My relationship with pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

I have had acute/chronic pancreatitis for approximately 13 years

now. It took a few years to decipher the cause because there was

more than one. I have Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction, Biliary

Dyskenesia and a very very narrow pancreatic duct. My doctor and I

feel that I was born with an extremely narrow duct which was than

complicated by S.O.D. Possibly a car accident where I received

trauma to the sternum may have complicated the situation. My first

acute attack was stimulated by a negative reaction to strong

antibiotics for pnemonia. It was in the ER where my enzyme levels

and white blood cell counts were off the charts for the

first " documented " attack. Since that experience in 1990, I have

traveled the midwest seeing a variety of doctors, including Mayo

clinic. I am lucky though, each and every experience taught me more

and confirmed that my current gastroenterologist is the best and I am

blessed he hasn't deserted me.

I no longer can work and was certified " disabled " this past fall. I

have years and years of records and information that I have

gathered. I would very much like to find a support system for

those " dark times " . No matter how much family and friends love and

empathize with me, I need to share with others who really know what

kind of life we have to lead. It is also easier to protect those we

love from the daily struggles of pancreatitis if there is someone

else to turn to.

I hope to hear from anyone with this insidious condition, we don't

have to suffer alone.

Thank you.