Pancreatitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

Risks

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• You should drink clear liquids for the first few hours. Then return to a normal diet as your stomach allows.
• To ease the pain, you may use a warm washcloth or a heating pad set on low.
• Take your medicines exactly as directed by the doctor.
• You may return to your normal activities when you feel better. Avoid alcohol, and eat a normal, well-balanced diet.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have severe stomach pain, vomiting, swelling and gas in your abdomen, or muscle aches.
• You have a high fever.
• You have continual weight loss.
• You have muscle cramps or spasms.
• Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have increasing pain or nausea and vomiting.
• You have cold hands and feet; pale, moist and sweaty skin; difficulty breathing; or fast breathing. These are symptoms of shock. Dial 911 or 0 (operator) and get to the hospital immediately. THIS IS A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY!

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

• Pancreas Ultrasound: This painless test gives the doctor a view of the pancreas. It's done while you're lying down. A dab of a jelly-like lotion is placed on your stomach. The person doing the test will gently move a small handle through the lotion and across the skin. A TV-like screen is attached to the handle.
• CT Scan: Also called a ""CAT'' scan, this computer x-ray makes pictures of the pancreas that the doctor examines for problems.
• Endoscopy (end-OS-ko-pee): Your doctor will run a tube through your mouth and down into your stomach. A light and camera at the end allows the doctor to inspect the upper digestive tract.
• Medicines:
  • Antibiotics may be given to fight infection.
  • Pain Medicine may be given in your IV, as a shot, or by mouth. If the pain does not go away, tell a nurse right away.
• Nasogastric Tube: This tube may be threaded through your nose or mouth and down into your stomach. The tube is then attached to suction that will keep the stomach empty.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• Eating: If you have been vomiting, your stomach will need rest. You will not be able to eat until the vomiting has stopped. The IV will give you all the vitamins and liquids you need until you can eat again.
• Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm.
• Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the blood.
• Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart will show how they are handling the illness.
• ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an electrocardiograph (e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. Patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for signs of injury or damage that could be related to your illness.
• Other Care: The doctor may have to operate to remove your gallbladder or drain pockets of infection in your abdomen.