Am I being neurotic???

[NeedAdvice]

Hi - my name is Dawn and my husband has not been well for a while.
A brief history:
1. He is 50 years old
2. He is a recovering alcoholic - 18 days dry
3. Previous history of pancreatitis
4. Diagnosed with diabetes in February 2009
5. Had an ultrasound scan which showed a dilated bile duct
6. Waiting for results of a CT Scan last Tuesday 7 July 2009
7. His abdomen is swollen and I can feel and see "bumps" through the skin - the best way I can describe it - it is like when a baby moves in a pregnant woman and pushes against her abdomen.
8. He is complaining of back pain
9. He has lost weight
10. He goes to the toilet between 2 - 4 times a day, but won't tell me what his stools look like.
11. He had blood tests which did not reveal anything.

Am I being neurotic in thinking that there is a possibility of him showing symptoms of pancreatic cancer?

Please advise - thank you

[NeedAdvice]

Hi there - can no one give me any advice please?

Dawn

[Adagio7780]

The results of the CT Scan will be the best help, probably. In the meantime, I hope your husband will be as comfortable as possible. Why so long in getting the Scan results? Mine are usually available within 24 hours. Good luck - I hope your husband does not have this disease.

[ethan20]

hi, sorry to hear about your husband's problems. Pancreatits does put you at greater risk for pan cancer. Swollen stomach, back pain, heartburn, bloated feeling, clay colored stools, and jaundice are signs of pc. Unfortunately you need the results of the ct to be sure. I'll pray for anything other than pc. You're in my thoughts.

[NeedAdvice]

Thanks for your replies. We live in the UK and the NHS do not seem to rush things.
I called our doctor this morning - asking him to please see if he can find out results for me - my husband's pancreas is calcified which of course is conducive to chronic pancreatitis.
My husband has lost another 7lbs in 3 days, his back pain has been excruciating too - that's why I called our doc, he seems to think there is no cancer - I really hope he is right. Will be making appointment to see doc soon.
My husband also has an appt with the gastroenterologist next month.

Thank you for your prayers - we all need them

Dawn xx

[georgie430]

Dawn the Uk ha a really good chronic pancreatitis message board.
There are many peope on that board that have "exhasberation" with
the exact symptoms your hubby has. Unfortunately, it is difficult to
while your in the middle of an attack. i know all time spans for these
atacks are different per individual, but six weeks does seem to definately
fit. And you do loose weight ith chronic panc.

Has there been any change in this ct scan from the last?
If not then maybe (just advice) after you speak with your gastro
You guys may want to concentrate on diet and keep a journal.

Also he is new to sobriety, and I have heard others say this is when they really started dealing with the panc pain, the alcohol helped them deal. even though it made pain worse??

with the best intentions,
georgie439

[NeedAdvice]

Thanks Georgie for the reply.
I have signed up with the UK Pancreatitis Forum and they are great - a mine of information.

The actual result of the CT Scan is that my husband's pancreas is calcified and the statement on the letter was: ...."you have nothing more sinister than chronic pancreatitis..."

His next appointment is with a gastroenterologist on 7 September.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to reply

I will be watching my husband like a hawk for any changes

Hugs to all of you and you are all in my prayers (I may not know all your names - but God does )
Dawn xx