My journey with pancreatitis began with intense abdominal pain, relentless vomiting, and fever. Initially misdiagnosed as gastritis, I endured six months of endoscopies while my weight dropped from 67 kg to 40 kg (148 lbs to 88 lbs), and my creatinine levels soared due to excessive medication.Â
A turning point came when a new doctor tested my amylase and lipase levels, followed by an MRCP scan that confirmed pancreatitis. At 20, with no history of alcohol use, this diagnosis was a shock. Further tests revealed it was autoimmune pancreatitis, marked by elevated IgG4 levels. Steroids worsened my health, and expensive treatments like Rituximab and Ulinastatin injections provided only temporary relief.Â
![Image of pancreatitis patient Pragya with her mother.](https://mission-cure.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Pragya-Patient-Story-2-1.png)
Despite numerous hospitalizations and persistent symptoms, my mom’s unwavering support kept me going. Her hope and strength have been my anchors, helping me transform from a depressed patient to someone who finds joy in life. Many of my dreams have been put on hold, but I’m learning to live happily despite the challenges
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Learn more about Autoimmune Pancreatitis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment with Dr. Yasmin Hernandez-Barco from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
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