Question 1

is it pancreatitis or an ulcer, how can i tell?

Accepted Answer

A simple lab...: Typically, pancreatitis is described as sharp epigastric pain that radiates to the back, worsens with food intake, particularly fatty food. Ulcers are more in the epigastrium that may or may not radiate. But the 2 do overlap sympatomatically. A very simple blood test (amylase/lipase) would tell the difference. These are typically elevated in pacreatitis.

Question 2

how to tell if i have stomach ulcers or pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Blood test/ EGD: Stomach ulcers have to be seen to be truly diagnosed- an upper endoscopy will help see these the best. As for pancreatitis- simple blood test called lipase and amylase can detect inflammation of pancreas and a ct scan can see the inflamed pancreas.  If you are concerned about having these problems- then avoid alcohol and go see your doctor.  Certain otc meds like prilosec/prevacid can help w ulcer.

Question 3

can chronic pancreatitis cause stomach ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pancreatitis: Interesting question.  Chronic pancreatitis per se does not cause gastric ulcers, but the level of physiologic stress caused by the disease can certainly be a causative  factor.  Judging by your history of chronic pancreatitis, abdominal pain and diarrhea you should be on some form of gastric acid blocker such as Omeprazole and also pancreatic enzyme supplements.

Question 4

what would be the best diet for someone who has had pancreatitis and a bleeding stomach ulcer?

Accepted Answer

Healthy: Avoid fried fatty greasy foods. Avoid all alcohol drinking. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, ? Motrin, advil, aleve, (naproxen) etc. Eat healthy foods & plenty of non-alcohol liquids to drink.

Question 5

does carafate (sucralfate) help heal ulcer from non-infectious ulcer (i.e. prior pancreatitis damage) in stomach/upper intestine for non-alcohol drinker. ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Carafate (sucralfate) heals ulcers no matter the cause.  It coats the stomach where the ulcer is located and protects the stomach from the acid environment.  You would be wise to add an h2 blocker such as ranitidine as well.

Question 6

67yof w/upper abd pain to back rt side cleared pancreatitis/liver issues er gave carafte pepcid (famotidine) for ulcer still in severe pain/naus labs only ?

Accepted Answer

Do you still: Have a gallbladder? If pain persistent despite reasonable treatment, you need further evaluation, including xray/ultrasound/ct abdomen possibly.

Question 7

is elevated lipase associated with early lung cancer? i know amylase is, but my amylase is normal.. i also know elevated lipase is associated with pancreatitis, cp, celiac disease, ulcer, ibd

Accepted Answer

Neither: Neither is associated with lung cancer.

Question 8

how will i know when i need to go to thw doctor ? not sure if pancreatitis or stomach/gastric ulcer. had a gallbladder removal 3 years ago. discomfort in upper middle abdomen- berween ribs+nausea+slight discomfort in back

Accepted Answer

Now,with yr history: Suggest you see your doctor soonest.Gallbladder removal probably not related.Duodenal ulcer most likely.

Question 9

could a stomach ulcer from using celebrex (celecoxib) be asymptomatic perforate suddenly and cause pancreatits?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: This is possible but in therapy you would  be  better with Celebrex (celecoxib). You physicians can evaluate you to see if  you have  the ulcer and it is even less likely you had it for pancreatitis for it  but possible.  Your physicians can have  you see a gastroenterologist to clarify the diagnosis.

Question 10

my sister has a pheochromocytoma. i've had pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ulcers and a kidney stone, preeclampsia, cluster headaches.could this be pheo?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma: Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor of the adrenal gland that secretes hormones that cause elevated blood pressure.  While some cases are hereditary and run in families or are associated with certain syndromes, most cases are sporadic.  The other symptoms you describe are not typical for pheochromocytome, but i would recommend seeing your doctor if you are worried.

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Doctor answers about:

Pancreatitis vs ulcer

A member asked:

Is it pancreatitis or an ulcer, how can i tell?

A member asked:

How to tell if i have stomach ulcers or pancreatitis?

A member asked:

Can chronic pancreatitis cause stomach ulcers?

A member asked:

What would be the best diet for someone who has had pancreatitis and a bleeding stomach ulcer?

A member asked:

Does carafate (sucralfate) help heal ulcer from non-infectious ulcer (i.e. prior pancreatitis damage) in stomach/upper intestine for non-alcohol drinker. ?

A member asked:

67yof w/upper abd pain to back rt side cleared pancreatitis/liver issues er gave carafte pepcid (famotidine) for ulcer still in severe pain/naus labs only ?

A member asked:

Is elevated lipase associated with early lung cancer? i know amylase is, but my amylase is normal.. i also know elevated lipase is associated with pancreatitis, cp, celiac disease, ulcer, ibd

A member asked:

How will i know when i need to go to thw doctor ? not sure if pancreatitis or stomach/gastric ulcer. had a gallbladder removal 3 years ago. discomfort in upper middle abdomen- berween ribs+nausea+slight discomfort in back

A member asked:

Could a stomach ulcer from using celebrex (celecoxib) be asymptomatic perforate suddenly and cause pancreatits?

A member asked:

My sister has a pheochromocytoma. i've had pancreatitis, cholecystitis, ulcers and a kidney stone, preeclampsia, cluster headaches.could this be pheo?

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