My father, 67 is having a similar situation going on right now. He is a heavy drinker and staring having abdominal pain which radiated to the back with nausea and diarrhea. He has lost a total of about 20 pounds which really worries us. He was admitted to the hospital where an endoscopy, colonscopy, CT, MRI and ERCP and US where done all we normal. He told due to his history chronic pancreatitis was possible and was given enzyme supllemnts which do not help the pain. Ive read chronic pancreatitis might not show up in these imaging tests but the severe weight loss and pain are continuing. Please keep me updated on ure condition since it sounds quite similar to my dads.
Well I had a colonoscopy about a year ago. My current doctor is going to send me for a test for my small intestine. I am not sure what this entails but he said i would be taking a capsule of some sort then they take pictures. Have you had this done? I m about out of tests to do. Fortunately I live in Canada and all of our health care is covered or I would be in the poor house by now ;-) Your explanation makes alot of sense to me. I have yet to find another person with this problem. Imagine standing up the entire time you are awake it's not fun.
Has your gstro doctor looked at a twisted intestine or colon? aar1151
another unusual symptom for Chronic Pancreatitis is that eating actually eases my pain for hours after I eat. When my pain is at it's worse I usually look for something to eat.
I agree with the workup thus far. If the diagnosis continues to be elusive, you can consider a second GI opinion.
Causes other than pancreatitis can be considered. Malabsorption and celiac disease can also cause mucous-based and oily stools. Sending the stool off for such analysis, along with obtaining blood tests to exclude celiac disease can be discussed with your GI physician.
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 Pho, M.D.
KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd