Pancreatitis or other Pancreatic Complications

The day after getting an excellent review from my surgeon and nurse practitioner for reaching protein, food , and vitamins/supplement goals, I unexpectedly fell ill. 

18 days post op, I began experiencing sever abdominal pain, diarrhea, and ultimately vomiting. I went to the nearest Emergency Room. Hospital staff and doctors here said they were not familiar with GBP but had surgeons on their team who performed Roux-en-y GBP at other hospitals. I was told I had pancreatitis in the ER, was admittied and less then 12 hours later I was told my labs were normal so that they thought I did not have pancreatitis. They also did a CT scan which showed no evidence of leaks, perforations, etc. They ultimately consulted with my surgeon and PCP. I was released less than 24 hours after going to the ER.

Less then a week later, I started getting diarrhea again. I take Zofran for nausea, but continued to feel like vomiting. I had a hard time getting in enough fluid let alone enough protein or food. I keep gaggin trying to take my calcium supplemets too. I saw my surgeon who had me get another CT scan and additional blood work. She told me to stop the calcium supplements for now and focus on getting enough fluid in. She considered re-admitting me but did not. I was told my CT scan was fine by my lipase levels were high as though I had pancreatitis. They told me to continue taking nausea medicine, worry less about meeting protein and food goals, call immediately if I vomit or have diarrhea again (or go to ER if after hours). I am to follow up with her next Friday. 

They are not really sure what is going on with me and I am getting frustrated. Has any one experienced pancreatitis or other pancreas related complications after surgery? Are there questions I should be asking my doctor that I am not? Where can I get more information? What else can I do.  I appreciae any input.

I had two episodes of severe pancreatitis about 6 years apart (one 3 years before my RNY). Both of them landed me in the hospital for more than 5 days.  They labeled the first attack as idiopathic (meaning they weren't sure what the cause was) and after the second attack, they took my gallbladder out because I had a gallstone that got stuck in the duct, causing the pancreatitis.

Do you still have your gallbladder?  If the pancreas acts up because of a gallstone and then the gallstone dislodges on its own, the pancreatic enzyme levels often drop very quickly. (My amylase and lipase levels were VERY high both times, and it took 6 days of no food or water to get them to drop to a normal level the first time, but only 2 days the second time when it was caused by the gallstone.) The other symptoms you are having are also consistent with gallbladder attacks.  If you still have your gallbladder, I would ask the doctor about having an ultrasound.

if you don't have your gallbladder, but are taking any kind of prescriptions meds, be aware that there are a couple of medications that can make you more prone to pancreatitis. Your PCP and gastric bypass surgeon may not be aware of them, but a gastroenterologist would be.

Lora

 Thanks, Lora.

I had my gallbladder removed in January of 2005. I was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and they said my gallbladder was riddled with gallstones so they had me wait three days NPO with IV fluid and paind medication and then they removed my gallbladder.

I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon's nurse practitioner Friday and I wasn to be sure to ask the right questions. I have read some horror stories so I am hoping something can be done.  http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic22900_20.html

I was a 31 year old with no children, excellent blood pressure, no diabetes, no sleep apnea - an overall healthy person when I went in for my Roux-en-y GBP surgery. Ever since returning from the hospital this most recent time I have not felt as thought I am healing or getting better. I hope this is not the new normal. 

I am still open to ideas and suggestions. Are there tests I should be asking for? Medications I should suggest or ask about? Should I see a specialist and what kind? 

I am open to all ideas and information.

The only thing I can suggest is asking for a referral to a  good gastroenterologist (who would be much more knowledgable about pancreatic issues and whether any prescription meds you are taking can cause (or increase the chances of) pancreatitis than a surgeon or a PCP).

i hope you feel better soon.

Lora