Question:
Just diagnosed pancreatitis at 2 months post-op

I was just diagnosed with pancreatitis and I am 2 months post-op. I had severe pain last night and spent the night having tests in the hospital. I saw my PC and surgeon today and all 3 doctors agree that it is pancreatitis. However, none of them think it is related to the surgery in any way. I am not in pain anymore and I was put on a clear liquid diet for a week to help it subside. My upper abdomen is tender. I was given an anti-acid producer to aid in the process as well. The doctors said it would be fine as long as I don't start vomiting and that I get plenty of liquids. Anybody have any advice for me? Does anybody else think that pancreaitis could be related to the surgery??    — Denise F. (posted on September 7, 2001)

September 6, 2001
I had Pancrities 13 years ago and it was because a gallstone traveled up instead of down and out and stuck in the pancrease(sp)duct. Do you still have your gallbladder? If you do maybe that's what happened.
   — bbjnay

September 7, 2001
I should have posted that I don't have my gall baldder anymore. They removed it at surgery time. Doctors said pancreatitis is caused by a couple of things....too much alcohol (I don't drink), daily medications (I don't take any), gall stones (don't have a gall bladder), or a virus. I think they are left with thinking it is viral. The CT scan didn't show any gall stone in the ducts either.....I am confused. Any help? Denise
   — Denise F.

August 30, 2002
I definitely believe it's from the surgery. I am 2 months post-op and was diagnosed with Acute Pancreatitis saturday. The hospital house doctor/lab found it. My doctor and his referrals all agreed with the diagnosis. However, they completely shy away from the notion it is a result of the surgery. They're afraid of a lawsuit and should be. I was extremely ill for a month, my surgeon didn't have any tests run. He hospitalized me for 4 days last week for dehydration, they diagnosed me with a post-op ulcer and sent me home sicker than when I got there. I went back a day and a half later after being in so much pain, my blood pressure shot up and caused me to have a mild stroke. Then they diagnosed the Pancreatitis. I stayed 5 days on iv's, antibiotics and various drugs. I came home last night. I am still in a lot of pain. Morphine, percocet or other narcotics don't even relieve the pain. I am up all night unable to sleep. Even my skin hurts. I don't have a problem with my gallbladder. I dont' drink alcohol or use drugs. This is all from my wls - Open RNY in June. Look around, there are just too many of us post-ops that all have the same rare condition. It's especially rare in women! Latonya [email protected]
   — Latonya W.