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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Possible Early Stage Chronic Pancreatitis?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Possible Early Stage Chronic Pancreatitis?
by Stevemilller, Mar 14, 2008 06:52AM
I was hoping someone could cast some light upon some symptoms I'm
experiencing? I suspect it may be CP. Any observations would be
greatly appreciated.
I am a social drinker (about 10 years) and when I do go out (2-3 nights/ week) I binge
drink (5-7 beers). Last December after one such night, I noticed
mild flaring discomfort around the front edge and left edge of my rib
cage as well in my back. The aches would come and go for a few seconds and where about a
2 in pain, on a scale of 1 to 10. These flaring aches have come and
gone since then.
Also since that time, I noticed that some of my stools looked like
clay. Usually formed, occasionally unformed, but some times normal.
Also a lot of gas. I also seem to be feeling aches in my left arm,
shoulder, upper chest, left shoulder blade and even under my left jaw-
also flaring and minor.
There does not some to be any correlation between eating and these
flaring pains...just eating and gas:) I've also experienced fatigue at times after I eat.
I stopped drinking since this whole thing began and my stool seemed to return to normal.
I did drink a few beers this week to test if there was a correlation of pain- non
found, although my stool did look clay colored again.
Ive been to a GP who did a CT, Ultrasound, and blood test - all normal including gall bladder.
I recently went to a Gastro who had me do a stool test. I haven't
been back for a subsequent visit yet, but I found out through a nurse
yesterday they found "rare fibers" in one sample and minor amount of blood in another.
Is this how CP starts??? For some reason I get
the feeling it is, even though I've haven't had any of the major
symptoms such as naseua, vomiting, diarereah, or acute attack, etc.
Thanks
experiencing? I suspect it may be CP. Any observations would be
greatly appreciated.
I am a social drinker (about 10 years) and when I do go out (2-3 nights/ week) I binge
drink (5-7 beers). Last December after one such night, I noticed
mild flaring discomfort around the front edge and left edge of my rib
cage as well in my back. The aches would come and go for a few seconds and where about a
2 in pain, on a scale of 1 to 10. These flaring aches have come and
gone since then.
Also since that time, I noticed that some of my stools looked like
clay. Usually formed, occasionally unformed, but some times normal.
Also a lot of gas. I also seem to be feeling aches in my left arm,
shoulder, upper chest, left shoulder blade and even under my left jaw-
also flaring and minor.
There does not some to be any correlation between eating and these
flaring pains...just eating and gas:) I've also experienced fatigue at times after I eat.
I stopped drinking since this whole thing began and my stool seemed to return to normal.
I did drink a few beers this week to test if there was a correlation of pain- non
found, although my stool did look clay colored again.
Ive been to a GP who did a CT, Ultrasound, and blood test - all normal including gall bladder.
I recently went to a Gastro who had me do a stool test. I haven't
been back for a subsequent visit yet, but I found out through a nurse
yesterday they found "rare fibers" in one sample and minor amount of blood in another.
Is this how CP starts??? For some reason I get
the feeling it is, even though I've haven't had any of the major
symptoms such as naseua, vomiting, diarereah, or acute attack, etc.
Thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 14, 2008 08:01PM
, Mar 14, 2008 08:01PM
I agree with the workup thus far.
Blood tests to evaluate the amylase and lipase level can be done to evaluate the pancreas.
The biliary tree can be further evaluated with an MRCP to exclude any blockages. Any blockage can lead to clay colored stools.
Further evaluation of the pancreas can be done with an endoscopic ultrasound if indicated.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
Blood tests to evaluate the amylase and lipase level can be done to evaluate the pancreas.
The biliary tree can be further evaluated with an MRCP to exclude any blockages. Any blockage can lead to clay colored stools.
Further evaluation of the pancreas can be done with an endoscopic ultrasound if indicated.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
