specialist?  What questions are you seeking help with?

Nanny