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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea When Diagnosed With Chronic Pancreatitis

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2015

Question: Hi, I have chronic pancreatitis and have had severe diarrhea for quite some time now. My doctor ordered tests for me to take back to the hospital but I can't get them there before the twenty four hour dead line. I lose control and wake up with this in my underwire. It's very embarrassing! I'm only 57 yrs old, and female, if I do have a "solid" bowel movement it's very thin and very light in color. Any help I can get from you would be appreciated! And no I do not drink, this all started with stones that would not pass through my pancreas due to a small duct. I had surgery to slice open my pancreas so they can now pass through.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pancreatic enzymes would help

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.

Since you have chronic pancreatitis, this diarrhea could be due to poor digestion.
You would be benefited by taking pancreatic enzyme supplements.
You can take Creon 25000 thrice a day with meals.

A stool test may have to be done to assess the stool fat excretion to confirm that the diarrhea is due to poor digestion only. It may also help to rule out infection.

I hope that answers your query.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (35 minutes later)

Hello,
In reply to your answer, I do take Creon with meals, and have since my pancreas problem started! As I stated, I tried to do the stool test but was unable to return it to the lab within the required 24 hr. Period as I couldn't leave my home due to the diarrhea! I was hoping for more from this website and a "specialist" that consults with me. I thought I was clear on everything, except possibly the Creon! Any other help or thoughts would be appreciated! These are things my family doctor already told me and have tried! I was hoping for a possible idea of maybe something I could suggest as far as a test, medication or a possible "it could be" look into your....or have them check your...my "solid" bowel movements when I do have them are very thin and very light in color. This is an uncomfortable topic to be talking about for me, and I'm desperate for help!! I'm exhausted and other than running to the restroom I'm in my bed! Please, I'm only 57 years old! Help me better if you can!
The thank you and I apologize for my temper, I just can't take this much longer!
Sincerely, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ciprofloxacin + metronidazole+probiotics

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Since you have not mentioned about taking Creon in your first post, I advised you to take Creon considering chronic pancreatitis is causing the symptoms due to poor digestion.

Now that you have told that you are already on Creon and are having diarrhea in spite of taking it, other possibilities are to be considered.

As mentioned in my previous post, infection is the next possibility.
But since you are not able to get stool test done, a course of antibiotics may be taken. In your post you have not mentioned about taking any antibiotics.
A course of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole may be taken.
To hasten recovery probiotics may be taken along with the above medications.

Your exhaustion is due to loss of electrolytes due to diarrhea. You need to oral rehydration solution to replenish them.

Let me know if you have any more questions.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar