Young and Diagnosed with Pancreatitis: Seeking Specialist Advice

In my situation the GI has no idea why I have it. I don't drink or smoke.

Pancreatitis can be genetic. I have hereditary causes. I’m not even 20 and I was diagnosed at 10. Ask them to run a gene panel. Even if your family members don’t have it you could. It’s very rare but you should be tested for that. Doctors aren’t as educated about hereditary pancreatitis because of how uncommon it is and that’s why you might be told inaccurate things such as “you’re too young”.

For those of us who don't drink or smoke: It's mostly genetics. Making an appointment with a Gastroenterologist (GI) doctor is a good start. He or she might consider putting you on an immune blocker medicine, that stops your body from thinking your pancreas is a foreign body. Best of luck🤞

I was 15 when I was diagnosed and I’m 28 now. I don’t and have never drunk alcohol and don’t smoke.

Pancreatitis also runs in my family so it’s up to genetics as well. If it’s from alcohol abuse then you are young to have it but if it’s from something else age shouldn’t matter.

I got pancreatitis at 21 from alcohol abuse. I have a friend who is 24 and got it from gallstone removal surgery. Your primary care provider might be able to refer you to a GI or atleast help you figure out where to see one. Advice: be sure to reduce your fat intake. This will reduce your pain. Drink plenty of water and make sure you stay hydrated. If you Google pancreatitis diet there are lots of recipes and meal suggestions. Take in plenty of antioxidants. I drank pure cherry juice every day- cheribundi brand. Heat on your back and torso should help some with the pain as well. Sending well wishes 💗

Thank you everyone for the responses really helpful 🤗!

it is genetics for me. i have a mutated gene which causes all my issues. you should look into that! definitely not too young to have pancreatitis! 💕

I recommend seeing a gastro and getting an Ultrasound, CT or MRI MRCP (I got all three and they only finally found something in the latter).

I’m 25 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. There’s a few reasons you could have it. Alcohol abuse or gallstones..or in my case, autoimmune.

So sorry Sassyfrassy, I misunderstood. Not to make excuses but yesterday was a long day and I had several injections in my back/neck. By the time I responded I was in a lot of pain and obviously in a mood. I'm so sorry for the tone/mood with my response. Please forgive me.

I was born with 2 pancreatic heads. In the 1950's & 60's we ate meats fried in lard. I was 16 when I got gallstones & pancreatitis. It was the old country home cooking recipes from ancestors. High cholesterol, high fats. Excruciating pain at dinner table. Pancreatitis can start in childhood. Spices, fats, alcohol, congenital anomalies can bring it on. You should be seen by a Gastroenterologist. Your common bile ducts can get bile stones stuck in them which also causes the pain. An ERCP is performed to pull stones out, open ducts and possibly add splinters to keep ducts open. I've had 14 ERCP's before having surgery to create one whole pancreas. I never drank alcohol. I had to quit greasy, fatty, fried foods. I bake or grill meats now. My pancreas won't digest red meats. Beef. Pancreatitis causes high triglycerides, amylase, and lipase.

So OP, let me rephrase my comment to prevent any further confusion.. Pancreatitis isn’t a disease that correlates with an age range. It’s just an inflammation in your pancreas. Drinking isn’t the SOLE reason for it, because I didn’t drink much yet I have it. I’m 26. So, I’m proof age doesn’t mean squat. Based on the comment you received from your doctor, I’d suggest seeking out a second opinion! It takes time to assemble a good team, so don’t give up!

Auntsquirm— I was replying to the posters question.. that pancreatitis isn’t JUST by drinking and doesn’t correlate to age. That whoever told THEM that gave THEM, the poster, a BS answer. So.. I will not further this ridiculous “argument” you think we are having because it’s vastly one sided. I’m sorry if you felt my remark was aimed towards you or was meant to be inflammatory. It was not.

Saw you also have cirrhosis. What do you think causes that?

My GI dr is in the Houston Med Center, so I've got a top doc. Also, mine WAS caused by drinking and if ya Google it its listed. How about you do a little research before blurting and accusing.

Not true. I have pancreatitis and I haven’t drank that much. Whoever told you that gave you a BS answer. I see a GI doctor but I also see a hepatologist for my liver too. Just seek out a second opinion or find a GI doctor that’ll listen to you.

Typically alcohol abuse and/or gallstones.