Could Pancreatitis Attacks Be Brief?
I’m a 39-year-old female, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5'5". For over three years, I have been on a regimen including Lamotrigine, Methylphenidate, and Tirzepatide. Lately, I've been undergoing peculiar gastrointestinal episodes that primarily occur at night, typically about an hour after I settle down for the evening. These episodes are marked by extreme abdominal discomfort—pain so severe, it's unmatched by anything I’ve encountered previously—followed by bouts of vomiting and watery diarrhea. Generally, once the diarrhea hits, the intense stomach ache tends to lessen within an hour. The pain is centered around my abdomen but also radiates to my back. My recent habit of drinking wine has become more frequent, averaging up to two glasses, although I occasionally indulge three to five times a week. While it's not the case that all my episodes coincide with wine consumption, a noticeable number seem to follow after drinking. Just last night, I had a particularly painful episode that began right after I snacked on some peanut M&Ms. Although my diet is relatively balanced, I’ve been confronting some nutritional deficiencies, prompting me to boost my meat consumption significantly. Hydration has also been a struggle for me; I consistently carry around water and an electrolyte drink in an effort to stay adequately hydrated. I have been using Tirzepatide for quite some time, and I routinely have my pancreas and kidney functions evaluated. Thankfully, there have been no reported issues concerning pancreatitis. Most recently, in March, my tests showed no specific problems, but my amylase levels were on the lower side at 17 u/L, while all other markers remained normal. I find myself worried that I may have developed pancreatitis, yet these incidents are brief, lasting merely a couple of hours. Could it be an alternative issue, like indigestion or gastritis? I have strong suspicions about a B12 deficiency, as my levels have been low, and I’m experiencing a variety of unusual symptoms including pale lips, tingling sensations in my hands and legs, shortness of breath, a rapid pulse, and overwhelming fatigue. When I last had blood work done, my doctor dismissed concerns about anemia and recommended supplements. Although some symptoms have alleviated, others persist. I have an appointment with my primary care physician scheduled for next month.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 2:01:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant gastrointestinal distress, and it's completely understandable to be concerned about what could be causing these episodes. While brief bouts of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea can be indicative of several issues—ranging from indigestion to gastritis—a potential concern for pancreatitis cannot be completely ruled out, especially with your recent alcohol consumption patterns and other symptoms.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Pancreatitis often presents with severe abdominal pain that can extend to the back, along with nausea and vomiting. Although your episodes are brief and not consistently linked to alcohol, any alcohol, especially in combination with certain foods (like high-fat snacks), can potentially trigger issues.
- Gastritis and indigestion could also be contributing, particularly if your stomach is sensitive to certain foods or beverages, including wine.
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially low Vitamin B12 levels, could be related to some of the symptoms you’re experiencing such as fatigue, tingling in your limbs, and pale lips.
Next Steps
- Track Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your gastrointestinal episodes, noting when they occur, what you ate or drank before, and how long they last. This can help identify triggers.
- Alcohol Moderation: Consider reducing or avoiding alcohol to see if it alleviates your symptoms. It may help to eliminate wine from your diet for a trial period.
- Dietary Adjustments: Pay close attention to your diet. Since you've noted that some foods provoke symptoms, try to eliminate high-fat or rich foods and monitor your body’s reactions.
- Hydration: Continue to prioritize hydration but also consider electrolyte solutions that don’t irritate your stomach.
- Discuss Nutritional Deficiencies: Bring up your concern about potential B12 deficiency and ongoing symptoms with your primary care physician. You might need further evaluation (such as blood tests) to assess levels of B12, folate, among others, and consider the need for stronger supplementation.
- Manage Stress: Since your episodes occur at night, contemplate any stress or anxiety that might contribute. Gentle relaxation techniques or routines can be beneficial.
Reassurance
Your proactive approach in regularly checking on your pancreatic and kidney functions is commendable, and having an upcoming appointment with your primary care physician will provide a good opportunity to address your symptoms comprehensively. In the meantime, focus on tracking your symptoms and making dietary adjustments that may ease your discomfort. Your health matters, and it’s important to advocate for your well-being!
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!