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!
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