looking for information on pancreas insufficiency

[Buttsy]

Good afternoon to you all,

Just wondering if anyone has, had faecal Elastese test?

My first test result was 220 which is classed as low but normal. So lab advised retest.

I am suffering with GI symptoms and been told I have GERDs and dysmotility but I am also suffering with upper quadrant discomfort and loose stools and sometimes urgency and I go ,on average at least3 times a day, my faecal Elastese test came back low and I have repeated it this week and await the results.

Any insight or information would be appreciated.

Thanks to you all on the webpage for your support and wisdom.

[Doglover42]

I'm suffering similar symptoms and will be submitting a sample for the elastase test next week. I have left upper quadrant pain (sometimes more in the middle), gas and loose bowel movements. I also have a CT abdomen with contrast scheduled. I'm trying to get it changed to an MRI so I can avoid the radiation. I'll post back here when I get the results of those tests.

I'm sorry you're suffering, and hope you find answers soon.

[Buttsy in reply to Doglover42]

Thank you,

My second Elastase test came back over 140ug/g higher so more in the normal range, however symptoms still exactly the same ,I go back to Dr in 10 days to review results and symptoms, so will see what advise I get then.i will also update if I get any answers.

Good luck with your upcoming scan and hope you get some answers too.

Take care x

[quanglewangle]

Hello Buttsy

The 140 reading confirms PI

Take a look at the elastase range results quoted on an NHS website....

Normal exocrine pancreatic sufficiency: > 200ug/g

Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: 100 – 200ug/g

Severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: <100ug/g

I have never had the test but my frequent urgent toilet visits (5-15 per day) and Coeliac history was enough to get me put on to high dose pancreatic enzymes and I also put myself on to very high dose probiotics hoping to get a more normal life.

The result is transformational - only 2-3 visits per day with almost normal stools (colour/consistency/floating all improved) no explosive public sh*tty incidents, smelly frequent farting virtually ceased. AND now (of course) there is a continent-wide shortage of PERT supplies, my prescriptions have dried up and I await the future with trepidation..... back soon to the nightmare.

Good luck

[Buttsy in reply to quanglewangle]

Thank you for your reply, hope you get your medication soon. Unpredictability bathroom wise is a nightmare.

have used probiotics in the past maybe I will try them again.until I get back to see the GP ,

Good Luck

[25clai]

hi just wondering which probiotics you are on? I have a lot of gastro chronic problems and struggled before the diagnosis even before severe pancreas insufficiency was diagnosed a few months back. Dr said just eat the yoghurt form, but not great. My elastase test was 87 a couple of months back.

[Buttsy]

Hi, 25clai,

I am back using Saukraut ,( i don’t know where you are but I get it from Asda in the fresh fridge section it is a polish brand I think ) and the yogurt drinks.

Thanks for your response.