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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
cant get answers
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.
cant get answers
by junglejim, Jan 07, 2006 12:00AM
Stats: I'm a 43 year old male, in great shape, no weight problems, smoker and social drinker. Drink 3 cups of coffee every morn with alot of sugar, which other than captin Morgan and coke is about my only raw sugar intake, never use salt on anything. Take no drugs, prescription or otherwise. I think my diet is good, like steaks 3 times a week at most.
Family history: father passed at 46 of massive coronary, he did not take care of himself and avoided doctors. Mothers side of family good and long living No known family history of anything other than father passing.
Problem: I was diagnoised with colitis about 6 years ago after a severe attack, had colonoscopy and saw picture of it (gross), no know treatment is what doctor told me, live with it. hasn't really bothered me until about the last year. I live with cronic pain in the left/right lower quad at belt line. A month ago I went back to doctor for this pain. Have had blood work, X-Ray, CAT scan with following results.
CAT SCAN: With and w/o suspension: Heart normal contour: lung base, minimal dependant atelectasis: kidneys grossly unremarkable: some calcification of the aorta no adenopathy in the abdomen: pancreas is unremarkable: stomach, small and large bowel appear normal. The intrapelvic bowel is remarkable for some mild wall thickening involving the sigmid colon, as can be seen with colitis: no pericolonic inflammatory change appreciated, no fluid collections:no diverticulae identified: urinary bladderunremarkable: no adenopathy in the pelvis: prostate appears normal. Otherwise unremarkable CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
BLOOD TEST: had one early in 2005, noted high triglycrides.
Most recent results 12/07/05
Triglycerides: 1151 Mg/dl
Chlosteral, total: 318
HDL: 37 L Mg/Dl
LDL not calculated due to high triglycerides
AST: 54
ALT: 74
White cell count: 10.2
red cell count: 5.18
absolute neutrophils: 6375
" lymphocytes: 2999
" monocytes: 602
" eosinophils: 204
" basophils: 20
t3, total: 125
t4 (thyroxine) total: 5.5 mcg/dl
TSH: 2.63 miu/l
My question, because the doctor I'm seeing is too busy to call back (his staff anyway), what is causing, or what causes my extremely high triglycerides, and the chronic severe pain I,m having. Last visit I had 0n 12/15, before CAT scan, he said he was scratching his head on this one. I feel as though i may be a serious risk for something, and would surely like answers. I have changed doctors in the last week because i'm totally dissatified with the one i was using.
thanks.
Family history: father passed at 46 of massive coronary, he did not take care of himself and avoided doctors. Mothers side of family good and long living No known family history of anything other than father passing.
Problem: I was diagnoised with colitis about 6 years ago after a severe attack, had colonoscopy and saw picture of it (gross), no know treatment is what doctor told me, live with it. hasn't really bothered me until about the last year. I live with cronic pain in the left/right lower quad at belt line. A month ago I went back to doctor for this pain. Have had blood work, X-Ray, CAT scan with following results.
CAT SCAN: With and w/o suspension: Heart normal contour: lung base, minimal dependant atelectasis: kidneys grossly unremarkable: some calcification of the aorta no adenopathy in the abdomen: pancreas is unremarkable: stomach, small and large bowel appear normal. The intrapelvic bowel is remarkable for some mild wall thickening involving the sigmid colon, as can be seen with colitis: no pericolonic inflammatory change appreciated, no fluid collections:no diverticulae identified: urinary bladderunremarkable: no adenopathy in the pelvis: prostate appears normal. Otherwise unremarkable CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis.
BLOOD TEST: had one early in 2005, noted high triglycrides.
Most recent results 12/07/05
Triglycerides: 1151 Mg/dl
Chlosteral, total: 318
HDL: 37 L Mg/Dl
LDL not calculated due to high triglycerides
AST: 54
ALT: 74
White cell count: 10.2
red cell count: 5.18
absolute neutrophils: 6375
" lymphocytes: 2999
" monocytes: 602
" eosinophils: 204
" basophils: 20
t3, total: 125
t4 (thyroxine) total: 5.5 mcg/dl
TSH: 2.63 miu/l
My question, because the doctor I'm seeing is too busy to call back (his staff anyway), what is causing, or what causes my extremely high triglycerides, and the chronic severe pain I,m having. Last visit I had 0n 12/15, before CAT scan, he said he was scratching his head on this one. I feel as though i may be a serious risk for something, and would surely like answers. I have changed doctors in the last week because i'm totally dissatified with the one i was using.
thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 09, 2006 12:00AM
, Jan 09, 2006 12:00AM
The triglycerides are indeed quite high. Diet is the most common cause of high triglycerides, however there are a variety of hereditary conditions that also can raise the triglycerides.
The danger of persistently high triglyceride levels is that it can cause pancreatitis. I would obtain amylase and lipase levels to ensure this isn't the cause. Pancreatitis can certainly lead to some of your abdominal symptoms.
Regarding the inflammation in the sigmoid colon, you can consider a biopsy to have a more definitive diagnosis.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or a second opinion.
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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
The danger of persistently high triglyceride levels is that it can cause pancreatitis. I would obtain amylase and lipase levels to ensure this isn't the cause. Pancreatitis can certainly lead to some of your abdominal symptoms.
Regarding the inflammation in the sigmoid colon, you can consider a biopsy to have a more definitive diagnosis.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician or a second opinion.
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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Sincerely, junglejim
It is my husband,, he is 41 y/o....He has been hospitalized this is going on the 5th time this year for the same "unknown" thing.First time they said Viral pancreatitus (pancreatitis), next time gatrointitus....perhaps gatroparesis..these are the sort of diagnoses.
His symptoms are as follows....vomitting bile, gas pressure pain the belly button area, slight fever, he was on chlorestal meds... Dr said that he is NOT a classic case of any medical condition. he has had all kinds of test...HIDA scan neg.... gastroparesis test ...neg. enodcopoy neg...all it shows is that his small intestines are irritated. He had umblical hernia repair to rule out any blockage. he has these bounts every 2 months....very frustating and nerve wracking waiting for the show to drop. He goes to ER they give him...compazine and he feels better...in liguid form. One test where you swallow the camera did show that he has a very slow tract....
Any clues as to what this could be .....I am extremely worried....
Anything would help...maybe the Dr are missing something...Dr said that it is NOT life threatening....maybe for him....but for us it is the fear of the UNKNOWN....
THanks ...
Maggie Mae
You have colitis and that is being aggrevated by the drinking. Alcohol does what? It drys out the skin. Well, if you have an irritated colon and intestine, then you should not be drinking at all. Coffee and caffine rob your body of the water it so desparately needs. So what do you end up with? A dried up inflammed intestinal track. I would suggest that you buy a juicer and start your way to the road of healing. Cucumber for inflammation and aloe vera. I would start with this juice first. So really all you are doing if juicing the cucumber and adding the aloe. The next week, add cabbage ( which is known to fight off ulcers) I am assuming that ulceration will be the next stage of your problem if you do not get the inflammation down. Once everything is calm, then consider a LIFE long dietary change. Dedicate your morning to a freshly juiced carrot along with a cucumber. These veggies and others will help and heal your problem. Your body is starving for viatl nutrients and moisture.
Get rid of the stuff that dries it out!!!