Pancreatitis-Protein Shakes+Tylenol on empty tummy? Help

Hello, I had recently had a 4 day stay at the hospital because I had horrible pains in my tummy. They did extensive testing and thought it was pancreatitis and that maybe it could have started out as a stomach virus and evolved. (I originally thought that was what it was when it started and didn't go in right away.)

They said my valve from my gall bladder looked irritated and it may look like I could have had a gall stone, but they weren't sure. They said everything else like my kidneys and liver looked fine. They let me go on Saturday and I am on a clear liquid diet. They told me I cannot have my protein shakes because it wasn't a clear liquid. I need to give my pancreas a rest. I asked about cheese because I love the laughing cow cheese, but they said no. They really didn't give me any idea of what I could eat, all they kept saying was clear liquid diet and mashed potatoes to start on for mushies.

Well I started feeling the pain again Sunday night and went back to the ER. They didn't admit me because they said my lipase increased since being discharged, but my white blood count is higher than when I was discharged. They didn't feel the need to admit me because I didn't have a fever. They basically told me to take tylenol to help manage the pain.

I am so confused. Is taking Tylenol okay on just a liquid diet? I can barely choke down 1/2 a cup of broth a day. I've been mostly staying on water, but I know I cannot sustain on just broth and water. I feel so weak and just emotionally drained.

Sorry for rambling, but if you have any ideas for getting liquid protein that isn't a shake, that would be great. It has been days since I've had any protein. Also, is it safe to take the Tylenol on an empty tummy. I just have the regular old 500mg Tylenol and have been taking 2 every 4 hours to help with the pain.

ER set me up with an appointment to go back in to see a primary care doc today at 1pm. I am just so lost and hurt. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Kim

I had a similar issue many years ago prior to having my DS.  I had gallstones that would get stuck in the common bile duct and cause pancreatitis.

The kept me for 4 days NPO and then let me go when they couldn't find gallstones.  I was back in a week later and they removed my gallbladder and found many stones that did NOT show up in a Hida scan or an ERCP.

I would go see a gastroenterologist immediately  . . . .


I hope you feel better soon -- I know how bad that pain is and if it is your gallbladder it won't get better - they need to take it out.

Keep us posted on your progress . . . .

Kathy

Thank you Kathy for the advice. When I was originally in, they had the gastroenterologist there and he was debating whether or not to scope me. Since I was responding so well to the antibiotics, he decided he wouldn't. Now I am just kicking myself. I was feeling so good, but have been back and forth to the hospital since discharge. It is so frustrating. I will definitely keep you posted.

Kim

What about your surgeon? Was he the one in charge of your care during your stay at the hospital and have you seen him since?

"They" can be pretty ignorant to our systems and its always best if possible to consult with your surgeon, even if it's a phone call before going to an ER, in which case if possible, a hospital he works in.

Hi Dusty, yes, I had 3 different surgeons poking all over me when I was there. My bariatric surgeon was gone, but I had another one of the bariatric surgeons taking care of me. He had me do the barium swallow and injection of that dye stuff to make sure there weren't any leaks after all this time. It was so hard because I responded so well to the antibiotics and I really felt good, no pain at all, just a little sore. Now I am just in so much pain, I can't sleep and even water aggravates it. I'm so tired.

Kim

Kim, so sorry this is all going on. What a nightmare!

What about the Isopure protein?? That is basically clear since you can see through it. That way you can keep on top of your protein while recovering.

I hope the pain goes away and you get to feeling better SOON!