Unresolved/Undiagnosed Digestive Problems & Recurring Pancreatitis

[Chocbunny]

SYMPTOMS: early satiety, nausea, trapped gas, and bloating, constipation and diarrhea.  A battery of tests were done, including colonoscopy, upper endoscopy (hiatal hernia) esophageal motility (muscle doesn't work well), stomach emptying.  All normal.  I've been hospitalized with pancreatitis twice in the last 2 years.  I have type2 diabetes, I'm overweight.  I am a 60 year old African American female.

DIAGNOSIS:  My gastroenterologist came up with nothing Murilax and Amitiza.  Not very effective. After doing research on my own, I discovered digestive enzymes.  I've purchased some from Enzymedica that have helped tremendously, but not totally--because I don't know enough about my needs.  I just discovered through research that there is a LIPASE TEST This test is done to check the pancreas for disease, most often acute pancreatitis.  There are probably more tests to see if there are enzymatic deficiencies, I imagine.  

QUESTION: Why didn't the gastroenterologist suggest any of these tests?  What's the likely diagnosis & treatment?  More importantly, where can I look to find physicians who incorporate this type of diagnostic tool to come up with a diagnosis in my area Chicago and NW Suburbs?

[Chocbunny]

Thank you for the info.  I'll research diabetic gastroparesis.  I guess I'll have to get an Endocrinologist to help with the Type II.  I haven't really ever had a MD. who addressed diabetes, and I haven't been testing my blood-sugar levels for many months (mom died last July + Dad died this past August).  My weight has risen & I'm an emotional wreck.  This may exacerbate the problem, but it's been ongoing since August 2010.  I've come to the conclusion that my gastroenterologist is useless.  So I've been off on my own to find a "cure" for what ails me.  Will post later when I have more info to share.  Thanks again and happy holidays!  

[Caryopteris]

My first thought is diabetic gastroparesis.  Google that phrase along with the word SYMPTOMS, and see if you think it could be a match.  It is a nerve problem.  

Supposedly there are not many treatments for it, so keeping your diabetes under control is most important.  I would talk to others with diabetes; some of them are dealing with this also.  I would think the enzymes are fine.  I take many supplements to aid my digestion, although I don't think mine is gastroparesis.  You might try magnesium citrate tablets in the morning, glutamate powder in a beverage such as coconut milk or almond milk, and a probiotic.  Others I take include L-glutamine.  I get enzymes in my whole food vitamin and also my new probiotic.  Good luck.  

[Chocbunny]

Thank you so much.  I know that I'm being led to the right places, and I am so hopeful that the answer is out there.  The enzymes have really helped, but I need a health care practitioner to guide me as to what I should be taking.  Best of luck with your daughter.  God bless you and your daughter too!

[lisaob1]

hi..i wish i could give you answers..and im sorry for what your going through..i guess i wanted to post to say hi and hope you find the answers you looking for..because i know how difficult it is..my daughter had a rare bowel disease..hirshbrungs...and although its so different...i guess i just wanted to say that people are listening and seeing  your post...good luck and god bless
lisa