Complaints in the upper abdomen
I am currently experiencing severe discomfort in the upper abdomen. It feels like the pancreas is cramping and contracting. The symptoms are strongest in the morning, 4-5 shortly before a bowel movement.
A CT scan taken a week ago incidentally showed Pancreatic atrophy. This would explain how it feels. My primary care physician mentioned that my Ferritin levels are low: 51 (range 22-322) and recommended iron infusions.
As a layperson, I suspect that the symptoms are caused by low iron levels and I have been taking iron tablets (14mg) every few hours. I feel like it helps for a while.
Background: I recently had a severe stomach flu. Since then, the symptoms have worsened. However, I have had the feeling of cramping in the pancreas area even before that. I have been avoiding meat and fish for about a year due to Hyperuricemia, which could explain the iron deficiency. A CT scan 6 months ago did not show Pancreatic atrophy. Additionally, I had Penile cancer 4 years ago, so there is always a possibility of cancer.
If it is indeed iron deficiency, why does my body need so much iron? Could there be a gastrointestinal injury? My last colonoscopy was about 4 years ago.
What investigations or measures would you recommend?
