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
Injury to the Sciatic Nerve
At 25 years old and weighing 135 pounds, I am currently taking naproxen and Lyrica to manage my sciatic nerve injury. The pain in my right leg has made it incredibly difficult for me to remain upright. It’s been two weeks since I first sought treatment; I consulted a physician who advised medication and attended a physiotherapy session. Initially, I experienced some relief after the appointment, but unfortunately, the pain returned the following day—even the prescribed home exercises exacerbated my discomfort. Just yesterday, I attempted the cobra pose, along with the flossing technique, which only heightened my pain. I find it nearly impossible to stand for more than a few seconds before the discomfort becomes intolerable. Additionally, I have an appointment with an osteopath on Tuesday, but I can't shake off my worries— is it normal to still struggle with walking after two weeks? Although I am experiencing some numbness in my toes, I haven’t encountered any loss of bladder or bowel control, worsening numbness, or weakness in my legs, so I feel stable in that regard. Nonetheless, I fear the possibility of never fully recovering and being left with a lasting disability. The pain is overwhelming, adding to my anxiety about the future.
Inquiry Regarding Metronidazole Use for Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis
I am a 32-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 248 pounds. My current medications include Vyvanse at a dosage of 40mg, a medication for asthma, vitamin D, a 325mg iron supplement, and as of now, I am also taking amoxicillin to treat strep throat. I am about to begin using Metronidazole 0.75% Vaginal Gel, with a total of 70 grams available. The instructions indicate that I should administer 5 grams vaginally twice a day for seven days, followed by twice a week for a period of two months. During the initial treatment phase when I will apply the gel twice daily, I anticipate abstaining from sexual activity. However, once I transition to the twice-weekly application, is it permissible to engage in sexual intercourse? I would normally consult my physician about this matter, but she is currently unavailable, and the nurse is also out of the office, which is quite frustrating.
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!
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?