Pancreatitis, cause unknown - Digestive Disorders Message Board

giveuptheghost · 07-03-2004, 11:03 PM

Just a few days ago, my mother was rushed off with an ambulance to the hospital. She complained of her stomach just hurting.

That night, after tests, we find out she has pancreatitis. We were told that it was caused by alcohol or gall bladder stones. My mom doesn't drink alcohol, and she doesn't have gall bladder stones. The doctors haven't a clue what's going on.

She's being treated currently, and nothing is changing. It's been about 3 days. Apparently this is abnormal.

I have no idea what exactly pancreatitis is, or what hers is caused by, and if she's going to be okay.

I am posting this with hopes of people responding who are smarter than our oh so educated doctors here.

Sorry if I put this in the wrong forum.

Thank you for any help you might have for me.

-Cinder

Harry · 07-04-2004, 12:07 AM

Hi Cinder,

Sorry about your Mom's problem!! As you know this is very serious. It is an inflammatin of the pancreas. It could be caused by several thing-- a stone that block up the pancreatic duct is a good guess(bile colic) but could be other things like ulcers, instestinal obstruction, appendictis, diverticulitis and problems with the abdominal wall muscles or spleen(blood clots). Mine was caused by a cyst close to the pancreas. I still have a mass that shows up on X-rays and has not changed in 12 years but the csyt is certainly not active.

Testing the enzymes levels is required-- it normally takes 3 to 7 days to return to normal.

Please let us know how she makes out!!

I wish her well---Harry

actudan · 07-04-2004, 07:56 PM

Harry has laid out the important thing and that is the seriousness of the problem. The first course of action is meds for the pain and then to let the pancreas rest meaning no food via mouth and intraveneous fluids. The next thing is to figure out the source of the problem and usually alcohol is the main cause of the problem second to stones. You already said that alcohol isn't the problem so other tests will need to be performed. The pancreas enzymes (lipase and amylase) will need to be monitored and they should go down with the propr treatment in a few days. Some people are in the hospital for a month before being released which shows the seriousness of the problem. I hope she finds the cause of the attack and please keep us posted.

Take care!

Dan

sspitfire37 · 07-05-2004, 02:08 PM

I was diagnosed in 1998 with a non-functioning gall bladder. It was removed and since then I have had chronic idiopathic pancreatitis. I myself hardly ever drank and as an adult could not stand the sight or smell of alchol. My husband is an alcholic so drinking makes me disgusted. I am 39 and do know what your mother is going through. It really stinks. Sometimes the pain can become unbearable I have learned to deal with it the best I can. Hopefully this pancreatitis attack is just a one time thing for her. Let me know how things are going. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sspitfire37

ReeAnn · 07-15-2004, 08:49 AM

Hello Everyone,

I too have Chronic Pancreatitis and I run an online support group for those whose lives have been affected by this disease. It is open to patients, caregivers and medical professionals. I started this group in October 2002 and currently have about 300 members from around the world. Here you will find a truly caring environment in which you might post your concerns and questions and get answers from those who know intimately know the ins and outs of this disease. There is also a true sense of "family" among members as we care for each other. On Sundays and Wednesdays we have hosted chats. There are polls to participate in, lots of links for further information, and even some low fat recipes. Please take the time to come check us out. You can find us on Yahoo Groups - ThePancreatitisPlace.

Looking forward to seeing you there!!