View Full Version : Slightly raised Lipase levels ... very worried.
WiseMonkey
11-10-19, 05:04
Hi I received a note from my Dr today saying that my lipase levels are slightly elevated 71 and the cut off is 60. She's ordered an ultrasound of the abdomen tomorrow to check my pancreas. I'm very stressed about this as I have had some right sided mild abdominal discomfort and my bowel motions have been fairly light (tan colour for years) unless I eat something with a dark colouring. My digestion isn't good due to the CFS. I haven't got pancreatitis.
Of course my first thought is pancreatic cancer, maybe it's very early. I'm wondering if anyone else had had raised Lipase levels without having anything sinister show up on an ultrasound. My partner is coming with me so that's good. I'm trying not to panic and to stay calm although I feel awful inside. This is the last thing I need after a stressful week :( Thanks for reading this x
Your Dr is very keen on sending you for tests. WM. Why did you have your lipase levels checked in the first place? I'm sorry you have another scare to deal with and hope that this is just an incidental finding and not significant. Please let us know the result of the ultrasound? It's easy to say try not to panic but please try not to assume the worst from a mildly elevated one -off reading xx
WiseMonkey
11-10-19, 09:16
Your Dr is very keen on sending you for tests. WM. Why did you have your lipase levels checked in the first place? I'm sorry you have another scare to deal with and hope that this is just an incidental finding and not significant. Please let us know the result of the ultrasound? It's easy to say try not to panic but please try not to assume the worst from a mildly elevated one -off reading xx
Thanks pulisa, the lipase was the last of the liver tests to come back from the lab (a week later), it came back this morning and she'd ordered an ultrasound for me. She knows I have HA and also having CFS, and that I get very anxious about my health. It's weird because I'm not like this with anything else in my life although I'm a worry wart. Thank-you for replying x
I thought that amylase was the one that was very elevated with anything pancreas-related but I try not to research too much if I don't need to.
Good luck today, WM xx
MyNameIsTerry
11-10-19, 19:56
Lesley, wouldn't something like pancreatic cancer shoot those levels off the chart? Pancreas inflammation also brings severe abdominal pain doesn't it? Aside from PC there are a few nasties on list but also chronic inflammatory conditions and...meds. could this again be another side effect, which you would normally be unaware of, because of the meds you take? If your stools have been affected for a while could this also be a med side effect or a consequence of another side effect I.e. The change in lipase? Given pancreatic cancer is one of those that is found incidental otherwise it's late stage once symptoms appear it seems very unlikely and even if so these tests would be finding that plus something causing the symptoms if it was an early stage? You seem to have a bit of a tangle here because you have other conditions and meds in play so professional opinion is needed but you have just seen someone who looked at some tests and wouldn't they reveal some big markers if it were a cancer?
Your doctor is very cautious. Most doctors would would repeat the lab after a few days, perhaps a week to see if it fell back into normal range before they ordered imaging. I'm no doctor but everything I have ever read suggested if one had a problem with their pancreas their Lipase level would be significantly elevated.
I hope everything comes back good with your ultrasound :) try not to worry in the meantime.
WiseMonkey
12-10-19, 01:34
pulisa, yes you are right amylase and lipase both test pancreatic function, lipase is the more accurate of the two.
Terry, I'm sure you're right, whatever this is is either nothing, benign or early stage. Lipase can also be raised with liver and gallbladder issues too. I'm on NO meds at present, giving it all a rest. I have a g/friend (in Maine) who has CFS as well and she's had raised Lipase and ultrasounds as well and everything's been clear so I'm encouraged by that. It's possible that the prednisone I had for a rash 3 weeks ago could have elevated the Lipase levels.
Anything acute like panceatitis, gallstones etc (benign) can flare up very quickly and cause liver enzymes to skyrocket, whereas with PC not so commonly elevated and harder to detect. Not many blood markers appear in PC until it is advanced.
Careful1 yes my Dr is very proactive, she told me she's seen 3 people this week with elevated lipase and referred them all through for u/s scans.
I had the ultrasound this morning so now have to wait until the results go to my Dr on Monday. I'm hoping for a good outcome, I've already lost 2 kgs in stress this week. The waiting is the challenging part. I've just learned about belly breathing so I will be practicing that. Thank you for you kind, caring replies xxx
MyNameIsTerry
12-10-19, 03:08
Yes, that's true, Lesley. Prednisone does increase lipase levels so it could be that. And with it being a little over normal that would make sense as problems with the pancreas, are Careful1 says, shows a much larger spike.
It's also good you have the comparison with your friend.
My mum had raised liver enzymes earlier this year and the doctor just monitored them until they reduced. It was an incidental finding and she wasn't concerned because of the meds my mum is on and her being elderly. She said it was common. The nurse kept an eye with tests and she never heard anything more.
This is why a doctor's opinion is so important with tests as we could see the things all the time throughout our lives but we just don't know because we aren't plugged in daily to check.
It's amazing how big changes show up in symptoms too. After having pneumonia (when I was 18) and came out of a week in hospital (impacts to my asthma) it took me about a month to get back to college. The day I was going back I could barely stand or eat and my eyes were bloodshot. I had to crawl back up the stairs to bed on my backside I was so tired. It turned out my platelet count was low. That took another 3+ weeks to sort out through natural recovery and my GP monitoring me.
Your weight will recover as it will be water weight. Some people seem to see it drop off with stress and others see it pile on.
WiseMonkey
12-10-19, 04:17
Yes, that's true, Lesley. Prednisone does increase lipase levels so it could be that. And with it being a little over normal that would make sense as problems with the pancreas, are Careful1 says, shows a much larger spike.
It's also good you have the comparison with your friend.
My mum had raised liver enzymes earlier this year and the doctor just monitored them until they reduced. It was an incidental finding and she wasn't concerned because of the meds my mum is on and her being elderly. She said it was common. The nurse kept an eye with tests and she never heard anything more.
This is why a doctor's opinion is so important with tests as we could see the things all the time throughout our lives but we just don't know because we aren't plugged in daily to check.
It's amazing how big changes show up in symptoms too. After having pneumonia (when I was 18) and came out of a week in hospital (impacts to my asthma) it took me about a month to get back to college. The day I was going back I could barely stand or eat and my eyes were bloodshot. I had to crawl back up the stairs to bed on my backside I was so tired. It turned out my platelet count was low. That took another 3+ weeks to sort out through natural recovery and my GP monitoring me.
Your weight will recover as it will be water weight. Some people seem to see it drop off with stress and others see it pile on.
Hi Terry, I'm glad of the weight loss as it puts me down to 59 kgs and giving up sugar should help too. Being English by birth, I've always had a sweet tooth especially for chocolate! Yes pneumonia is bad and also glandular fever that a lot of teenagers get, recovery can take a long time.
Your mum sounds wise and level-headed. I'm generally rational but when it comes to my health (HA) my emotions take over and I can become very irrational. It all goes back to my childhood (my mother had Narcissistic Personally Disorder) and we kids copped a lot emotionally and psychologically along the way, but that's another story. The imprints of those informative years hit me hard and manifests through HA. In times of health distress my confidence flies out the window and I revert to my child :(
The radiologist wouldn't tell me anything re the scan, this is their policy now even if you go privately. I forgot to tell her that I have an angiomyolipoma on my kidney (completely benign, found incidentally years ago and rechecked) so she would have recorded that down!!
I think my long term issue is going to be skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) which is caused by our NZ sun, but I'm right on top of this with my skin specialist. My brother who is 53 (fair haired, blue eyes) had early stage melanoma on his back about 9 years ago, which was completely removed. He's had loads of moles removed and goes for skin checks every 3-6 months. In his earlier years he was a keen surfer and back then they used coconut oil on their skin, which just fried their skin. My skin specialist says that NZ is the worse place for Celtic skinned children to come to! At least I spent my first 7 years in England, whereas my brother was born here.
Thank-you so much for responding to my posts, it does make me feel valued at this vulnerable time :)
MyNameIsTerry
13-10-19, 02:49
Of course you are valued on here, Lesley! :hugs: I think many on here will agree (I'm sure pulisa will for a start) that we have many members who spend more time helping others than asking for help so when we see one needing support many of us will want to offer it because you deserve it back.
I think our NHS are the same when it comes to tests. Perhaps it's more hassle potentially opening cans of worms when the patient will just go away worrying about something technical that a doctor will read a report on to conclude it's nothing or just something to keep an eye on?
Was giving up sugar hard? I've read there are a few weeks where it kills your mood and many quit at that point.
Glandular fever was what I thought I had because a mate at college had it not long before me. He collapsed into his pint one night and we had to carry him out!
My mum is more the type who won't bother doctors, old fashioned that way. She has no issues with anxiety though so health isn't one that bothers her and elderly people have to go through that acceptance stage as they end up back & forth to the docs and see their generation fade away. They are both quite stoic over health.
Like so many things in anxiety (e.g. intrusive thoughts) it can find your Achilles Heel. It finds a hole and yanks it open and out it all comes. I think the loss of confidence is something we all would understand and as a GADer I saw mine hit the floor. One day fighting my corner with people of all levels in corporate boardrooms and then post breakdown and I'm terrified if the phone rings. You will bounce back from this, triggers just sink us until we find our ways of coping so they don't make us sink so much.
Places like NZ seem on the ball with the skin. Over here it's just not an issue other than on a place like NMP. The info is out there on the health sites but who keeps checking moles in yearly appointments with doctors and having them removed? The NHS isn't set up to handle that. But if something does crop up they are all over as they were when my dad had a form of skin cancer. He was an outdoor worker all his life and the specialist said it was a common form in those who worked on the roads or in fields daily. So, as long as you know, you can keep a balanced check on things like your brother will have too but catching them early can mean a quick procedure.
I hope you get your results on Monday, WM and that you get some much needed reassurance from your doctor that you are healthy.
You don't need to justify your HA. You are a very strong and kind person who has been through a lot and if we can help you just a bit when you are "wobbly" then we will certainly be there for you xx
WiseMonkey
13-10-19, 23:56
I hope you get your results on Monday, WM and that you get some much needed reassurance from your doctor that you are healthy.
You don't need to justify your HA. You are a very strong and kind person who has been through a lot and if we can help you just a bit when you are "wobbly" then we will certainly be there for you xx
Hi pulisa my scan results were all great, I'm just so relieved. The nurse told me that my Dr received the results last night (Sunday NZ time) so a one day turn around is pretty good, I went privately. I'm lucky to be able to afford medical insurance, I'd rather eat grass than be without it.
Terry, I have another small patch of AK on my scalp, so off to get the Frozen Freddie (cryotherapy) next week, doesn't hurt so much on the head, just a bit of a headache afterwards!!
ps. I've also requested that my Dr suggest/arrange some counselling for me as my HA has been getting out of control lately :/
Congratulations on your good results 🤗
I'm delighted for you, WM!! A huge relief for you!
I'm glad you will be getting some psychological help with this blip and I'm sure your Dr will call a halt to all the tests now that you have a clear bill of health xx
MyNameIsTerry
19-10-19, 03:03
Glad to hear your results came out fine. :yesyes:
If you need someone to work with you then it's great to make that step. Many don't and just continue down the same paths as we see on here. So, it sounds like you've come out of the other end of this and are able to look back more objectively. The you now is one who is right and looking back at our responses after we exit a spiral can be useful in trying to rationalise when the triggers come again (still hard though).
I'm sure you will be fine with the cryo, Lesley. Given how hot NZ is it might bring some relief :biggrin: People might think you are one of this super rich billionaires having their head frozen so they can live forever!!! :biggrin:
Hi WM:)
Pleased to hear your scan results are ok.I know all about basal cell and squamous cells,I also am having 2 taken off on Tuesday,one on the neck and the same as you on the head, I’ve lost count how many I have had frozen off and cut out.
Living in Cairns where it’s so darn hot and sticky doesn’t help.
We are lucky living where we do tho, do you have Medicare in NZ? Xx
WiseMonkey
19-10-19, 23:51
Hi WM:)
Pleased to hear your scan results are ok.I know all about basal cell and squamous cells,I also am having 2 taken off on Tuesday,one on the neck and the same as you on the head, I’ve lost count how many I have had frozen off and cut out.
Living in Cairns where it’s so darn hot and sticky doesn’t help.
We are lucky living where we do tho, do you have Medicare in NZ? Xx
Yep me too, am back to get another dose of 'Frozen Freddie' tomorrow (Mon), it's important to keep on top of this AK .. blast it when it's small (and check on the ones previously done). I have private medical insurance through Southern Cross, I've been with them since 1981. Each year the cost goes up, but I'd rather eat grass than go without it. Yes we are lucky to live where we do, I don't think I could tolerate the humidity of Cairns! Auckland it pretty sticky in the height of Summer, we're getting an aircon installed next month, especially for those muggy nights, where the overnight low doesn't drop below 20! Aircon would be a must in Northern Queensland :)
ps. Commiseration on Aussie's rugby loss to England last night, the All Blacks fared much better against Ireland. AB's are playing England next Sat in the semi-finals, it'll be a nail biter!
Hi Lesley:D
I am with Bupa,but cut back on a lot,it is getting very expensive.
Yes shame about our RU team,heard the coach has quit,I like the AB’s and hope they beat the poms:yesyes:
My cousin played Rugby League with the Warriors back in the late90’s,he played on the wing.
Good idea getting the aircon,here 20c is cold,lol.
Wish you well on your date with “Frozen Freddy” this week,mine is tomorrow and it is good too see that you are going for counseling to get on top of HA.:yesyes:
"The Poms"??!! What a cheek!!:D No Pommy-Bashing on NMP!!
I'm sure the ABs will cruise to victory, not that I care! I'm into football/soccer?
Good luck to both of you for your cryo sessions xx
All went well today pulisa:D
I only know about the Rugby because I turned on the telly and there was nearly 10 minutes of the aussies whining on about the loss,and the coach having a sook.x
WiseMonkey
23-10-19, 04:52
All went well today pulisa:D
I only know about the Rugby because I turned on the telly and there was nearly 10 minutes of the aussies whining on about the loss,and the coach having a sook.x
Mine went well too, one new spot on scalp near parting and another on forehead. He also zapped 2 rough spots on back which were just 'age spots'!!
Lots of excitement about the rugby AB's V England ... two great teams so we will be on tender-hooks. The AB's are the world champions and are very physically fit and although their pack weight is lower than the English, they have great endurance and skills :)
I have 5 stitches on the side of my neck,and the one on my head was zapped,this is the second time the one on my head has had a doing,the doctor said that if it comes back he will cut it out.
Yes the AB’s have always been a strong team and disciplined.:D
WiseMonkey
23-10-19, 10:23
I have 5 stitches on the side of my neck,and the one on my head was zapped,this is the second time the one on my head has had a doing,the doctor said that if it comes back he will cut it out.
Yes the AB’s have always been a strong team and disciplined.:D
Last Oct had a squamous cell carcinoma (in situ) cut out (where the neck meets the shoulder), had about 5-6 stitches too. She gave me some antibacterial (eye) ointment to put on it after 2 days, and I keep it covered until the stitches were removed. Then I kept some skin coloured tape on it for the next 6 months, so that it healed really flat. My local Dr had to do it as my Dermatologist died of a heart attack, while I was waiting for an appointment. :shrug:
I do the same with with tape over the wound because I get keloids, do you get the same?
The doctor that removed mine is a Surgeon, I hope I don’t give him a heart attack,otherwise it is a trip south as I don’t trust the others.
Have you put your aircon in yet,it’s getting quite warm here,we are in for a very hot summer,and with a high percentage of the country in drought it is scary.
I have been several times to your beautiful country,love skiing.:)
Crikey, I thought the NHS was in a state but it seems we're doing okay. When I got my BCC removed, the dermatologist referred me to a plastic surgeon.
I suppose if I could afford one I would.We have a very good health system BI,from what I know about the NHS it sucks.
I think it depends, Quinn, I know people who've had horrible experiences but I'd be lying if I said mine were anything other than excellent.
WiseMonkey
23-10-19, 19:15
I do the same with with tape over the wound because I get keloids, do you get the same?
The doctor that removed mine is a Surgeon, I hope I don’t give him a heart attack,otherwise it is a trip south as I don’t trust the others.
Have you put your aircon in yet,it’s getting quite warm here,we are in for a very hot summer,and with a high percentage of the country in drought it is scary.
I have been several times to your beautiful country,love skiing.:)
No keloids luckily, she did a great job, it was actually another Dr in the surgery that did the excision, it's her specialty item. I'm not worried about the look of it, it's faded and healed well.
Air con goes in Mon 11th Nov, luckily it's been coolish here the last few days :) My Dermatologist was an older man (well older than me) and I'd been with him since I was young. My Gynae who I've been with for 30 years has also recently retired at 70 ... they're all dropping away!! In saying this I'm certainly no spring chicken myself!!
I was in Queensland a few years ago, loved Byron Bay :)
I suppose if I could afford one I would.We have a very good health system BI,from what I know about the NHS it sucks.
My Partners Brother lives in Wellington and he can't believe how crap the NHS is. Anybody who says it's good :lac: honestly Quinn some areas of the UK can't even see a GP for three weeks, people are waiting for ambulances for hrs, operations are being cancelled on mass, to see a consultant most target times are 16 weeks (which is crap) and are not being met anyway, services are being cut and spread around hospitals within NHS trusts, A&E waiting times are a MINIMUM of 4hrs, NHS has 130000 less beds than it did 30 years ago, everything is still done by letter even when a consultant writes to your GP (it's 2019 not 1979). I could go on for 30 pages Quinn it's all over the news how bad it is all day every day.
As said I have family in NZ and it's brilliant, also Australia it's brilliant, have friends in Scandinavian countries it's brilliant and it's far better in Scotland than England.
The NHS is rated 10th in Europe for healthcare for a rich nation that spends it's money on all the wrong things.
I suppose if I could afford one I would.We have a very good health system BI,from what I know about the NHS it sucks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqh0vfPy1ro NSFW
WiseMonkey
15-11-19, 23:21
Had my repeat lipase test a few days ago and it is up from 71 to 76 (normal levels are >67 NZ levels). My Dr isn't worried but is referring me to a specialist so we can find out why I have raised Lipase levels (without symptoms and a normal abdominal/ pancreatic ultrasound scan). It's a bit strange that some countries have normal levels to 85 U/L even up to 160 U/L !! Maybe it's calculated on the countries population.
I've been gluten free for 1 month now and my stomach and bowel issues are a lot better :)
Some autoimmune conditions can cause raised lipase levels without any active disease happening. Besides the pancrease, lipase is also found in saliva, stomach and small intestine.
My appointment is on Dec 4 so I hope I'll get some more information as to why this is happening.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.