Pancreatitis
Question: I went in for a pelvic/abdominal ultrasound two months ago for what I thought were female problems - namely lower back and pelvic pain on the right side and more discomfort than what I usually experience during my cycle.
Much to my dismay, the doctor called four days later and said that there was a shadow on my pancreas and they needed a CT scan to get a closer look.
I had the CT scan two weeks ago and FINALLY got the results yesterday. The nurse told me no female problems were evident. The liver looks good, although I have liver cysts, which the nurse indicated are generally common and unproblematic. There is still a shadow on the pancreas and the nurse said they can't really tell what it is. There is a fat plane on the left of the shadow that is apparently obscuring a good view. The doctor wants a biopsy done. They will be scheduling that within the next couple of days. Needless to say, I am petrified!
Prior to my CT scan I began doing internet research to get some idea of what a shadow on the pancreas could mean (aside from the fact that the pancreas is one of the hardest things to visualize) Two of the many things research indicated it could be were cancer and pancreatitis.
I have no symptoms except for mild abdominal and lower back discomfort and just over the past two weeks, I've noticed a change in bowel habits.
In the recent past, I have been a heavy weekend drinker - an average of nine to twelve beers over Fri. , Sat., and Sun.
I feel like a complete idiot because, more than likely, whatever is wrong with my pancreas is something I've done to myself.
Not only do I have a drinking history, my diet has been pretty poor my whole life. Lots of fast food (usually fried, but I've been trying to make healthier choices like Subway or something).
Sorry for all the background info but I thought it might help. My question is, does it sound like my level of drinking would be enough to indicate pancreatitis? I have been drinking on the weekends heavily off and on for the past five years or so. Needless to say, those days are over. This has all been a huge wake-up call!
Any info would be helpful.
Thanks
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