Looking For Answers

[DVK]

I am new to this since I have been having all the possible sign of Pancreitis, although all my CT scans are negative for pancreaitis and gallbladder, the only thing is that My Lipase is higher, at 450 and has been up and down but never real high. With the symptoms I have of the gas, nasea and everything else listed in this disease Its a match including small derma and skin itching, especially after the last 2 episodes have been the night following 3 beers and a pizza, or Lasagna, and bread and oil and tomatoes, and tonight of major stomach movement and tires and feeling yucky after eating a sald with lots of blue cheese on my salad and a french Dip sandwich with cheese. MY QUESTION IS HAS ANYONE HAD HIGHER LIPASE DUE TO CELIAC? Which by the way it took me finding this site to suggest celiac disease to my doctor and I am awaiting results from Blood test.

[Guest cassidy]

When I had my celiac panel done they also did other tests. My celiac tests came back negative, but lipase was the only thing that was high. I went gluten-free the day of the test and was feeling better by the time that I got the results. I really don't know much about lipase and my doctor never commented on why it was high. I just looked it up online because I was wondering what it was.

I don't know if that is something that they regularly test when you have a blood test, but I'm pregnant so I have had tons of blood tests and no one has ever said anything about it again.

[Emme999]

Here is some info. on the possible relation between celiac disease & elevated pancreatic enzymes. (Just found this abstract, thought I would pass it on)

Title: Unexplained elevated serum pancreatic enzymes: A reason to suspect celiac disease

Author(s): Carroccio A, Di Prima L, Scalici C, Soresi M, Cefalu AB, Noto D, Averna MR, Iviontalto G, Iacono G

Source: CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY 4 (4): 455-459 APR 2006

Abstract: Background & Aims: The frequency of elevated serum pancreatic enzymes in patients with celiac disease (celiac disease) is unknown. The aim of this 'study was to evaluate the serum levels of pancreatic enzymes in celiac disease patients. Methods: Serum pancreatic isoamylase and lipase levels were assayed in 90 adult and 112 pediatric consecutive celiac disease patients at diagnosis and after 12 months of gluten-free diet (GFD). Serum elastase and trypsin levels were assayed in a subgroup of adult celiac disease patients. Pancreatic ultrasonography was also performed. Results: Twenty-six adult (29%) and 29 pediatric (26%) celiac disease patients exhibited elevated values of serum pancreatic amylase and/or lipase; trypsin was elevated in 69% and elastase in 19%. The frequency of elevated serum pancreatic enzymes observed was identical in the patients with "typical" and "atypical" celiac disease symptoms and in the asymptomatic patients. Most of the elevated values were lower than 2-fold the threshold limits. Elevated pancreatic enzymes were not associated with alcohol consumption, drug use, presence of abdominal pain, or diabetes mellitus. Abdominal ultrasound scan showed no abnormal findings in the pancreatic region in any of the celiac disease patients. After 12 months of GFD, pancreatic amylase was elevated in 3 cases and lipase in 2 cases; these patients had not strictly adhered to the GFD. Conclusions: We demonstrated a frequency of about 25% of elevated pancreatic enzymes values in celiac disease patients, including subjects without gastrointestinal manifestations and apparently asymptomatic subjects. The finding of elevated serum amylase or lipase level, in the absence of signs of pancreatic disease, would appear to suggest a need to screen for celiac disease.

- Michelle

[ginghamkim]

Hi,

This sounds like me too. I had/have pain in my upper right quadrant under my ribs that would radiate around to my back. Went to ER and they suspected gallbladder. I have had ultrasound, CT scan, MRCP, Hida Scan, and almost an ERCP (thank goodness I didn't have to have it or I might have pancreatitis). No stones, no infection, just my blood test showed my amylase and lipase levels were elevated (but not at the same time) but not high enough to put me in the hospital for pancreatitis. I cut out the fat in my diet and started eliminating foods and thought I was going to not make it to Christmas.

Anyway, a 4 day rotation diet helped me find what was troubling me -->grass family. I've been gluten free since Christmas (what a time to start) and have noticed a significant improvement.

I know it is too early to worry (only 3 weeks into it), but I still have to watch the fat. I love tree nuts, peanuts, and eggs, but have to limit.

Has anyone else with the same experiences showing any improvement after a longer period of time or should I go see a gallbladder surgeon (last avenue to venture).

Sorry if this doesn't make sense but my 14 month old child is making it impossible for me to use the computer today.

Thanks, Kim