Question: I have been taking CREON for about a year because my former physician in another state prescribed it for chronic frequent loose stools. I do not think my new physician has done any tests to determine if this is the correct medication. I have had no follow up on the medicine. I am 81 and have come to realize most doctors do not think it is worth pursuing medical conditions in someone my age, but I am in reasonable good health, taking only hydrochlothorizide and captopril for elevated blood pressure and recently was hospitilized for slow heart rate, which apparently was caused by taking Atenalol. At that time tests of my heart, brain and circulatory systyem were all within the normal range. I saw a gastrologist for follow up 8 months ago and was told it would not be necessary to see me again.

Hello Doctor. Thank you for your prompt answer to my concerns for my health issues.

I have never had pancreatic problems and drink only wine on a social basis, having never had alcohol until about age 50. I have noticed a sudden weight gain - 4 pounds in the last 2 week, even though my diet remains basically the same. I do not consume much fatty food. I question the need for CREON and am afraid of the possible side affects. Should I be having tests and follow up on this by a physician? My current doctor does not want to see me until March, 6 months from my last appointment. I am 5'2" and now weigh 172 pounds. I have noticed an increase in the number of times I pass urine, usually every hour at night. Blood work performed 2/13/2015 showed abnormal kidney function studies. On 7/28/15 blood work showed GFRE to be 58/ml/min/173.2. I was advised to increase my water intake to 64 oz. daily and to take fish oil supplement and to come back in 6 months. My daily water intake is between 45 and 65 ozs. I did not start the fish oil supplement because my gastrologist in my former area had advised against it because it causes diarrhea.
The death of my husband in January resulted in a change of physician. I was seen by a new doctor in May and August who did not seem concerned with the kidney results. My next appointment is in March. My main questions are, should I be followed more closely in regard to the CREON, is their a test for pancreatic insufficiency and is it okay to wait until March to have kidney function tests.

I have had ongoing gastro problems for many years. About 6 years ago I had ultra sound on my upper right abdomen because of intense pain, which was found negative. The diagnosis was gas and advise was to take gas x, which stopped the as pain. I am lactose intolerant have really bad acid reflux, which is helped by avoiding lactose products and using Lactaid and Tums as needed.

I hope you will forgive the length of the message. I have been lost a lot of sleep because of worry with these two issues and so very grateful to have someone willing to discuss them with me. Thank you so much and my very best regards to you.

I also neglected to tell you that I take Synthroid, currently 50mcg, for acquired thyroid deficiency for the last 57 years.

Hi Dr. XXXXXXX Thank you for answering.

These are the test results that look ro me to relate to kidneys
9/16 blood twork - TSH was 3.45 ulU/mL (on 6/10 it was 2.44 uL/mL)
Thyroxine, Free was 1.29 ulU/mL
I am taking Synthroid .50 mcg daily

6/11 in hospital Bun was 30 mg/dL (on 6/ 10 it was 31 mg/dL)
creatinine 0.98 md/dL ( 6/10 it was 0.96 mg/dL)
Glucose, Random 96 mg/dL ( 6/10 it was 84 mg/dL)
6/11 in hospital GFRE was 54 mL/min/1.73 ( 6/10 it was 56 mL/min/173.2)

In "My Chart in the Epic System, I found a note on May 3 for
Amylase 55U/L Lipase 34 U/L

I am taking 1 24000 unit twice daily before breakfast and dinner. I usually have only fruit and nuts for lunch so do not take one then. Any snacks are generally high in carbohydrates and I have not been taking CREON with them.

The severe diarrhea that I had before starting CREON has much improved. Now I have only 3 to 4 movements a day that are mostly soft, but formed.

I will request an appointment with my family doctor to see if I can get a urinalysis and thyroid studies done before my next appointment in March. Thank you so much for your response. This has greatly eased the concerns that have been bothering me. I think this is a very fine service.
Warmest regards, XXXX XXXXXXX