Hello,
I had my first acute attack of pancreatitis 2 weeks ago. Spent 2 days in hospital on IV fluids and NG tube. Lipase levels 115. I continue to experience mild pain (not taking any medications) in my right upper abdomen which is not associated with food (actually food makes it better). No alcohol or fat foods since attack. My concern is that I still experience pain after 2 weeks where in majority of literature patients with mild pancreatitis experience pain only for 7-10 days. What is your experience with pain after acute attack?
Thank you
I don't know what literature you have been reading but the effects of an attack of acute pancreatitis can last for many months. It really is early days and it sounds as though you've been lucky. Acute pancreatitis can kill.
Try and find what caused the attack if you can. If it was caused by alcohol consumption treat it as a warning.
It varies from patient to patient. I had been having pain in the area for years but it not till later on did it flare up and require a hospital visit. However, after the first acute attack the severe pain eventually dulled up, and I was released from the hospital. The pain while certainly less intense, never ever went away fully. For myself the pain tends to ebb and flow without much reason, but can be made worse with bad food choices or too much of anything. I do my best not to provoke an attack and I have been slowly making better choices as I am much better at listening to my body. I used MS Contin long acting 2x per day, everyday of my life and I have dilaudid for break through pain (often after meal). The pain meds have given me a much better quality of life, and mostly I just notice less pain (not feeling all drugged up). If I sense an increase in pain well then maybe I won't eat that day or I'll do clear fluid till it passes. The pain may eventually resolve, and not return or it may stick around like mine. In any event, I wish you the best of health and I would be trying to ensure you don't aggravate an already bad situation, if possible. The 7-10 days thingy they mean pretty intense pain, it may take longer for the pain to completely resolve. Here's hoping you are one the lucky ones.
Thank you for your responses. I had mild attack, CT showed no necrosis in my pancreas or structural changes. HopperRox, thank you for clearing up the pain question I had. I continue to experience discomfort/occasional pain which not really requires any pain medication. I was just concerned about developing chronic pancreatitis since I continue to experience some pain/discomfort after 2 weeks. As to what caused it I am not really sure since my last alcohol drink was around NewYear. Anyway no alcohol or fat foods for me for atleast 4 months.
It's a slow healer, and it sounds like you are doing your best to give it time to rest. One mild attack does not usually make one chronic. Early on I made the mistake of thinking no pain meant my problem was gone, it was very deceptive that way, and reared it's head nastier than the previous attack. I really am hoping you are one of lucky ones who has 1 attack, recovers fully (give it time) and never sees it again....fingers crossed for you.
i find taking 10ml gaviscon advance aniseed suspension greatly reduces upper abdominal pain.
I have pancreatitis as well. Spent 2 wks in the hospital, and developed a soodo cyst. I'm also experiencing flare ups. Very scared it's turned into chronic. Just got blood work and ct scan, and should have results tomarrow. I never new something like this could b so very painful. It's nice to talk to people who can relate.
Oh, and also my lipase levels were at 26,000!!!!!! Not good!
I've not doubt that you levels are high rach but 26,000 is rather a lot. Have you added a zero? If your pancreas is still inflamed it might be too early to give a diagnosis of CP.
I had my first bout of Acute Pancreatitis due to alcohol 5 weeks ago now. I was in hospital for 9 days in total, I could stand up straight around day 8, temperature and high heart rate calmed at about 14 days, and at about 3 weeks I could lie on my front and pretty much all the pain was gone. Its been 5 weeks now have no pain but I am very conscious of the slightest twinge, so paranoid about Chronic Pancreatitis starting sometimes I think I create symptoms. Seriously though I feel lucky to have recovered HOPEFULLY for good and Alcohol is a thing of the past for me, health is so precious what an idiot I was to take it for granted. Never again. Hppy healing mate it takes time.
I'm now at day AP+22,and am really fed up with the INSOMNIA [never had it before AP] I normally retire to bed and wakeup two hours later thats it my total sleep.do it again 24hrs later.does anyone else have/had this ? if so how long does it last.?
Hi, my wife has acute pancreatitis and is waiting for a scan. I figured that as the pancreas makes digestive enzymes if it isn't well then it may help to supplement the diet with digestive enzymes. We tried it and it helps a lot. Give them a try.
Hi nick,
Pancreatitis is a crazy disease. You are doing the right things, no alcohol, low fat. Are you smoking, recently they have linked smoking with pancreatitis, ypur lipaise levels arent bad...ive had in the 3000s.My guess is you are a smoker...lol..let me know if im right,that seems to be the only thing that may be causing continued pain.
I hope your pain gets resolved.
Paul
Hi Alan,
What medications are you on. It could be a medication.
Good luck,
Paul
Congratulations on choosing to live.
Best of luck,
Paul
I have seen as high as 16000 of you throw in Creon maybe an hour or two before, it may be possable.
Good luck,
Paul
Thx guys for you replies.
Continued to have pain till about a month ago. Did HIDA scan, lipase tests monthly, U/S and everything came out normal. At the same time was exercising, no alcohol, not too much fat in a diet.
Started Cotazym and had drastic improvement in pain level and ability to tolerate fatty foods. Still have occasional pain now and then but see definite improvement with enzymes. Will have a 3 months trial period and see if can stop taking them.
To Paul55625 Yes I am a light smoker 2-5 cigs per day. Now quit completely will see if it would result in improvement. Thx for advice though.
I just got out of the hospital yesterday. My doctors said they'd never seen numbers so high. Over 20000. They released me to go home once my numbers got down to a level that most people end up in the hospital for. I have to say I'm somewhat relieved to see that someone else had numbers so high.
How have you been since? Was your recovery long?
Thanks,
Tim
This is my first attack ever at age 41