Busby56

If yes, I'd like to hear about your symptoms. Where did it hurt, did you have problems eating, etc.?

Thanks!

Opivotal

Hi Busby

Yes, I had pancreatic issues. I could not eat a morsel of food without extreme pain. I was in agony (stomach region) and could only consume liquids. I was extremely nauseous and vomited frequently.

I wound up in the hospital for 14 days. NOT drinking resolved my symptoms.

Busby56

So far, I'm experiencing pain that isn't related to eating...It's also on my right side. Could be "referred pain" though.

I'm trying to get in to see the doc today.

Thanks for the info!

TimD

I used to have similar pain in my abdomen. I diagnosed it several times on my own. Never was right. Finally ended up in the emergency room. After a CT Scan I found out what I had was Diverticulitis. Untreated, that can cause pretty serious bowel problems. In a cruel twist of fate, the doc prescribed a drug called Flagyl. Flagyl makes you violently ill if you drink alcohol within a day or two of taking it. That was a tough choice for a drunk like me. Take the drug that will make me feel better or continue drinking.... Can't say I made the sane choice. Ended up in the hospital a few months later.

wiscsober

No but best to you!

Busby56

TimD, as luck would have it, I've had diverticulitis as well. That was loads of fun.

Dee74

Bowel problems can be really bad, especially if we let them go in the hope they'll fix themselves.

The only way to find out what the problem is and ways to deal with it are to see a Dr.

Didn't you say you had an appointment today?

D

Busby56

Yes, was at doc's earlier...nothing definitive yet.

Busby56

In the good news department: Blood tests of my pancreatic function came back completely normal. That's a huge relief.

Not sure what's causing the pain though...my doc thinks it might be pleurisy. Whatever, at least my pancreas is good!

GroundhogDay

Busby56,

Glad to hear that you didn't damage your pancreas.

Busby56

Thanks, GD!

Readysteady

No I haven't, but witnessed a loved one go through it and end up in the hospital many times in the past few years with it. Always went back to heavy drinking, and didn't really watch the diet much. Now his liver is failing and STILL drinking!

ElegantlyWasted

Good to hear Busby... Our bodies just seem to do some weird stuff readjusting; fortunately in most cases its just recalibrating for the better.

Kathleen41

Right side liver, gallbladder, appendix.
Left side pancreas and spleen.
Colon all around!!
Pancreatitis is very serious and one would be in severe pain.
Often hard to get to the bottom of abdominal pain,
get a good doc to sort it out!!

Busby56

Thanks everyone. Pain has been receding, thankfully.

My next steps, now that I'm sober, is to cut out sweets and carbs. My poor old pancreas & liver are way past due for a break. Plus it's fun to be skinny...last year, I made it down to the same waist size I had in high school (30"), but my weight began to creep up again as I boozed it heavier and started eating more sweets. Time to lose those 2 inches again...

GroundhogDay

I think I'll go eat another homemade cookie.

Busby56

Stop it, GHD! I just tossed some store bought cookies I got yesterday. Actually, I gave them to a coworker. Hope they don't come down with diabetes because of me!

ElegantlyWasted

Good gosh... I feel guilty; I just bought some doughnuts... Good to spoil yourself every now and then though... Progress; not perfection, a little sugar rush is so much better than the alternative.

GroundhogDay

I don't feel guilty. I just ate a Hershey bar with almonds. Chocolate releases endorphins and is safer and more fun than jogging.

Busby56

I just loves me the really heavy-duty dark chocolate (75%+ cacao)!