Three weeks ago I received blood work back that showed slightly elevated lepase level (norm up to 50, mine was 74). Also slightly elevated WBC of 11, where 10 was norm. Two days later began experiencing digestion problems.
My LLMD has scheduled me for an ultrasound pancreas/liver this coming week, along with a retest of blood levels. He said he has two other patients with possible pancreas problems, NOT caused by meds, but rather infected with Lyme itself.
I began taking digestive enzymes, which have quieted everything down, and am feeling better somewhat. LLMD states that to be diagnosed with pancreatitis, levels would have to be tripled.
I have done some research that shows that Myco may cause pancreatitis. Has anyone been affected this way who has Mycoplasma? I have not been tested for it, but am going to request it, also this week.
Any thoughts or comments? Nancy
Posted by Nancy2 (Member # 95) on :
UP Posted by SouthernCO (Member # 11167) on :
Nancy:
Was diagnosed with Lyme, babesiosis, and CP Apr., 2007 by Dr. M. in CO who closed his practice right after my 1st appt. Don't know if I was tested for mycoplasma.
In Nov., 2006, was hospitalized for pancreatitis with amylase = 4000.
Weeks before the pancreatitis, PCP doubled my opioids (oxycontin).
Insert from manufacturer of oxycontin says that opioids can cause amylase count to rise (causing pancreatitis). Also said that it can cause the Sphincter of Oddi to spasm in the closed position so that everything is prevented from passing into the small intestine (causing pancreatitis).
Was given morphine in hospital, and PCP continued to prescribe oxycontin for months after that (until I informed my pcp about the problems associated with opioids).
Sorry I don't have info on mycoplasma, but I wanted others here to know additional dangers of opioids.
Obviously, none of the drs I saw know anything about opioids.
Best of luck, Dave
Posted by Nancy2 (Member # 95) on :
Dave: What kind of treatment were you given for the pancreatitis while hospitalized? Has it resolved and was it a gallstone?
I have not yet had my amalayse tested, but my lepase was elevated. I am hoping the upcoming ultrasound will show something.
LLMD told me that Lyme itself infects the pancreas, altho I know that pain killers, can cause inflammation to the pancreas also. Nothing I have been on so far medicine-wise has been the culprit.
Although my symptoms are mild, I hope it just goes away. Period! Thanks, Dave..... Nancy
Posted by klutzo (Member # 5701) on :
I have been very sick for about 1 1/2 yrs. now, and surgery for gallbladder removal failed to fix the problem.
I have never been tested for mycoplasma.
I was recently dx'd with chronic exocrine pancreatitis,a progressive, irreversible, and ultimately fatal form of pancreatitis, which cuts life span by 20%. This is despite the fact that 90% of those who get it are alcoholics, and I am and have always been a teetotaler.
A fecal fat test and a CAT scan with contrast were used to diagnose me. In the chronic form, pancreatitis does not cause elevation of the enzymes anymore. I am now on prescription enzymes, with little effect on my discomfort and no effect on my severe fat malabsorption.
I tried to find out how I could have gotten this when I do not drink. In reading research to try to find a cause, I came across a Medscape article saying that the Coxsackie B family of viruses can cause pancreatitis, which then becomes chronic when potentiated by ethanol, which prevents regeneration from the viral damage,and that this happens only in the presence of a TH1 immune deficiency.
I believe Marnie has often stated here that Bb turns sugars into ethanol. Coxsackie B3 is one of my coinfections. I have symptoms of severe TH2 immune dominance, which means I also have TH1 deficiency. Bingo!
I don't know if this helps you any, but I would encourage you to keep looking for answers.
The good news is that I understand from my reading that 95% of those with the acute form of pancretitis make a full recovery and their pancreas heals.
Klutzo
Posted by Oz (Member # 2905) on :
My pancreatic levels went up which is of course cause for concern. Somewhat like Southern Co., I was on MS Contin and rocephin at the time but the doctors didn't connect the dots. I ended up having a couple MRIs which showed nothing. In my opinion, if a person hasn't had a some strange health problem before they were diagnosed with Lyme, then there is a good chance it is being caused by some weird manifestation of Lyme or in my case babesia too. I think you are going to be all right eventually.
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
I had elevated pancreatic enzymes for a while. I take Ultrase, a digestive enzyme, because of that.
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