Re: Re: chronic pancreatitus

Posted by Nancy Richards on 02/24/05 at 02:55 PM

I was first diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis in 2001. I have been in the hospital 5 times in the last 4 years,two of them lenghty stays with no food just milk drip and on a continually running demerol pump.(You can hit it every 8 minutes.) I have also had a pancreatic pseudo cyst that eventually resolved itself. Otherwise, I was told I would need a whipple procedure if it didn\'t. Since then I am checked for cancer markers and get MRI\'s 2 times a year. My tube from the stomach to the pancreas becomes inflamed and has developed scarring. Ultimately, I will probably have to have a whipple procedure,if it scars enough, so as you can see I really keep up with my disease. I take hydrocodone during an attack and only sip water every once in awhile. The attacks last from 3 to 5 days, during which time I stay in bed and take narcotics and Tigan for vomiting. I have come to accept it as a way of life. When I am not sick.which is about 90 percent of the time, no one would ever know how debilitating this disease is for me. I carry narcotics in my pocket everyday,just in case. I hope some of the information I am about to give you is helpful. Number1-never have another drink. If you do it will ultimately become a death sentence.(The disease itself could get to that point anyway, but it is essential you never drink.Get into re-hab if you have this problem. Number2 you get pancreatitis even though you don\'t drink. I believe I got mine from several severe punches to my stomach. Number3 get on a good vitamin supplement. (I take Centrum Silver,SuperB. and 1000mg. of C a day in addition to Wellbutrin for depression and 8 librax a day to relax my bowel.( You need to discuss what you need to do with your Dr. Prognosis for this disease is not very good.If you go into pancreatic cancer you have maybe 5 or 6 months.Not all people with pancreatitis get pancreatic cancer,which is a really good thing. I eat very small amounts of foods at a time so that they digest more slowly.No Fat,or low fat. The days of big meals are over. Get used to it. It is a very depressive disease, that is why I take the Wellbutrin everyday. I have it much worse than other people on this site. I am only saying this because chronic recurring pancreatitis is never cured. It can only be helped by general good nutrition, no drinking,vitamins, and narcotics,and surgery when it gets really bad. when it gets really bad. I have never discussed this with anyone on line because I didn\'t know of anyone who wanted information, and ever person\'s case is very individualized. What is good for one may not be good for another. I personally believe that if any of the people on this site are faced with pancreatic surgery, consider Johns Hopkins or Beth Israel Hospitals,or other leading medical clinics.The are, in my research, found to be the best hospitals if you need a surgercal solution. You can have a stint put in anywhere,but you want to go to a hospital where doctor\'s have the VERY GOOD SURGERICAL REPUTATION FOR YOUR CONDITION. This is the best solution for you. FIND NOT JUST A GOOD DR, BUT ONE THAT HAS DONE THE PROCEDURE MANY,MANY TIMES,WITH GOOD RESULTS.THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DISEASE.Your Dr.can refer you anywhere with test results for consultation if you are on the verge of a serious solution. Also. look up whipple procedure on the internet.Amass as much information as you can while you are in the early stages of the disease, so you can really make an informed choice if it comes to that. I hope you don\'t feel that I have overstated the seriouness of chronic pancreatitis,because I haven\'t. Do the research. I am not a Dr. however,and he or she is your best advisor,but I have armed you with some info.Become informed. You are your best advocate! Good luck! N.(P.S.) Keep in mind this is only my story. Every case is very different.

Replies	Posted By	#	Date & Time
Re: Re: Re: chronic pancreatitus	Michael A.Barr Sr.	0	10/15/06 01:03 AM
Re: Re: Re: chronic pancreatitus	Mike Cunningham	0	05/17/05 05:02 PM