Could I Be Prone to Developing Pancreatitis?
At 22, I overindulged in curd and chia seeds one evening, leading to intense pain in my upper abdomen that persisted for two and a half days. During this time, I experienced significant weakness, a mild fever, dizziness, and nausea, though I didn't vomit. My blood pressure was notably low, but thankfully, these symptoms subsided on their own yesterday. Following this incident, I had blood tests done, revealing a lipase level of 24 u/L and an amylase level of 67 u/L. Initially, I felt reassured, thinking these results were normal; however, my doctor informed me that they are concerning and indicated a potential risk for pancreatitis. Is this assessment accurate? Presently, I'm feeling well without any medication, though my doctor prescribed pancreatin and esomeprazole, advising periodic blood tests every month. Since there hasn’t been any thorough investigation into the cause of my acute abdominal pain, could it be possible that it stemmed from an entirely different issue unrelated to my pancreas? If that’s the case, could it be that this mysterious factor provoked my pancreas briefly, resulting in a slight, yet still acceptable, rise in amylase levels? I've also been advised against consuming anything except boiled or stewed foods, alongside strict limitations on cheese and various fats. This restriction is quite disheartening, especially as I am already on the thin side, and I'm anxious about losing even more weight due to this dietary change. Prior to this, my eating habits weren't too unhealthy—other than a fair amount of daily coffee or tea. Is there a chance that this situation isn't as grave as it seems? Being only 22 years old, I’m reluctant to resign myself to a life of bland meals from here on out.
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 5:42:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've experienced a challenging situation with significant discomfort and concerning symptoms, leading to your current worries about pancreatitis. Let’s break this down and provide the clarity and support you need regarding your health and dietary changes.
Key Points:
- You experienced acute abdominal pain with symptoms that align with possible pancreatic involvement.
- Your lipase and amylase levels were tested; although they are within a certain range, elevations are concerning for pancreatitis.
- Your doctor prescribed pancreatin and esomeprazole and recommended dietary restrictions.
Explanation: Your experience with upper abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, and weakness is concerning, but the pathophysiology of such symptoms can vary widely. Pancreatitis typically results in elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes like lipase and amylase. While your levels are not markedly high, they could reflect mild pancreatic irritation. It's also possible for other issues, such as gastritis, gallbladder problems, or an intolerance to certain foods (like curd or high-fat items), to cause similar symptoms.
The recommendations from your doctor to limit certain foods and monitor your condition are prudent, especially since dietary choices can significantly affect pancreatic health. Your discomfort regarding these changes is understandable, but they are often a necessary step to prevent further issues.
Next Steps:
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Dietary Adjustments: Follow your doctor’s advice on dietary restrictions. Focus on well-cooked, low-fat foods—but you don’t have to stick solely to bland meals. Try adding proteins like lean chicken, fish, legumes, and plenty of vegetables. Incorporate whole grains where possible to maintain your calorie intake.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms and dietary intake to see if there are any patterns that trigger discomfort. This can help you identify foods to avoid long-term.
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Hydration & Nutrients: Stay well-hydrated and consider small, frequent meals that are nutritious but easy on your stomach. This could help prevent weight loss.
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Regular Follow-Up: Keep the follow-up appointments for blood tests as advised by your doctor. These will help monitor your enzyme levels and overall pancreatic health.
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Discuss Concerns: If your symptoms do not persist, or if you feel unsure about your diet's impact or if there are further necessary investigations (such as imaging studies), discuss these with your healthcare provider to address your concerns.
Remember, you are not alone in feeling this way, and your current health situation can often be managed successfully with careful monitoring and dietary adjustments. If you have more questions or concerns, feel free to ask. Your health and comfort are important.
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