abdominal pain, could it be pancreatitis?

[SWinNorfolk]

hi all, I have what the drs would call mild Lupus SLE, I’m having a gastric/abdominal pain flare up after thinking I could get away with eating the naughty foods and drinks over Christmas and new year. I’d been managing my lupus quite well recently so ate the things I knew I probably should but thought I could get away with it.

Early this morning I woke in extreme upper abdominal pain (which I’ve had several times over the past few years), with v&d, and almost passing out. I was sipping peppermint tea and took some omeprazole, and what I can only describe as contractions, have stopped. It’s eased a lot now, but still feeling really poorly and in pain. I’m currently having thoracic middle back pain investigated too, so waiting on recent blood results.

Does anyone else get these attacks? years ago I had my gallbladder out and the surgeon said after it wasn’t inflamed and likely not the cause of my pain. Could it be pancreatitis? I’m really reticent to call 111 or go to the hospital as I know I could be waiting uncomfortably for up to 10 hours, especially on New Year’s Day. And don’t fancy propping myself up over a hospital toilet.

any advice or insight appreciated.

[LupusKaren]

I am so sorry that you are suffering, this is just a thought, as am a sufferer, and your symptoms are similar, look up Diverticulitis. Please do not be worried about seeking medical help, both Diverticulitis and Pancreatitis, need medical advice. Best wishes.

[Chris21]

I’m a day late in catching up, so you may have already seen someone. This was how my lupus was finally diagnosed, by having repeat pancreatitis for no obvious reason. My amylase is always high when tested but not enough for the consultant to worry. If your pain hasn’t subsided by now it’s best to get it checked as you dont want it to get out of hand. I can usually manage mine by having 24hrs of just lots of water and then gradually starting to eat non starch foods. There also is the question, is it something else? Hope the pain has subsided.

[Hamptons]

snap. After nearly a year pain free I have gastritis. Stomach solid and pain. I blame rich food and not taking my omeprazole regularly. Everything hurts and I wish to never eatagain. In times I like these I reduce to a white diet, bread, potatoes and plain foods until the inflammation goes down. As eating anything hurts. Pancreatitis is awful, if you are in extreme pain then ring 111 for advice.

[SWinNorfolk]

thank you all for the helpful and kind words, the pain was awful yesterday but has luckily subsided today, still there a little but enough to bare at home. I felt too poorly to call or go to hospital so just managed it at home instead.

But it was lesson indeed in showing that I can’t just eat and drink what I want, even if it is Christmas and New Year. Back on all my meds today, including the omeprazole and plenty rest.

Will see if I can chat to my rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse about pancreatitis, as my next check up has been cancelled (for clinical reasons?! Don’t know what that means).

Hope you’re all doing ok and thanks for the support, really felt helpless yesterday, but feel more like a version of myself again today, phew. Time for a bath and clean pjs, more rest, sips of water and very plain food.

[Chris21 in reply to SWinNorfolk]

glad to hear you’re feeling better. Such a nuisance that we have to be careful on what we eat/drink.

[kyliesinead]

Hi there,

I experienced something similar yesterday after overindulgence over the festive period.

I've been on omeprezol for around 4 years for barrats oesophagus. I take 20mg each morning. My doctor advised that if I was going to over-indulgence, to take a further capsule before your chosen treats (mine being alcohol).

However, I've come to the conclusion that I really need to take better care of myself and have started a healthy diet today! Again!

Obviously, you'd have to get personal advice from your medical team to suit your condition.

Good luck with managing this, I find it disappears if I eat simple foods, but I honestly thought I was having g a heart attack last night as the pain radiated from my upper abdomen to my throat and jaw. Like you, I'm reluctant to sit in A & E or walk in centres for hours. Fortunately, I knew from past experience that it would pass, but it was scary at the time.

I feel fine today and have been for a bracing walk.

Kind regards, June

[SWinNorfolk in reply to kyliesinead]

that sounds awful, sorry you we in so much pain too. Some family suggested it was a hangover but I know the difference between a flare up and a hangover. Plus I wasn’t drunk, only a few drinks, just know I can’t drink Prosecco.

I, like you, knew it would pass and just couldn’t face being in A&E feeling so ill. Just felt so helpless when I posted the original message, so thanks for sharing that you’ve been in the same place.

I feel a little better again today, still washed out, queasy and a bit painful but more myself. I hope you do too, and hopefully we can be kinder to our bodies, and in turn they’ll be kinder to us (even though we have some what of a lack of control over the flare ups!) take care xxx

[SWinNorfolk]

managed to speak to the Dr today and she thinks it’s Gastritis, but going to do my bloods on Friday to check my pancreas and liver. Thanks for the support everyone.

[Christineosh]

have you been tested for celiac disease. Just a thought. One of my daughters swears by Foodmap that looks at foods that are high in certain things that don’t agree with you

[SWinNorfolk in reply to Christineosh]

thank you, I’ve talked about celiac in the past, but don’t think I have enough symptoms for testing. They’re testing for gastritis and pancreatitis this week so will see what they say. I’ve heard about fodmap and gave friends who have done it, so will look at it again, thank you. I do find new or elimination diets challenging, but have managed it for extended periods in the past.

[SWinNorfolk in reply to Christineosh]

I’ve just done a refresh on fodmap and I am basically already on a fodmap diet due to the things I already have to avoid 😂 so hopefully I’m ok the right track!

[SWinNorfolk]

hi everyone,

I’m feeling much better now. I had my bloods taken a week after the attack, and the dr has said they’re satisfactory, however they’re showing GGT (Gamma Glutamyl Transferase) as high 63 and Serum alanine aminotransferase level 60 Above the high reference limit. does anyone have any experience in liver problems and if these are normal for a blood test taken a week after having a few drink(not heavy drinking). I rarely drink alcohol since my lupus diagnosis 3 years ago, but used to drink socially years ago.