I have been experiencing pancreatic pain for 6 mos now. Have been to the ED 5 times in that time period. I thought I knew what pain was with my lower back issues - but I was unfortunately mistaken. During these acute pancreatic episodes - the best way to describe the pain is to say that I was out of my mind. All I could think of was pain relief. It was so bad that I was screaming for hours and it took a dozen shots of dilaudid for the pain to be tolerable. I have had a pseudocyst drained, have irregular duct dialation, side duct dialation and pancreatic atrophy. I have EPI for which I am prescribed PERT (Zenpep 40K). I have also had a Celiac Plexis Nerve Block which provided some pain relief (~20%?). I am almost always in mild to moderate pain with severe flareups on occasion (every 4 weeks or so). I have had no pain medication prescribed outside of the ED and my quality of life is not good/poor. I have recently had an elastase test and am awaiting the results. My Lipase is low (14), except during flareups when it has been as high as 450. I fortunately am just not the type to suffer any depression or psychological issues of any sort.
As we are all aware, the medical community is very reluctant to prescribe any pain medication and I absolutely understand why. I haven't specifically broached the subject yet as I don't want to exhibit 'drug seeking behavior.' My history, lab results and imaging all seem to indicate CP and I have been medically diagnosed as such.
Bottom line - I have to do something about the pain or I cannot have a normal, productive or predictable life due to flareups and constant pain. I have tried OTC analgesics and, to be honest, they're a drop in the ocean. I absolutely will not use medical marijuana. The out of control feeling it gives me is intolerable.
I will meet with my Gastroenterologist in three weeks to evaluate all of the latest testing results and I presume develop a treatment plan.
What should I anticipate?
Should I request to be referred to a Pain Specialist?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
