Indigestion or pancreatitis ?

[Postxmass]

Hello all - posting here for traffic.

Woke up this morning, had a few cookies with cup of tea. Almost straight away I experienced pain in upper abdomen which got worse over time. Curling up or sitting in warm bath were the only things to improve my comfort. Pain got better but then came back after I had evening meal. I’m feeling really tired and out of it too. The pain is localised, doesn’t go to my back or anywhere else. I have felt a bit nauseous but I haven’t been throwing up. I’ve mostly been horizontal as walking around isn’t comfortable.

Could it be indigestion or pancreatitis?

Not sure if it’s worth calling NHS 111.

Shall I leave it until the morning to see how I feel?

Calling 111 isn't going to cause any harm.

Sounds like your gallbladder

Oh God bless you original commenter
I'm praying you feel much better immensely soon or now? Did you ring 111,in the past I've found them extremely helpful
Please let us know how you are now
I know this mightn't be so with your lovely self, but I've felt tummy pain & nausea following consuming a bit too much of the wrong foods on Days like Christmas Day 💚🫂💚

I’ve had acute pancreatitis 5 times, and it is extremely painful, cannot be confused with indigestion. It’s 10/10 worse pain of your life. I couldn’t even text my mum when I had it the first time, I had to ask my ex to text her and pretend to be me. But seek help if you’re in severe pain. Acute pancreatitis can kill you, so if you genuinely suspect it, you don’t ignore it.

Please don’t rely on advice from random people on the internet. Just Call 111.

Yes i’d say more likely to be gallbladder. That’s where I got all my gallstone pain, upper abdomen. Stones caused permanent damage to my pancreas and ended in major pancreas surgery so I always advise anyone with suspected gallstones to get medical attention asap.

As someone currently waiting for gallbladder removal, it sounds very similar to the first couple of attacks I had. Would recommend getting it checked out.

I agree I also have had recurring pancreatitis and it is the worse pain I have ever had. I would rate childbirth with no drugs as a 5/10 and pancreatitis as a 10/10. That said we all have different pain thresholds. Give 111 a ring as pancreatitis is really dangerous last time I had it I was admitted for over 2 weeks

Thanks for the replies

it’s not terrible pain - I have endometriosis and migraines which are way worse

but I’ve been in discomfort all day

id rather hold off for my GP on Monday rather than NHS 111 as I don’t want to end up waiting for hours for a call back or to be told to go to A&E

Yes I had DC no 3 with no pain relief through choice and that was a million miles better than acute pancreatitis.

I’d monitor then. I wouldn’t go to out of hours at this time of the year for moderate pain. Have you taken any pain relief? Try and avoid fatty food if it is gallstones

Update: I didn’t eat last night, this morning or lunch. An hour or so ago I had a very small piece of gluten free Christmas cake. And the discomfort / pain on my upper abdomen is coming back.

Will contact my GP in the morning.

If it was pancreatitis you wouldn’t even be debating about a&e or not you’d be there asap

Have you tried taking painkillers i assume you have?
But you could also try things like gaviscon and also there's a med called simeticone that's branded as 'windeeze' or anti bloat or similar and can be bought in most supermarkets or chemist's etc.

I just say this because I once ended up in hospital with upper abdominal pain as the pain was so bad I was screaming.
I had all sorts of investigations done but they found nothing
In the end having tried a tonne of different stuff as the pain would go away for a couple of weeks then return.. I found simeticone was the thing that started to get rid of it!! So im assuming it was trapped wind!!

I googled it and it turns out trapped wind can be unbelievably painful and put people in hospital the first time it happens. I think my digestive system has just slowed down a bit now im older because I never felt this when younger
But give it a try as the pain you describe sounds very similar to what I experienced and honestly the simeticone sorts it within about 20mins

It could be indigestion, or it could be a side effect of a gallstone. As others have already said, it won’t be pancreatitis. That’s rather a big jump - indigestion or pancreatitis?! A bit like having a cold or Ebola.

Maybe next time you eat have something bland and inoffensive rather than starting with Christmas cake. 🙄

Update: saw GP. It’s gastritis.

Thanks to every one who commented.

I'm praying you feel much better immensely soon & relieved now you know the causes of your pain
God Bless You&Yours & take extra great care of your lovely self

If it’s gallstones it’s the worst pain ever.