Hey all,
I've been a lurker here ever since I underwent surgery for UC in November of last year and have found great comfort in reading the success stories of you j-pouchers.
Now, I don't yet have a j-pouch. The reason being that this all happened during my final year of university so now have to catch up and secure my degree before moving on to stage two. I quickly came to terms with the ileostomy knowing it would be unlikely I would have this forever. On my last meeting with my consultant, he said the blood tests looked very positive and that I was in great health.
It was, ironically, very shortly after this that I began experiencing immense pains in my upper-abdomen flowing across into my back. Originally thought it was a blockage (never had one before) but there was still output. After a couple of days of being bed bound, I was admitted back to hospital just when it began to subside. I had every test imaginable yet they gave me the diagnosis of "Likely missed pancreatitis". I have just been discharged and have no pain - was never put on IV or given any meds. Just had bloods and sugar levels monitored which were fine?
I was baffled by this as I am in no way a heavy-drinker and have been too busy studying (honest) to be living the stereotypical university lifestyle. I believe it might have something to do with the Pentasa suppositories I was given to help decrease the bleeding from my still-inflammed rectum.
Apologies for the rant. I am just very anxious and hoped that some of you who have knowledge in this could be of assistance? I will most certainly not drink any alcohol for at least six months as the NHS states but, being a 22 year old student, I do really like my junk food and fizzy drinks...
- Could having pancreatitis prevent me from getting the jpouch?
- What have your experiences been like since the first attack of pancreatitis?
- Have some of you only had the single attack and nothing since holding back on the meds?
- Can it recover for someone to then live on a normal/higher fat diet with alcohol?
They didn't seem too concerned as I only had a "mildly raised amaylase and high ALP" but after trawling the internet and the search function, I just need some reassurance/suggestions. Many thanks!
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