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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
I have elevated liver enzymes and have pancreatic divisium
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
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I have elevated liver enzymes and have pancreatic divisium
by SHAVE, Nov 20, 2003 12:00AM
In 1997 I had severe pancreantitus, i had my gaul bladder removed, and a stint put in my pancreas that was removed a year later. In 1998 I was diagnosed with hashimotos thyroiditis. I went from 180 lbs to 250 now. I recently went back to my gastro dr that put performed the ercp on me, I had been having black stools and high stomach pain. I have been having some psychological problems that my psychiatrist and psychologist seem to think is related to physical problems, I basically feel like I am having a hard time remembering things, When someone talks to me I have a hard time comprehending what they are saying. my speech has been slurring at times, I have been stuttering, I have tried antidepressents, I am on synthroid, norvasc, prevacid. All the dr's that I have gone to are stumped, my endocrin dr thinks I might have a hormone imbalence, although the blood test he ran were normal. I am not feeling normal psychologicaly, I consider myself a somewhat intelligent individual, but for the past six months my recall memory and energy level are bottoming out. Do you have any advice?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 22, 2003 12:00AM
, Nov 22, 2003 12:00AM
Kevin, M.D.
For the GI symptoms, an upper endoscopy would certainly be in order to make sure that an ulcer, or inflammation of the stomach or esophagus isn't causing your pain and black stools.
Regarding the other symptoms, I would suggest a referral to a neurologist. There are a variety of possibilities to consider, including transient ischemic attacks (TIAs - a form of pre-strokes), abnormalities of the thyroid or B12 level, or metabolic abnormalities. The most concerning possibility would be a form of stroke - a neuologist would be the ideal referral to evaluate this. Tests to consider would include an MRI of the brain and MRA of the neck. If these tests are difficult to obtain, a carotid ultrasound can also be considered as well. These tests should be discussed with your physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
You have elevated liver enzymes. Excess iron ( hemochromatosis )
causes these elevated liver enzymes. Hypothyroid conditions are
often a symptom of iron overload. Pancreatic inflamation is common. I think the M.D. Kevin, had a point as to looking at your stomach. I would look to see if you have varicies caused by
portal hypertension, which causes leakage or rupture of the portal vein and can be fatal, so I would look at that right away.
Blood leaking into your GI tract would explain the black stools as well. This is just my opinion and not medical advice, although
I have hemochromatosis and know it is under-diagnosed and easy to treat. The best way to find out if you have iron overload from
any cause is to have your ferritin and TIBC ( total iron binding capacity ) checked. If your ferritin is high and your TIBC is high normal to high you should get treatment for hemochromatosis
right away. I'm told without treatment this condition is fatal and I know from personal experience that the donation of blood I do only makes me feel better and my liver enzymes, ( which were
elevated ), are now normal and my liver looks much better. Also
have better kidney function. I also HAD some memory problems that are now gone.