Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 5/27/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have been chewing and spitting out food for well over a yr. now. I recently went to the doc and my lipase count is up from 286 being a high normal to 800 and 7 days later up an astounding 1429. The doc ordered some tests. CT with iodine and the CT came back normal. He has since ordered me a MRCP this upcoming week. I am worried sick. He said he is worried too. I think he is thinking pancreas cancer. Please if you have any answers. thank you. Cindy

ANSWER: binging an cause lipase levels to go up temporarily, as an panreatitis (whih an be used most likely by gallstones or aute alohol ingestion). Are any of your other blood tests high? (in specifi... SGPT, SGOT, total and/or diret bilirubin). Having the results of these tests ould help me give you a better idea of what MIGHT be going on... whether it has to do with your panreas, gallbladder, etc.

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QUESTION: Thank you so much for your response. I no longer have a gallbladder it was removed in 1986. I don't drink either. I am 8 yrs. post gastric bypass. I only occasionally get an intense pain in my upper abdomon. They say my amlayse was up also,

Answer
Even though you have already had your gallbladder out you can still form stones in the ducts that are left behind. When stones get stuck in those ducts they can cause irritation of the pancreas. Sounds like you have a pancreatitis though... that usually requires a person to be NPO (have nothing by mouth) for a period of a few days until your numbers start to come down. On occasion it may require antibiotics.