Re: Our own work challenges

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/26/00 11:30:31 AM Central Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

briffle@... writes: << I lost my job today.>>

<< While I can really understand the notion of having the pressure to

perform lifted from you, you still must be a bit upset that they weren't

willing to work with you to get through this bad period in your life. >>

Hi Andre, all.

I was confused about your statement about the Pancreatitis being a bad period

in life. All the literature and research, as well as our stories indicate

that unless you have acute Pancreatitis, this " period in our life " will only

get worse. When I lost my job, after much prayer and mediation I realize that

there was no job in the facility in which I worked that I could perform the

job requirements. The unpredictability of my attendance made it impossible

for them to depend on me. If I wasn't able to go to work, hiring a temp was

impossible because I did such specialized duties. Even if I was willing to

take any position open, from housekeeping to front door clerk, I didn't think

it would be fair. Many times it wasn't until I woke up in the morning that I

realized there was no way I could go to work. It would be half a

day before they could get a replacement.

It isn't that I am supporting the facility I worked for as it is that I

needed to look at the realistics of me continuing to work. Looking

objectively at both sides allowed me to not take it personally. In doing

this, I avoided the buildup of anger and resentments. I only have so much

time and energy. I have to pick my battles. This wasn't one of them ---for

me. My employer allowed me to take a 6 month LOA before I needed to seriously

consider whether I could realistically return to work.

Living on faith is hard. But in doing so has grounded me spiritually.

Please don't think of this as a criticism to your beliefs, Andre, regarding

your work. All of our circumstances professionally and personally, form the

roads that we have to walk. I support everyone in this Network. And say,

" Amen " for each of your successes.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/27/2000 2:12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

<< Please don't think of this as a criticism to your beliefs, Andre,

regarding

your work. All of our circumstances professionally and personally, form the

roads that we have to walk. I support everyone in this Network. And say,

" Amen " for each of your successes. >>

Karyn,

We are all different individuals afflicted with a like illness. That doesn't

necessarily mean we will agree philosophically on every point. Besides, each

work situation is different in and of itself. No, I would never take offense

to anyone else's experiences and the opinions they formulate from those

experiences. I value your, and everyone else's input and welcome differing

opinions. Believe it or not, your words struck home with me and my

situation. Realistically, I wasn't able to sustain the effort needed to

perform my job functions to their fullest. A lot of managers were dependent

on my decisions in order for them to achieve their performance bonuses.

However, while I do understand the reasoning behind the decision to have me

replaced and put into another " lesser " position, I still feel as if they

haven't allowed me to make this decision on my own. All of my performance

indicators were steadily showing improvement and continued growth was

imminent. The bottom line in all of this is I'm hurt. I want this illness

to leave me alone so I can continue to contribute to my family and it's well

being. My wife begged me to go out and stay out on disability but, like I

tried to explain to her just today, I couldn't sit here at home every day and

watch her go off to work everyday. It would be the final emasculation.

Sorry to babble on so but it's always difficult for me to put into writing my

feelings as they are being experienced. The bottom line to all of this is,

no I do not take offense with your statements to me. I welcome them.

Thanks for your concern.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/29/00 9:53:12 PM Central Daylight Time,

acastenell@... writes:

<< However, while I do understand the reasoning behind the decision to have

me

replaced and put into another " lesser " position, I still feel as if they

haven't allowed me to make this decision on my own >>

<< The bottom line in all of this is I'm hurt. I want this illness to leave

me alone so I can continue to contribute to my family and it's well being. >>

Hi Andre',

I think I understand the sense of frustration here. While I was out on

medical leave my administrator sent me a certified letter stating that I had

to resign. I understood the need for a decision to be made one way or the

other re: me going back to work, but, I felt like she could have offered me

some area of work, first. The reality of the situation was that I was in no

shape or form to return to work in any capacity. It just would have felt

better if I could have asked.

You spoke about being hurt and wanting this disease to leave you alone.

Well, I find myself angry as well as depressed, when I find myself having to

make choices based on my disease. I stay close to my belief system and

support persons; I have prayed and meditated on the necessity of living life

on life's terms, but there are many days, where I simply want my life back.

I struggle when I write out my gratitude list and face this topic.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

--

>This illness has robbed me of so many things. This morning I was struggling

with the words to how I felt and " focus " seemed to be it. What I am so tired of

is that almost every contact I have with anyone has to do with my illness.

That feeds into my depression. I lost my ability to work last Sept. I really

miss the job I had and the social contacts I had at work. It is hard to turn it

over to God.

>

>I pray every day that I will be able to find self worth in all of my struggles.

>

>Karyn

Hi Karyn. Of course the feeling of self-worth comes only from within. However,

I hope you know how much your efforts have meant to all of us. You have taken a

personal tragedy & turned it into a source of comfort & information for the rest

of us. You may not be gainfully employed as before, but the work you have done

for this group is beyond price!

I think for most of us, pancreatitis has taken over most of our lives. I'm sure

all of us wish this disease would go away & let us reclaim our lives, but

realistically, we know that probably won't happen. I hope you can take pride &

comfort in knowing how you took an overwhelming misfortune and used it to bring

encouragement, knowledge, solace to so many.

jang

--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--

Before you buy.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 05/03/2000 1:18:16 PM Central Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

<<

I pray every day that I will be able to find self worth in all of my

struggles.

Karyn

------------------------------------------------------------------------

>>

Karyn,

Is there anything I can do to help? I can listen well. What level of

functioning are you at physically with the disease? Are you able to get

involved in anything outside of the home, even if it is only for short

periods of time? Go for a walk in the park or have a friend or family member

get a wheelchair (if needed) and get out and enjoy something you haven't

enjoyed in a while like feeding the ducks, watching a sunset, etc... Do you

have some hobbies or crafts you like to do or would like to start doing? For

me, I run into the most problems when I isolate myself from others and not

force myself to get out of my shell and start living again. Sometimes it is

hard to get going, but I have never regretted making myself do something to

get me out of a deep depression.

Hope this helps. I'm here if you need to chat.

Sandy

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/5/2000 12:53:55 AM Eastern Daylight Time, smraef@...

writes:

<< Bottom line is that I have found a way to

express my feelings and thoughts where they are at least released and not

building up. I have become much easier to live with and feel better about

myself as well. Give yourself credit for finding a way to express yourself

-

YOU DO A WONDERFUL JOB HERE WITH US! I have truly appreciated what you have

shared with us. >>

Sandy,

Your words of kindness were truly appreciated, if undeserved :-)

I have started a journal (originally started for self-protection here at

work) back in January and it does seem to offer a release for me emotionally.

Whenever I go back and reread previous entries, I can tell by the writing

what my temperament was at that particular time. I guess you are right when

you say I do better in written form that expressing myself orally. Like most

men, my communication skills consists of various grunts and other noises :-)

Thanks again for the compliment. Believe me when I say, they are few and far

between :-)

Andre'

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/5/2000 1:08:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time, smraef@...

writes:

<< I'm fairly new to the support group, however have you considered the

possibility that you are probably going through the stages of grief? I've

done a lot of work in dealing with grief brought on by a variety of

different

things. Sometimes it just helps to know this and be aware of the various

stages so that we can see that we are making progress in the process of

grieving. We grieve for a variety of reasons and for men losing their

livelihood or their chosen profession, this is a very difficult thing for

them. When we couple this with grieving over the lose of our health, there

can sometimes be complications or we can get stuck in one of stages and may

need a jump start from someone familiar with the grieving process. >>

Sandy,

How insightful! Are you certain you don't know me? :-)

Your words rung true once again. While I cannot function in my present

position and work out of my house, I haven't really researched the

possibilities of home employment has to offer to someone like myself. This

is an option I will seek to pursue.

As for the stages of grieving, you may have something there, too. I never

looked at myself as being in grief, but that seems to be exactly what I am

experiencing. I seem to be stuck on " Angry " and need to move on to the other

stages so I may go on with my life (what little I still have, that is).

While, when I said " give up " in my previous message, I was speaking of work

in general. However, at time I do feel like giving up on life itself. Don't

worry, I would never kill myself or attempt such an act, but the depression

gets so strong, I do think of it as a viable solution at times.

Thanks again for your message to me. I will look into your suggestions and

try to deal with my " grief " over losing my position within the company.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

Hi Andre'

I seem to be stuck on "Angry" and need to move on to the other

stages so I may go on with my life (what little I still have, that

is).

While, when I said "give up" in my previous message, I was speaking

of work

in general. However, at time I do feel like giving up on life

itself. Don't

worry, I would never kill myself or attempt such an act, but the depression

gets so strong, I do think of it as a viable solution at times.

I am sorry I have been in lurk mode for

a while. I just haven't been real socialble lately. I have

however read all the posts. Your comment about being angry struck

something in me. It seems that maybe I am just stuck in "Angry mode"

as well! At first I was in panic , but now I am mad!

I am angry because i find my self having

to defend my illness. I am angry because people do not think that

I should still be sick and the treatments aren't up to their standards.

I don't do what they think I should do. It has gotten to where I

no longer answer the phone, I let the machine get it. I avoid going

out to the store and church so I don't have to encounter people ragging

on me about my illness. I am also extemely angry because I feel I

have a very valid contributing disease(LUPUS) to my Pancreatitus and I

can not get anyone to listen to me. They are all willing to put me on pills

for depression(of which I flately refuse) but no one wants to look at me

and treat me , "the person". I am treated off a piece of paper.

I am angry because I can not function enough to work a daily job.

I spend most of my time trying to figure

out how to convince the doctors I am sick and NOT depressed!

Oh Well! Such is life these days!

Becky

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/8/2000 8:39:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

briffle@... writes:

<< I am sorry I have been in lurk mode for a while. I just haven't been

real sociable lately. I have however read all the posts. Your comment

about being angry struck something in me. It seems that maybe I am just

stuck in " Angry mode " as well! At first I was in panic, but now I am

mad!

I am angry because I find my self having to defend my illness. I am

angry because people do not think that I should still be sick and the

treatments aren't up to their standards. I don't do what they think I

should do. It has gotten to where I no longer answer the phone, I let

the machine get it. I avoid going out to the store and church so I

don't have to encounter people ragging on me about my illness. I am

also extremely angry because I feel I have a very valid contributing

disease (LUPUS) to my Pancreatitis and I cannot get anyone to listen to

me. They are all willing to put me on pills for depression (of which I

flatly refuse) but no one wants to look at me and treat me , " the

person. " I am treated off a piece of paper. I am angry because I cannot

function enough to work a daily job.

I spend most of my time trying to figure out how to convince the doctors

I am sick and NOT depressed!

Oh Well! Such is life these days! >>

Becky,

How true the sentiments you expressed are. You really hit home with your

comments. I too feel exactly as you do. I have no social life at all any

more and have " cut loose " all of my former friends and most of my family

members. I too am sick and tired of the constant comments concerning my

appearance (you don't look sick, look at all of the weight you've lost), I

tired of constantly living in fear of losing my job due to my inability to

get to work of stay at work on a consistent basis.

Please do not refuse the antidepressants, they do work. I myself am taking

Zoloft (sp) and it does tend to help somewhat. There should be no need for

you to suffer with depression with this illness, especially with the lack of

understanding we all have to put up with from the professionals who treat us

as well as our friends and family members (not to mention our employers). By

taking something to treat the depression we all face daily, you may actually

help with your pain management. Many Pain Clinics will put you on some form

of anti depressants along with pain medication for more effective relief.

Just a suggestion.

Becky, please take care of yourself. Hearing you express yourself in this

manner really hit me where it counts. We must pull ourselves out of this rut

we are in and not depend on others to give us that helping hand we sometimes

need.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

acastenell@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 5/8/2000 8:39:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

> briffle@... writes:

>

> At first I was in panic, but now I am mad! I am angry because I find my self

having to

defend my illness. I am angry because people do not think that I should

still be sick and the

> treatments aren't up to their standards. I don't do what they think I

> should do.

Becky,

Boy, do I understand this! I get so tired of people telling me that I

need to change doctors if I'm still sick. Hello! This is a CHRONIC

disease. The people around me don't seem to understand that I am one of

the lucky ones that doesn't feel sick every day. I'll be thinking about

how lucky I am and they'll be thinking it's pitiful I'm still sick. ARG!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/10/2000 12:04:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

briffle@... writes:

<< I am a doctors worst nightmare! I will not except that this is

depression and take pills and move on. I KNOW there is something wrong

and I am making them find it! They have to dig harder. That is why I

am going to MAYO. >>

Becky,

Wow, you are angry :-) I really can't blame you in the least for your

feeling the way you do, having bee on the receiving end of similar comments

for the past 30 years or so. Only you can determine whether or not you are

experiencing depression and are in need of medical relief. If, like you say,

you do not feel depressed but rather exasperated by the insensitivity of

others, by all means stay away from antidepressants. Besides, we all have to

take too many pills as it is now :-)

Hang in there Becky. Hopefully, you will get more support once you get to

the Mayo Clinic. In the meantime, try to find a local doctor that is

sensitive to your needs and willing for you to be an active participant in

your health care.

Andre'

[Guest guest]

Please do not refuse the antidepressants, they do work. I myself

am taking

Zoloft (sp) and it does tend to help somewhat. There should be

no need for

you to suffer with depression with this illness, especially with the

lack of

understanding we all have to put up with from the professionals who

treat us

as well as our friends and family members (not to mention our employers).

By

taking something to treat the depression we all face daily, you may

actually

help with your pain management. Many Pain Clinics will put you

on some form

of anti depressants along with pain medication for more effective relief.

Just a suggestion.

Andre'

Andre'.

As always I appreciate

your words. For a man of few words you sure know how to communicate

*LOL*

Maybe I am in a

denial or just flat out stubborn( I prefer to think the latter) but I do

not feel I am in need of depression pills. My life is happy, I have

a wonderful family, in laws and terrific Mom! I have the most wonderful

supportive christian husband a girl could ever want. Other than my

health life, my life is terrific.

I am like

in a lot of ways. I am not in constant pain! I have great days

and they are so good. And then I have bad days where I can not get

out of bed. Where I am in so much pain. I was employed at my

job for 4 years and liked it very much! In January our company sold

off one of it's divisions, the division I worked for. I was kept

on the payroll in hopes of finding something else for me to take over.

However since Christmas I was only at work for a total of 10 days.

My boss in the mean time realized he had nothing for me to do, but kept

me on the payroll so I could keep my insurance. They have gone out

of their way for me for years...from my car accident on. My 12 weeks

of leave was up and they had no choice but to lay me off. My boss

said if there was something for me to do he would have hired a temp to

fill in for me till I could come back to work. I am being carried

on my insurance until august. Hopefully by then my husband will be

hired on at his job permanetly and I will have insurance again.

The anger just

comes from trying to explain I am sick even though I do NOT look sick.

When I got to a Dr. he looks at me and says your overweight and your tiredness

is from that.

This is crap. I have always

been overweight and have run circles aroun people who weigh much less than

I! I ran circles around my mother last summer when my leg was in

a brace from surgery. I have always been quite active and full of

energy! Recently it has been discovered that I may have Lupus.

However because my blood work does not support and easy answer, they have

labeled it depression. However they can not explain my elevated white

count, my hair loss, my anemia(of which they had to give me 2 transfusions),

the rash on my face and arms,the extremely high sed rate. Sorry but

when all your blood work comes back abnormal they can not blame it on depression!

I do not feel I am depressed, just aggrevated because I have never had

to work so hard to prove I am sick! My MD says I am sick but

he doesn't know why! I believe my Pancreatitus was brought on by

the Lupus, and it is a warning sign.

I am a doctors worst nightmare!

I will not except that this is depression and take pills and move on.

I KNOW there is something wrong and I am making them find it! They

have to dig harder. That is why I am going to MAYO. The pancreatitus

is just the warning to something bigger and better I am sure!

Becky

[Guest guest]

>I do not feel I am depressed, just aggrevated because I have never had to work so hard to prove I am sick! <

Becky,

Just a quick pat on the back for you in your convictions & refusal to pop some pills to make the md feel better. I went thru a similar bout with 3 different doctors until I was finally diagnosed. I ripped up a perscription in front of the doctor-- & he was NOT happy! I am now seeing a psychologist because I want to deal with this situation the best way possible-- & to get rid of the anger I had towards those md's who just insisted I was suffering from "deep underlying depression." I asked the psych. if she thought I was suffering from depression & needed medication. Absolutely not, was her response, although she did say that she was sure that it would only be normal to feel depressed considering what all I had been through. The point is that I would have taken medication if she thought I needed it, but why put something into my body that isn't needed?! Stick to your guns, Becky. Good luck at Mayo. You DO, indeed, sound like a very stable, happy & lucky lady (other than the health issue, of course!). Take care, Cheryl

Re: Our own work challenges

Please do not refuse the antidepressants, they do work. I myself am taking Zoloft (sp) and it does tend to help somewhat. There should be no need for you to suffer with depression with this illness, especially with the lack of understanding we all have to put up with from the professionals who treat us as well as our friends and family members (not to mention our employers). By taking something to treat the depression we all face daily, you may actually help with your pain management. Many Pain Clinics will put you on some form of anti depressants along with pain medication for more effective relief. Just a suggestion. Andre' Andre'. As always I appreciate your words. For a man of few words you sure know how to communicate *LOL* Maybe I am in a denial or just flat out stubborn( I prefer to think the latter) but I do not feel I am in need of depression pills. My life is happy, I have a wonderful family, in laws and terrific Mom! I have the most wonderful supportive christian husband a girl could ever want. Other than my health life, my life is terrific. I am like in a lot of ways. I am not in constant pain! I have great days and they are so good. And then I have bad days where I can not get out of bed. Where I am in so much pain. I was employed at my job for 4 years and liked it very much! In January our company sold off one of it's divisions, the division I worked for. I was kept on the payroll in hopes of finding something else for me to take over. However since Christmas I was only at work for a total of 10 days. My boss in the mean time realized he had nothing for me to do, but kept me on the payroll so I could keep my insurance. They have gone out of their way for me for years...from my car accident on. My 12 weeks of leave was up and they had no choice but to lay me off. My boss said if there was something for me to do he would have hired a temp to fill in for me till I could come back to work. I am being carried on my insurance until august. Hopefully by then my husband will be hired on at his job permanetly and I will have insurance again. The anger just comes from trying to explain I am sick even though I do NOT look sick. When I got to a Dr. he looks at me and says your overweight and your tiredness is from that. This is crap. I have always been overweight and have run circles aroun people who weigh much less than I! I ran circles around my mother last summer when my leg was in a brace from surgery. I have always been quite active and full of energy! Recently it has been discovered that I may have Lupus. However because my blood work does not support and easy answer, they have labeled it depression. However they can not explain my elevated white count, my hair loss, my anemia(of which they had to give me 2 transfusions), the rash on my face and arms,the extremely high sed rate. Sorry but when all your blood work comes back abnormal they can not blame it on depression! I do not feel I am depressed, just aggrevated because I have never had to work so hard to prove I am sick! My MD says I am sick but he doesn't know why! I believe my Pancreatitus was brought on by the Lupus, and it is a warning sign. I am a doctors worst nightmare! I will not except that this is depression and take pills and move on. I KNOW there is something wrong and I am making them find it! They have to dig harder. That is why I am going to MAYO. The pancreatitus is just the warning to something bigger and better I am sure! Becky

PANCREATITIS SUPPORT NETWORKOnline e-mail groupTo reply to this message hit "reply" or send an e-mail to: PancreatitisegroupsTo subscribe to this e-mail group, simply send an e-mail to: Pancreatitis-subscribeegroups

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/10/2000 3:11:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

briffle@... writes:

<< Sorry Andre' I didn't mean to scare you with my " anger " *L*

I do very much appreciate your coments. *S* >>

Becky,

No problem. We all need to be able to vent our anger at times. I'm always

here for you and the others in our group, as I'm certain the same is true in

my case (does that make sense?).

Andre'

[Guest guest]

Wow, you are angry :-)

Sorry Andre' I didn't mean to scare you

with my "anger" *L*

I do very much appreciate your coments.

*S*

Becky

[Guest guest]

becky,

I too!!! understand how you feel!!! i have been through the mill more

times than none this year!!!! I would say to stay away from the

antidepressents but I find since I let my doc talk me into taking them that

It has raised my pain thresh hold and I can tolerate the pain a little better

than I could before. pancreatitis can be a debilatating disease to deal with

as you well know. all I can say is hang in there and we may see each other at

the mayo I am gonna try and hold out to the end of the summer so my

specialist can complete his procedures on me an then I may go after that.

[Guest guest]

I know how the both of you feel I was in the hospital a week and went home

for eight hours then I had to turn right around and go right back. then I was

out for two weeks and I had to go back in for a week I have been out for ten

day now and the trend is repeating it self I think that I maybe back in the

hospital before long I am haaving bouts of pain that are getting worse and

worse no matter what I eat or drink. well good luck to both of you Becky and

if either of you need someone who understands I'm here along with the

many others in this group

[Guest guest]

As all of the new commercials say the price of a computer roughly 1500.00,

the price of a server roughly 22.00 a month, the price of kindred souls

priceless. Basically what I am hitting on here is that by making this board

and supporting how ever it is that you do it, and by bringing us all together

it is TRUELY PRICELESS where would we all be looking and continuing to

search to find each other, Karyn take a bow you deserve it,

[Guest guest]

,

you took the words right out of my mouth. thank you Karyn. this board has

made me see that I can find other people who know exactly what i am going

through. I too send tremndous thanks to you Karyn.

[Guest guest]

--

>I seem to be stuck on " Angry " and need to move on to the other stages so I may

go on with my life (what little I still have, that is).

Hi, Becky. I meant to write sooner, but you know what happens to our plans.

Your note touched so many raw nerves for me. I think we are grieving over the

death of our lives-as-they-used-to-be. We all go through the stages of grieving

at different paces. Sometimes we have to go backward & revisit some stages.

Please be kind to yourself. You will surrender anger when YOU are ready.

Please don't inflict other people's schedules on yourself.

>I am angry because i find my self having to defend my illness. I am angry

because people do not think that I should still be sick and the

>treatments aren't up to their standards. I don't do what they think I should

do about my illness.

I think I understand what you mean. I am often told " if your doctor can't make

you better you should go to another " . I think our loved ones are frustrated that

we are still suffering & this is their way of coping. It is hard for our

families to accept that sometimes there is no one who CAN " make you better " . I

have seen several docs; no one has been able to do very much. My GI doctor is

as good as any I've met; he doesn't doubt me if I say I have pain & is open to

hearing any ideas I pick up from our group or elsewhere. I am as grateful for

my doc's concern for my pain & believing me when I tell him how I am feeling, as

I am for his medical expertise.

>I am also extemely angry because I feel I have a very valid contributing

disease(LUPUS) to my Pancreatitus

Again, I think I understand. I have multiple sclerosis. It's hard to be

struggling with one major health problem & then get hit hard with another.

>but no one wants to look at me and treat me , " the person " .

It may be too painful to see YOU, the person. It makes the medical folks

realize this could be happening to them. As a nurse I can tell you it is far

easier to see illness happening to " them " , not to " us " . It is hard for many

medical people to accept that we are ALL vulnerable to life's misfortunes.

>I am angry because I can not function enough to work a daily job.

Losing the ability to perform as an independent adult is a big, big loss. I am

still able to work part-time. I truly fear losing my job (because of frequent

absences), not just for financial reasons, but also because it would mean the

loss of a large part of who & what I am.

>I spend most of my time trying to figure out how to convince the doctors I am

sick and NOT depressed!

I think I've had similar discussions with several of my doctors. I tell them I

feel depressed because I'm sick, I'm not feeling sick because I'm depressed!

I'm sorry to have gone on for so long. I hope you are feeling better.

jang

--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--

Before you buy.

[Guest guest]

Dear Becky, and all,

I sure can relate to what you're saying. As my GI just told me, I've

had every test he knows of and everything is OK. Why would an otherwise

healthy 31 yo be having abd. pain and severe nausea? Must be that it is all

in my head.

I'm sorry, but this all started last summer with abd pain. My amylase

and lipase were sky high at that time. I certainly didn't make that up! I'm

sorry I don't fit into any category that they have but the pain and nausea

are still real and so is the 20 lb. weight loss.

Sometimes I think that I should just accept that this is how my life

is going to be and get on with it. I have found it is difficult for me to do,

though. I would do much better if someone could just say, " You have this

disease and we really can't make you better but here is what you can expect. "

Maybe I just need some proof to help me feel better that this isn't " all in

my head. " Sometimes I just feel so lost in all of this...

[Guest guest]

>but no one wants to look at me and treat me , "the person".

It may be too painful to see YOU, the person. It makes the medical

folks realize this could be

happening to them. As a nurse I can tell you it is far easier

to see illness happening to

"them", not to "us". It is hard for many medical people to accept

that we are ALL vulnerable

to life's misfortunes.

Jang,

What I meant by this was that they look at test results......if your results

don't match the symptoms then it is psychosematic or just you whining.

I know many others of us have suffered this plight. I say they don't

treat me the patient, they treat a piece of paper. I may have a list

of symptoms a mile long but if they do not match the test, then i am not

sick. It is quite frustrating and makes me quite angry. I feel

if my syptoms do not match the test, then they need to find another test

or another solution. Not just blow me off.

Becky

[Guest guest]

,

this is all classic signs of pancreatitis that you a showing. i can tell you

that you are not alone when you say that you feel like the doc's make you

feel like it is all in your head but trust me they know that you are sick and

they are just as fustrated about treating this disease as you are about

having it.

i know what you are going through. just hang in there and keep fighting it.

I know that it is hard but trust me the doc's are going to do everthing that

they can in order to help you.

well I also wanted to ask the group if it was okay if I got a friend who is

a doc that treat pancreatitis involved in the group. he is a great guy and I

woul dlove to get him in on this if I can. I know that he is really busy but

i can try to get him involved only if the group says it is okay. oh! almost

forgot his name is Gioe he has helped me alot these past two years and

I think that he may be able to shine a little light on this for us. let me

know what ya'll think

[Guest guest]

--

>I sure can relate to what you're saying. As my >GI just told me, I've had every

test he knows >of and everything is OK.

>Must be that it is all in my head. I'm

>sorry I don't fit into any category that they >have but the pain and nausea are

still real and >so is the 20 lb. weight loss.

>Maybe I just need some proof to help me feel better that this isn't " all in

>my head. " Sometimes I just feel so lost in all of this...

>

Hi everyone. Most of us know that you can have a severe bout of pancreatitis &

not have elevated amylase or lipase, especially if the attack has been in

progress for a long time before the blood test is done. Sometimes liver enzymes

are elevated, sometimes not.

I think your doctor is frustrated without having numbers to make the diagnosis

easier for him to document. When the docs get frustrated, they often can't be

humble & admit they are stumped. It's much easier to blame the patient than to

admit they are not omnipotent. My sister had all the symptoms of gall bladder

disease for many years. Her doctors decided that her lab work was normal,

nothing showed on x-rays, so she must be neurotic. They finally did an

abdominal exploratory surgery & lo & behold she had a gangrenous gall bladder!

Her doctor actually had the nerve to say to her, " Aren't you glad to know that

you're not crazy? "

It is hard to hold on to faith in yourself, but you know the pain & nausea are

all too real. If your doctor doubts you, you need to find a doctor who will

trust you as you trust him. The disease is bad enough; you shouldn't also have

to fight for credibility.

Hope you are having a better day.

jang

--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--

Before you buy.

[Guest guest]

i would love to hear from an expert on this disease. Please ask him to join

us if and when he has time.