Hi. I’m wondering if anyone has symptoms associated with Bile Reflux in addition to chronic pancreatitis? My doctors have discovered (during my last endoscopy and a prior one) that there is excess bile in my stomach and that my pyloric valve may be weak/open and allowing bile to flow up into my stomach and esophagus. I am wondering if this issue could be aggravating my pancreatitis pain during an “episode” and and/or be the cause of my upper right left quadrant pain when I am not having an episode. Has anyone researched bile reflux extensively or have experience with confirmed bile reflux, with or without pancreatitis on top? Symptoms (as different from pancreatitis)??? The fun never ends huh? Arch
oh, I forgot to mention that my (old) doctor did not think much of this theory (addtional pain/issues because of bile reflux). Needless to say, I am working with a new doctor. Arch
Arch,
Have you been told that you have a blockage in you bile duct? Or do you have acid reflux otherwise known as GERD? Also do you itch a lot? I had the itching problem a couple years ago and they gave me URSO FORTE. It helped a lot. Also are you on Protonix, Nexium or some other form of reflux medication?
I do know that a lot of us suffer with GERD. That is why I asked.
Keep the Faith and God Bless,
Vonnie
Arch
I also have severe bile reflux. No one has ever told me it was related to the CP, though. I take Carafate and it seems to help with coating the stomach and esophagus. I also happen to have a PEG-J tube and can drain off the bile through the ports of the tube, sometimes as much as 100cc at a time. My understanding is there is not much that can be done with the bile reflux other than treating with Carafate (which is the gold standard for this condition).
Good luck
Teresa
Hello Teresa 
Just thought I would let you know that I too take Carafate when the bile reflux gets bad other wise it’s prilasec. But the doctor does want me taking it daily, but I don’t eat enough during the day…Ok that’s all…Hope you have a pain free evening 
Sending you Big Hugs…Barb
Carafate is not necessary to be taken with food. It is a coating agent that helps bind. You should, however, take it 1 hr before or 2 hours after any other meds as it may interfere with absorption. I also take Protonix, Zegerid, and Pepcid for the reflux so I am somewhat covered on all fronts.
Arch,
about 8 yrs. ago is when I started having really bad gerd/reflux. I tried everything the only thing that helped me was pepcid and after a while that didnt even help until they fixed the closed duct. after they fixed my closed duct that symptom went away. I get it periodically but nothing like I did at least for now.
mkggirl