How can you tell the difference between Gastroparesis and Chronic Pancreatitis?
I would like the answer to that question too. I have had abdominal pain and back pain for months. My blood work comes back normal. I have had 2 ct scans and 3 ultrasounds and an endoscopy that showed gastritis but the pain is unbareable.
Consider having a HIDA scan to check to see if your gallbladder is functioning properly.
As for this topic, I believe gastroparesis just causes you to feel full very quickly and just an overall sick feeling, while chronic pancreatitis is extreme pain in the upper abdominal area, sometimes in the back with nausea and occasionally vomiting. You'll know if it's pancreatitis, the pain is horrible, like call an ambulance horrible.
A good question. I myself am unable to comment on it but would like to see comments of others.
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Gastroparesis is when the stomach doesn't empty properly.
I had a HIDDA scan and everything checked out. I'm waiting on a MRI next week to see if anything comes from that. Right now I'm in the process of finding another GI dr. I know the difference between the two diseases, but the symptoms are so much the same. That one morning to the ER I did call an ambulance
I have been to er twice and several tests and still no diagnosis. It is frustrating!
With pancreatitis one should have lipase enzyme levels elevated, amylase often only jumps in acute.
If normal lipase then gallstones and autoimmune pancreatitis need exclusion if still suggestion of pancreatitis.
Gastroparesis will be well documented with a nuclear gastric emptying test. There is really not much doubt about gastroparesis (my daughter has it and quite severe at the moment surviving on liquid diet and trying to escape the jejunal tube feeds.)
Good luck