DEAR DR. DONOHUE: One month ago I had a gallbladder attack, and within days doctors removed my gallbladder. I was told that it would be an overnight stay and that I would be fine in three days. Well, 15 days later I got home, after spending 10 days in the ICU. I had acute pancreatitis and almost didn’t make it. Can you tell me about pancreatitis and what I can expect for recovery time? – H.R.

ANSWER: The pancreas has two functions: It provides enzymes that digest food, and it also makes insulin, the hormone responsible for the regulation of blood sugar. The digestive enzymes enter the small intestine by way of a duct shared with bile coming from the gallbladder.

Acute pancreatitis is inflammation of that organ. Its causes are many. Immoderate use of alcohol, high blood triglycerides, abdominal trauma or high blood calcium can bring on an attack of pancreatitis.

Two possible explanations exist for your experience. Perhaps the duct that drains both the pancreas and the gallbladder became blocked from a gallstone that made its way there secretly during your gallbladder surgery. Blocking drainage of pancreatic enzymes initiates their digestion of the pancreas itself – pancreatitis. Or it could be that surgery – not just gallbladder surgery, but any kind of surgery – set in motion a chain of events that brought on pancreatitis. It sometimes happens postoperatively.

Treatment entails resting the pancreas by stopping all oral feeding. Intravenous fluids supply nutrition during this period. Most of the time, people are on the road to recovery three to seven days after treatment is initiated.

Not all pancreatitis patients are so lucky. You had an exceptionally bad time, so your recovery will take much longer. How much? I can’t say. It could be months before you feel your old self. A few people succumb to pancreatic inflammation.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My husband died from liver cancer that was brought on by hepatitis B. Until I read your article, I had no idea it was contagious. How is hepatitis B passed from one person to another? Should I request a blood test for it? – M.B.

ANSWER: Before there was a good test for detecting hepatitis B, blood transfusions accounted for many cases of it. Needles shared by drug users are another common mode of transmission.

Nurses, lab techs and doctors who are stuck by a needle or any other sharp instrument that’s contaminated with blood from a hepatitis B patient can contract the illness. Infected mothers can pass the virus to the fetus in the uterus or to the infant during birth or after birth.

Hepatitis B can also be transmitted sexually.

Yes, you should be checked for it. A simple blood test provides that information. Your doctor can arrange it for you.

Now there is both treatment for hepatitis B and a vaccine to prevent it.

Untreated hepatitis B can evolve into liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: My laboratory results are as follows: total cholesterol, 207 (5.3); HDL cholesterol, 81 (2.1); LDL cholesterol, 99 (2.56); triglycerides, 137 (1.54). My doctor says these are fine. I am on Zocor. Are these fine, or should I be looking for a new doctor or medication? I have read that these values are too high. – V.S.

ANSWER: The goal for total cholesterol is a reading under 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L). HDL cholesterol – good cholesterol – is in an excellent range when it is above 60 (1.55). LDL cholesterol – bad cholesterol – is considered near optimal when it is less than 130 (3.36) and optimal when less than 100 (2.6). If a person has known heart disease, the LDL cholesterol goal is 70 (1.8). The normal value for triglycerides is under 150 (1.69).

Your values are excellent. If the slightly elevated total cholesterol reading is a source of concern, don’t let it be. Your extremely high good cholesterol more than makes up for its slight elevation. Your doctor and your medicine are doing a magnificent job.



Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.