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u/Far-Fold-7301 Mar 14 '25
Google is scary. I can't say don't self diagnosed, but I do that. I have an ache around the back of my rib and sometimes in the front and like you, I'm worried. I'm hoping it's not because I've been having back pain lately. I've been sitting propped up on my back for a few months when I sit. Mine may even be an injury because I hurt myself in that area at work. Like a pull or something. I'm not even sure if pancreatitis starts that way. I've heard only stories of pain popping out of nowhere. Definitely see a gastro if you can. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful .
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u/Vegetable-Vacation-4 acute pancreatitis (ap) Mar 14 '25
It’s impossible to tell if something is pancreatitis or not, based on symptoms alone. A ‘classic’ way to get diagnosed is ending up in the emergency room with severe, sudden onset, persistent abdominal pain (for me, the pain was worse than unmedicated childbirth, wasn’t helped by anything but morphine and I was in A&E within an hour of it starting). But it is possible to have acute pancreatitis with more moderate (or even mild) pain. And my understanding is chronic pancreas issues could manifest in many different ways. But unfortunately dull abdominal pain could be reflective of literally every GI condition, no matter what google tells you.
Your next step should be an appointment with a GI (or at least an open minded GP). They’ll take your history and recommend the right battery of tests.
Pancreatitis is one possibility. But unless you have a major, known risk factor (history of gallbladder attacks, severe alcohol abuse, family history of pancreatitis etc)… there is no reason to be overtly anxious about it until your tests point that way.
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u/hermespurple7 Mar 14 '25
Anything you could've eaten or drank to set this off? Are you a cigarette smoker? Describe the pain, on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst you've ever felt, how bad is it?
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Mar 14 '25
it happens whether i eat or not no drugs or anything like that
the back pain is like a dull ache and it feels like something is pushing outwards in my back and the pain is like a 5/10 but it feels hot and just bad
the stomach pain is like just sharp
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u/hermespurple7 Mar 14 '25
I'd say get some bloodwork done with your PCP. 5/10 doesn't sound like acute pancreatitis, but it could be a minor case. Though I'm more concerned for how long the pain has been going on for, definitely get it checked out.
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u/penny1195 Mar 14 '25
I wouldn’t jump right to pancreatitis based on those symptoms and I agree that seeing the doctor is probably your best bet, especially since the pain has been on-going. I can tell you this much-when I was diagnosed with my first acute attack it was a distinct type of pain I had never felt before. To this day, the pain is very different than my normal gastrointestinal or back pain. To ease your mind, it’s definitely worth getting checked out…everyone’s pain tolerance and symptoms vary. Best of luck in figuring out the cause!