Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing inflammation of the pancreas that changes the normal structure and functions of the pancreas.  Many times there is abdominal pain because the fat in foods is not being absorbed.  

There is normally a good deal of weight loss since food is not being absorbed properly.  It is very important to establish how often the attacks of pancreatitis occur and how long the attacks last.  How do the attacks interfere with normal daily activities will be the main focus of the hearing with the Social Security Administration.  The level of pain needs to be covered in detail with the judge.  Doctors are normally sympathetic to patients who suffer from chronic pancreatitis because of the level of pain.  Most Social Security judges are familiar with chronic pancreatitis and the associated pain.  

Types of Pancreatitis:

• Acute pancreatitis only No chronic pancreatitis
• Idiopathic pancreatitis Chronic
• Alcoholic pancreatitis Chronic
• Hereditary pancreatitis Chronic
• Pancreatitis related to hyperparathyroidism Chronic
• Pancreatitis caused by obstruction of main pancreatic duct Chronic

Please remember that there is a difference between chronic pancreatitis and acute pancreatitis.  Acute pancreatitis goes away after a few days of treatment and probably will never recur.  Chronic pancreatitis recurs repeatedly.  

Symptoms and Signs of Chronic Pancreatitis: 

• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Elevated white blood count
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal distention
• Steatorrhea
• Pancreatic calcification
• Pancreatic pseudocyst
• Dilated pancreatic ducts
• Diabetes mellitus