New to the group

[Guest guest]

Dear Micheal,

I suffer from migraines on top of chronic pancreatitis. Usually

if you can locate the source from certain foods that trigger an

attack, you would eliminate those foods. I don't know what starts

my migraines, I take MIGRAINE EXCEDRINE, the smell

of green apples helps and an ice pack behind your head and a very

dark room with no noise.

Afriend, Carmen

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 02/25/2001 11:50:09 AM Central Standard Time,

liamhoha20@... writes:

<< Ya know how you feel about getting to the doctors? I think I wait

too long, then I'm in a major attack. I hate to go to the ER

expecially. >>

That's exactly what happens to me. But, I really got frustrated during my

first pregnancy. I was at an conference for work, 3.5 hours from home, 8

months pregnant, when I woke up with that hollow feeling in my stomach. I

thought I was hungry. A bagel and some yogurt later, I knew it wasn't

hunger. I immediately checked out, threw my bags in the car and drove like a

bat outta hell to get home. When I showed up at the ob/gyn (who happened to

be married to one of the docs in my GI practice) I told knew I *KNEW* it was

pancreatitis, but they doubted me. Drew blood, sent me home, called me the

next day to tell me my enzyme levels were too low. Guess who was admitted 3

days later? By the time I was admitted, the GI docs made the nurses redo my

blood draw, b/c they couldn't believe my enzyme levels were as highas they

were.

It's just frustrating when you know that you have more knowledge about your

body than anyone else does, and they're trying to insist, " No, this isn't a

pancreatitis attack, it's something else. "

~Shanon

J Shanon

[Guest guest]

welcome shanon - sorry you have been added to the roles but hope you will

find lots of answers and support here. what state are you in? your new

friend, debbie (arkansas)

[Guest guest]

Hello Sharon,

Welcome to our little " home " away from home - oh wait, thats the

hospital for alot of us <lol>. I'm so glad to meet you, but I wish

it wouldn't have been because of this illness. Just to let you know,

these people are SO smart! They sure have helped me alot. By the

way, I'm Liinda, I'm 41, and my first experience with pancreatitis

was in 93, after an ERCP. I had twins, who just turned 11 on Feb.

20, and I've had so many stomach problems since their birth. But, I

wouldn't trade them for anything in the world! They keep me going,

keeps me busy, and my mind off of my problems. In your post you

sound exactly like I feel. Isn't this illness such an awful thing?

Ya know how you feel about getting to the doctors? I think I wait

too long, then I'm in a major attack. I hate to go to the ER

expecially. You are welcome to vent anytime you would like. I think

everyone of us does that (me, I tend to whine & cry too much) &

everyone is just supportive. I hope you will like it here, I know I

do!

Lots of Hugs,

P.S. I'm so sorry about your grandmothers death. I lost my dad to

colon/rectal cancer in 91. Isn't cancer just the meanest disease

there is?

______________________________________________________________________

Hi, my name is Shanon.......most recently during both of my

pregnancies........On top of it, my grandma died of

pancreatic cancer this past Christmas Eve.

I feel like I'm in major denial, and I need to get my butt to the

doctor. On the other hand, I feel like " what's the point? " since

they've never been able to do a single thing to help me before. Oh

well, it's just nice to be able to vent about it to people who

know what I'm talking about! Thanks,

Shanon

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 02/25/2001 1:17:28 PM Central Standard Time,

djssekis@... writes:

<< what state are you in? your new

friend, debbie (arkansas) >>

Across the river from you, in TN

J Shanon

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/25/01 5:48:24 PM Central Standard Time,

M0M2@... writes:

> << what state are you in? your new

> friend, debbie (arkansas) >>

> Across the river from you, in TN

>

> J Shanon

>

>

neat! when i had my petscan the nuclear medicine was flown in from

vanderbilt univ.

debbie (ark)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I suffer with chronic pancreatitis and I suffer pain daily and I cry daily. I

take my meds and painkillers,but I continue to suffer. I read about all the

surgeries.......

The knife is a big deal for me. I don't hear that it is getting any better,

so I just med up and dope up and I cut out all sugar, I only eat

vegetables,chicken, fish, fruits and a lot of teas and water. Sometimes I can

manage 3 bites, I've grown to reading my own senses and I can feel when it's

coming on and it seems to fall on a timely fashion, early in the morning and

in the evening. I have had to come to a point in my life where I had to

release a lot of baggage. I have chosen to surrender how I am.

Beyond this silent illness stems the beginning of the symptoms. I don't know

where to put blame except to look back to the beginning. I am a recovering

alcoholic, I quit 2 years prior to my attack. So the docs say well it wasn't

the booze that caused it.

After coming home in a decrepid shape, I glanced at myself in the mirror and

what I saw wasn't me. There was this girl sitting in a chair with her head

hung low, her arms wrapped themselves around her stomach as she pressed down

with force against the pain. Can' t even hold her head up because if she does

the world will spin and then everything else comes next. Just wishing to lye

down and die. She prays all day and she prays all night but the pain doesn't

go away. This is no life, so I pray some more, my father-in-law prayed for me

on every prayer line he could find. The meds, the drugs, the prayer, the diet

wasn't enough. God I prayed, please take me or release me, just don't let me

live like this. I pray for forgiveness for all that I have done. I have

forgiven those that had my hate and on a daily bases I release it and just

let it go. I have strong values and I am a good person but as my mom puts it

I have a cold heart when it comes to someone who has done me wrong. I always

want revenge and this will be my down fall if I let it. Releasing all of this

and finally coming to terms with my husband that I have been in battles with

certain family members for 18 years, the in-law soap, I have gone out of my

way for my husband to be kind to his family, past the point and beyond, and

nothing ever changes, so I confessed and told him that I don't like his

mother and I'm not going to be disrespectful but it hurts to fake a smile, so

I can fight in this war anymore and I surrender and he hugged me and told me

I love you. With this weight lifted off my shoulders, and everything else

that I have done seems to be helping me to get better

spiritually,emotionally, and most of all physically better, I force myself to

get out of the bed, don't give in. Compared to this same time last year I

have really improved.

Carmen

[Guest guest]

Shanon

Glad to meet you, sorry you're sick enough to be here.

One suggestion, get the docts to do a CT scan or an MRI. They

should be able to tell if it is pancreatic cancer (considering you're

grandma had it, better be safe than sorry). Several of the sources I've

read have said that pancreatic cancer can often be mistaken for chronic

pancreatitis.

The s Hopkins Medical Website in their Gastroenterology section says

that they can usually tell if it is pancreatic cancer by taking a CT

scan or an MRI. This website is also good for info on the other known

(and we all know there are tons of cases they don't know diddly on why

they have it) causes of pancreatitis, etc.

As you will find, many of us are constantly searching out new

information about the whys and wherefores on pancreatitis. By the way,

my name is Kimber and I had my first official diagnosis of pancreatitis

at 16 too (14 years ago, I'm a year younger than you). I've just

recently gotten to having to take pain meds when I'm at home.

Kimber

[Guest guest]

<< As you will find, many of us are constantly searching out new

information about the whys and wherefores on pancreatitis. By the way,

my name is Kimber and I had my first official diagnosis of pancreatitis

at 16 too (14 years ago, I'm a year younger than you). I've just

recently gotten to having to take pain meds when I'm at home. >>

Wow Kimber, I've never met or heard of anyone else who was diagnosed as early

as me! Mine is still called " ideopathic " . I have kinda given up on finding

an answer to " why " - although with my grandma's diagnosis, I'm wondering if

it's hereditary. I've talked with the people at Pitt, and have all the info

to send in a blood sample, but haven't done it yet. Partly, I'm afraid to

have my genetic info out there - it's a little spooky, ya know? Also, if I

do have it, that would mean my kids have a 50/50 chance. I'd kinda like to

know that, in case they start complaining of stomach pain, but again, I'd ki

nda rather not.

I think right now, for me, I'm more at, " ok, what should we be doing to treat

this? " I used to take Creon, but stopped when my insurance wouldn't cover

it. For awhile, it didn't seem to matter. I'm thinking now that the attacks

I had during pregnancy may have done some real damage, and now I need to be

taking some enzymes.

:-) Shanon

[Guest guest]

J Sharon,

Where are you from in TN, I am in Knoxville.

[Guest guest]

<< J Sharon,

Where are you from in TN, I am in Knoxville.

>>

Other end :-) Memphis.

:-) Shanon

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group that no one wants to belong to. We're all

here day or night. We've all been there. Sign up for Yahoo, we can

chat if we have Yahoo ID's to find each other. You have friends here,

closer than you think.

Best wishes,

Jeff

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group! This is the best group. Nothing you ask is every to silly because everyone here has been there somewhere, some time dealing with this aweful disease, so ask and let us help....we are here for you!

Horsley

Mom to 11

Mito complex 1, Sensory Integration Disorder, Tourettes Syndrome and a very sweet smile!

[Guest guest]

Hi Im new here. I have surgery scheduled December 4th 2003 and I am

so excited. I was originally going to go for Lap-band but I compared

all the research to that of the RNY and chose the RNY instead.

Im 5'8, 289 pounds, BMI 43. Im 23, female in California. I am just

so incredibly excited, I want it done now! Im so ready to start my

new life. Well, different life! Im doing the liver-reduction diet

right now as I am less than two weeks away from surgery.

I will be posting a pre-op picture in the photos folder and posting

more photos as things develop. (no pun intended!)

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself.

Lunarfishgirl

PS: Oh I was wondering if anyone has started a product reveiw

database file for things like protein supplements and such? Taste,

price, texture, etc?

[Guest guest]

Welcome Lunarfishgirl,

I'm new to this too. Had RNY the 18th of Nov., and am from Calif, north of

Fresno about 40 miles.

Joan C, California

Dr. Kelvin Higa

LAP RNY 11/18/03

New to the group

Hi Im new here. I have surgery scheduled December 4th 2003 and I am

so excited. I was originally going to go for Lap-band but I compared

all the research to that of the RNY and chose the RNY instead.

Im 5'8, 289 pounds, BMI 43. Im 23, female in California. I am just

so incredibly excited, I want it done now! Im so ready to start my

new life. Well, different life! Im doing the liver-reduction diet

right now as I am less than two weeks away from surgery.

I will be posting a pre-op picture in the photos folder and posting

more photos as things develop. (no pun intended!)

Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself.

Lunarfishgirl

PS: Oh I was wondering if anyone has started a product reveiw

database file for things like protein supplements and such? Taste,

price, texture, etc?

[Guest guest]

welcome aboard. in the files sections there are prot shake recipes,

to break up the monotony.

lori h.

> Hi Im new here. I have surgery scheduled December 4th 2003 and I

am

> so excited. I was originally going to go for Lap-band but I

compared

> all the research to that of the RNY and chose the RNY instead.

>

> Im 5'8, 289 pounds, BMI 43. Im 23, female in California. I am just

> so incredibly excited, I want it done now! Im so ready to start my

> new life. Well, different life! Im doing the liver-reduction diet

> right now as I am less than two weeks away from surgery.

>

> I will be posting a pre-op picture in the photos folder and

posting

> more photos as things develop. (no pun intended!)

>

> Anyway I just wanted to introduce myself.

>

> Lunarfishgirl

>

> PS: Oh I was wondering if anyone has started a product reveiw

> database file for things like protein supplements and such? Taste,

> price, texture, etc?

[Guest guest]

hi Joan. I am in Bakersfield, south of Fresno. Did you have your

surgery in Fresno? I seem to think thats where Dr. Higa is from. Im

having my surgery in Newport Beach. It was meant to be in Huntington

Heach but my insurance prefers the hospital in Newport. Im having

the RNY done laprascopically.

Congratulations on your very recent surgery. I hope you are feeling

peachy or at least more peachy as the days pass. Having any problems

or is all going smoothly?

Good luck on this phase of the journey,

Greer (lunarfishgirl)

> Welcome Lunarfishgirl,

> I'm new to this too. Had RNY the 18th of Nov., and am from Calif,

north of

> Fresno about 40 miles.

>

> Joan C, California

> Dr. Kelvin Higa

> LAP RNY 11/18/03

>

[Guest guest]

Greer, yes the surgery was in Fresno. I feel very lucky to have had Dr.

Higa. He has quite a reputation. Glad your surgery is going to be

laparscopically. From what I've read in here, it is certainly much easier

to heal from. Everything is going smooth for me. I really feel good. I

just spent 1-1/2 hours moving boxes and things in the garage. I don't lift

anything over 20# though. I've been cooking and cleaning, and feel pretty

close to normal in only 6 days. The only time I know something else is

going on is getting out of a chair. One of the incisions had a bump on it

and was sore, but I doctored it, and it's much better. I am still amazed at

how little pain I felt, when they do something major like this internally.

I don't tolerate pain well. I don't remember when you were having your

surgery??

Joan C, California

LAP RNY 11/18/03

282/275/265

Re: New to the group

hi Joan. I am in Bakersfield, south of Fresno. Did you have your

surgery in Fresno? I seem to think thats where Dr. Higa is from. Im

having my surgery in Newport Beach. It was meant to be in Huntington

Heach but my insurance prefers the hospital in Newport. Im having

the RNY done laprascopically.

Congratulations on your very recent surgery. I hope you are feeling

peachy or at least more peachy as the days pass. Having any problems

or is all going smoothly?

Good luck on this phase of the journey,

Greer (lunarfishgirl)

> Welcome Lunarfishgirl,

> I'm new to this too. Had RNY the 18th of Nov., and am from Calif,

north of

> Fresno about 40 miles.

>

> Joan C, California

> Dr. Kelvin Higa

> LAP RNY 11/18/03

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Flora,

Welcome to the best Yahoo group. After my paperwork was submitted, it only took about 2 weeks for me to have an answer. The wait might be a little longer now, but still it should be within the month.

Good luck.

CarolFlora Lorraine wrote:

Hi Every one My name is Flora Lorraine But everyone just calles me Rain. I am new to the group and would like to introduce my self... I have gone through the first steps of the process of getting the surgery. I have had my Nutritionist and Pshyc evaluation and am waiting for my Doctor to send the papaer work to the commity. I live in Antioch which is about 45 min from San Francisco. I was wondering about what was the average wait form this point to Aproval... thank you in advance for your helpRain

[Guest guest]

Hi Rain,

Welcome aboard! I hope this group proves to be a great source of

support and information for you. It has been invaluable to me.

Things have probably changed since I went throught the process - Kaiser

seems to have more and more WLS applicants everyday. When my pcp

referred me last year, I think it only took about 4 weeks to get my

approval.

I look forward to getting to know you and to hearing about your

progress. Please, feel free to ask any questions that come to mind. We

don't always have the answers - but we try.

All the best,

Kay

in San Leandro

open RNY 12/103

Flora Lorraine wrote:

> Hi Every one My name is Flora Lorraine But everyone just calles me

> Rain. I am new to the group and would like to introduce my self... I

> have gone through the first steps of the process of getting the

> surgery. I have had my Nutritionist and Pshyc evaluation and am

> waiting for my Doctor to send the papaer work to the commity. I live

> in Antioch which is about 45 min from San Francisco. I was wondering

> about what was the average wait form this point to Aproval... thank

> you in advance for your help

>

> Rain

[Guest guest]

Thank you everyone for your comments and for welcoming me I will keep you updated on my progress I see my doctor this week lets just hope I get some good news... thank you and look forward to getting to know everyone...

Rain

[Guest guest]

Hi Rain and welcome.

I am . I too am waiting. I did get my approval letter and

my orientation date is Aug. 3rd. We have a wonderful support group

which is held the second tuesday of each month at the Kaiser Deer

Valley Clinic On Deer Valley Road. If interested please feel free to

e-mail me for details. As far as the time it takes. Unfortunantly it

is a while. I am hoping though with all the people having this

surgery maybe someday we can get Kaiser to streamline their process a

bit. It took close to three months just to get an approval from the

committee. Then waiting for them to schedule me for orientation about

another month. Maybe someone else here can fill in the blanks about

the rest though. I am still waiting for the orientation. Good Luck

> Hi Every one My name is Flora Lorraine But everyone just calles me

> Rain. I am new to the group and would like to introduce my self...

I

> have gone through the first steps of the process of getting the

> surgery. I have had my Nutritionist and Pshyc evaluation and am

> waiting for my Doctor to send the papaer work to the commity. I

live

> in Antioch which is about 45 min from San Francisco. I was

wondering

> about what was the average wait form this point to Aproval... thank

> you in advance for your help

>

> Rain