Nurses Do I have pancriatic cancer?

Question

My right side has been hurting for a week after a stomach bug (diarrhea couldn't get up). I'm really scared please only serious answers. I don't have insurance so I think I'm going to go to the ER tonight.

Answer 1

I'm not a nurse, but my mom had pancreatic cancer. Before her diagnosis she had very vague symptoms. Off & on constipation, diarrhea, nausea. She had also lost alot of weight in a short time. Her stomach never really started giving her big problems until about 3 months before she passed away.

You don't say your age. Pancreatic cancer is most common in people over 60, although younger people can get it

Answer 2

No. You don't have pancreatic cancer. Nothing you said even makes me think that that is a possibility.

Answer 3

It sounds more like pancreatitis; inflammation or infection of the pancreas.  It can occur after a bout with a stomach bug.

My mother had pancreatic cancer, and it is not a quick onset type of disease.  She had vague but slowly progressive digestive problems for over 18 months, and lost half her body weight in that time.

I would definitely go to the ER and get checked out, you've been sick and probably dehydrated for too long a period of time.

Answer 4

Its highly unlikely that you have pancreatic cancer....its probably aftermath of the flu....wait a while, eat well, drink plenty of water and rest as much as 2 little kids will let you....Pancreatic cancer generally does not cause pain......so rest easy..

Answer 5

I wouldn't make the jump right to pancreatic cancer just from side pain following a viral infection or possible food poisoning event.  I wouldn't recommend going to the ER either, unless the pain is quite bad and you need immediate pain relief.  Even if you don't have insurance, that doesn't mean the ER is free; they must treat you, but they can and will bill you.  It will be more cost and care effective to wait and go to either a general clinic (walk in or scheduled) or general practice than to go to an ER.  The ER will treat your immediate pain but will then just refer you to a day time doctor for testing, treatment, follow up, and full diagnosis, and the cost of an ER visit will be far higher than any doctor's office visit charge.

I hope you feel better soon.