Pancreatitis after reversing fatty liver ?

[99problem]

Hey I’m Joe. 31 years old and was a part of the liver forum for awhile since being diagnosed with an enlarged fatty liver 3 yrs ago. I’ve since had advanced blood tests and a fibroscan that indicate that I’ve reversed the condition but my pain and symptoms are still very much present . Gastro is at a loss after having checked my gallbladder and wants me to have a CT scan. I’m so stressed out and Extremely worried that this may now be pancreatitis of some sort . I’ve read up on the symptoms and they are very similar to my experience. Sweats in the abdomen after eating and abdominal discomfort and pain . Dizziness tends to accompany these as well .Will a CT scan definitively show what the issue might be ? Doc says he thinks it’ll come back normal . I’m at a loss and am feeling hopeless

[ChronicPancAdmin Administrator]

Hi 99problem , welcome to the community. I'm so sorry to hear you're feeling worried and hopeless at the moment. I can completely appreciate your concern, especially after working so hard to reverse your fatty liver condition.

I'm not able to say if the CT scan will be definitive or not as I'm not sure, but it sounds like you are taking all the right steps. Your doctor will be able to best advise on this, but please know whatever the outcome, you have a community here to support you!

[KarenB12 Ambassador]

I'm sorry you're so stressed out over this!

I know for me, knowing 'something' is better than not knowing. Maybe if they can pin your issues down to Pancreatitis, at least you'll have a plan for how to combat your problems or how to live with them.

Normally, they can tell if it's PC from the blood tests alone. Your enzyme levels should be all they need. But in some cases, it may take other tests to determine the cause & damage. For instance, in my case, I no longer have raised enzymes when I get an attack because my pancreas has so much damage. Whereas in the past, they may have jumped to 5,000, now they look normal. So it's important that I let any dr. know about my experience with Pancreatitis.

I hope for the best, whatever it turns out to be.

[99problem in reply to KarenB12]

Thank you Karen . Your response is appreciated. You are so right ! Knowing is half the battle ! Lol . If I had something to base my plan on this would be a lot more manageable. I never really understood that doctors didn’t have all the answers . It’s really just a guessing game of tests and scans . Lol .

[madonbrew Pioneer]

Hi 99problem, Yes I too really understand the feeling of not knowing! It’s just so frustrating when you know you don’t feel well and they can’t figure out what’s wrong! Like Karen said, they can generally tell from your blood tests.

I really hope you get some answers soon and that they can treat you accordingly! Please let us know how you get on and we’ll try and help if we can!

Take care

Dee 😊

[johnboy85]

I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis (CP) via an endoscopic ultrasound, which is the most sensitive diagnostic modality when it comes to the pancreas, back in 2019. They also found a 1.5cm side branch IPMN which has to be monitored every 6 months. A normal abdominal ultrasound sees the IPMN with no problem but nothing else related to the CP. I had a recent CT scan done with contrast and it missed everything. From my understanding a radiologist will most likely miss chronic pancreatitis via a CT scan if the condition isn't in the late stages. Such as calcification, etc. Endoscopic ultrasounds are highly sensitive which is why they will most likely use the Rosemount protocol when it comes to diagnosing the CP condition. endoscopy-campus.com/en/cla...

Not all gastroenterologists do endoscopic ultrasounds, so if yours doesn't, I would have them send you to a center that does.

Best of luck