bulky pancreas

[tedm]

Dear Dr. Pho,

Recently I had a CT scan and it showed a "Bulky Pancreas". I had the CT because of pressure in my upper abdomen. Everything else was normal on the CT scan. My doctor ordered blood and stool tests which all came back normal. I asked him the "Slightly Bulky Pancreas" and he advised not to worry about it. He advised that he ran blood test to check my pancreas and they were all normal. He advised no mass was found on my Pancreas and that I do not have any symptoms (weight loss, jaundice etc.) that would lead him to believe anything  is wrong with my pancreas. He advised that he believes I am having problems with my gallbladder or with GERD. I have had GERD problems for years now, just not these symptoms. I do take medication for GERD. I have had an upper GI and it came back showing I have GERD.  Should I be concerned about my pancreas or not worry about like my doctor told me.

Thanks

[tedm]

Hello,

I appreciate your response. I have been to many different physicians in an attempt to find out what is going on and have had no luck. I guess I am to the point of looking at conditions that are rare and hard to diagnose (like SOD). My doctor told me I was probably going to have to live with this problem the rest of my life because he and other doctors can't figure out what is going on. I am not complaining about my doctor, because he has worked hard to find the problem and has sent me to specialists in hopes of finding out what the problem is, but I think he has finally given up. I guess I was hoping SOD was the answer. I understand nobody wants SOD, but I am at the point of needing an answer (even a bad one).

Again, Thanks for your response.

[CalGal]

By definition, SOD is a condition in which the sphincter or the common bile duct itself is spasming. If this were SOD you would be experiencing extreme pain in almost any position you would be in. In my opinion, what you are describing does not sound like SOD.

[tedm]

I have noticed you have written on SOD. I was wondering if that is what I may be suffering from. I do not have pain though, only extreme pressure under both rib cages and the middle of my sternum. I have exhausted all tests with the exception of ERCP exam. I am able to get positional relief from my symptoms when I lay flat on my stomach or on either side. The symptoms are constant and never completely go away. They do get worse at times, especially after working out (I get extreme pressure in my upper abdomen and under both rib cages after working out). Would SOD get worse with workouts and get better from lying down on my stomach or sides?  

Thanks for any help.

[CalGal]

Tedm, this is the wrong forum on which to reach Dr. Pho. You need to post your question on the gastro board on "Ask A Doctor."