What is chronic ideopathic pancreatitis?

March 1, 2003

I am trying to find out what is chronic idiopathic pancreatitis. My

wife has been diagnosed with this and we don't really understand why

she has this. She doesn't and has rarely drank when she was younger.

She is on enzymes, phergran, prevacid, and oxycontin for now. She is

so tired of feeling bad and I would like any information on what

causes this and how we can learn to cope with this. I would

appreciate any information that I can get. I know the better we are

informed the better treatment we can get. Also is there any way to

cure this. From what I have read there really isn't. ANother thing

she was adopted can this be a hereditary condition?

Thanks,

Larry

March 2, 2003

What is chronic ideopathic pancreatitis?

> I am trying to find out what is chronic idiopathic pancreatitis. My

> wife has been diagnosed with this and we don't really understand why

> she has this...ANother thing she was adopted can this be a hereditary

condition? Thanks, Larry>>>>

Larry,

Idiopathic Pancreatitis means that it has no cause which can be determined

by your physician. I have an idiopathic diagnosis as well. It is

understandable that you don't know why your wife has this disease. From the

diagnosis, no one else does either. Drinking was not the cause of the

disease. You are right, there is usually no way to cure this. And yes, it

can be hereditary, which is most likely how she go it in the first place.

There are some genetic tests she can take to determine if that is the cause.

I'm sure some others here will guide you to good info on the internet. For

starters, go to the s Hopkins GI disease site. You will find excellent

definitions of the various forms of this disease and also how to cope with

it. Mark's top5plus5 website also has reams of data for you to read and

digest.

Best of luck to you and your wife.

Jerry/NC

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