Test Results

[AL46690]

I am a 25 year old female.  About 2 months ago, I started having severe abdomnal pain.  I went to the doctor and they took my blood.  I had abnormal pancreas results so they gave me a CT scan.  The CT scan revealed nothing wrong.  About 2 weeks ago, I came down with really flu-like symptoms... extreme chest congestion, shortness of breath, headaches, and severe swollen lymph nodes.  The doctor wants to do another blood test to see if I still have the abnormal pancreas.  Could these be related?  They have provided me with two antibiodic prescriptions but nothing seems to ever help.  I feel like I can't even come to work because of my severe weakness and I am still having the abdomal pain.  Is there a test that I should recommend my doctor give me?  I live in a rural area where they is little health care so we really have no expert doctors.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The symptoms and the pancreas can possibly be related.  However pancreatitis would be unlikely if the blood tests remained normal in the context of a normal CT scan.  

Further evaluation can be done with an ultrasound to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, and biliary ducts.  An upper endoscopy can be done to evaluate the upper GI tract.  

I would consider a referral to a GI physician to discuss these options.

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

[AL46690]

My doctor told me it could be a virus.  Should I have them perform a test to test for a virus and if so, what test would this be.    

[ok2531]

I had the same issues a while back.  Abdominal pain and an elevated amylase level.  I had my gallbladder out a couple years ago so it wasn't that.  Had a CT scan showed normal.  My amylase is always mildly elevated but my adominal pain has gone away.  My doc said I may have had a virus....some sludge in my ducts....or could have SOD.  Anyways, I understand your frustration.  At the time of the pain I also had diarrhea, nausea no vomiting & left upper & epigastric pain.  I was worried about the pancreas too but it looked absolutely normal on CT scan.  I also had EGD that showed normal.  

[AL46690]

This is so helpful!  How long did it take for your abdomnal pain to go away?  Did you ever have swollen lymph nodes?  That seems to also be one of my severe symptoms.

[ok2531]

It took a good couple of weeks.  I didn't notice any lymph node swelling however you said that you also have some respiratory congestion ect....there is a respiratory virus going around right now and it could be from that.  I am now battling that :( chest congestion coughing stuffy nose...the lymph nodes in my neck are sore but so are my ears so it's related to that.  I completely understand your stress & fear.  Can you relate your pain to meals?  If so, how about heavy/fatty meal or certain foods?  My doctor told me to stop checking my amylase levels for a while and I did and I also quit stressing about it then before you know it one day I woke up & it was all gone :)  No nausea, no pain, occassional diarrhea but I relate that to my gallbladder.  My GI doc thinks it was just a virus my primary doc thinks maybe sludge or a residual stone. Only time will tell and until then I place it in Gods hands & try to eat healthy :)  Let me know if you have any other questions or just need to chat!  God bless~

[AL46690]

Thanks! I think just the need for support from someone who knows what I am going through really helps.  I just feel like it has to be something else.  The abdomnal pain has been going on for months now.  And maybe the timing with the respiratory virus is just all it is.  However, my primary doc said it didn't appear that I had the respiratory stuff.  I am just afraid it is some virus that I should be checked out for.  I notice the abdomal pains get worse if I drink coffee or hot tea.

[ok2531]

ahhh see that has caffiene soooo it could be intestinal...how about IBS.  Do you struggle with diarrhea/constipation ever??  Are you under a lot of stress??  Unfortunately, virus are hard to check for and most of them just run their course.  any pain on the right side at all? just thinking maybe gallbladder/stone.  I have lots of experience with all this not so fun stuff plus I'm a nurse of 10years med/surg.  I'll try to help all I can but I would continue with going to the doctor & pressing them to figure it out if it interfers with your daily life.

[ok2531]

How are you doing?  Any better??