A new member introducing herself.

[Guest guest]

Hi, folks. Just wanted to give some basic info. I was first

diagnosed with pancreatitis about 5 years ago. The first four

attacks I had were treated by a GP, who refused to believe that I

was not an alcoholic (has this happened to anyone else?).

I finally asked the ER personnel not to call him in, and they called

the Family Practice Clinic (normally reserved for low income or

uninsured patients). That doctor ordered an MRI, CAT scan, and X-

rays, and promptly called in a surgeon to remove the pea sized gall

stone that was blocking my duct.

Since then, I have returned to the hospital twice. The second time,

a specialist was called in, and for the first time (After three

years of illness), I discovered that I should be on a low fat diet,

and that there were enzymes that I can take to help my pancreas

function. For the first time in years, I actually feel good, have

gained back some weight, and haven't called in sick to work in

almost six months. Hurray!!!!!

My husband is extremely happy, as he actually has a real wife again,

not someone who is in constant pain and unable to perform the most

mundane household duties. My kids are in heaven, cause Mom's back.

And I am more than ready to get on with life.

Anyway, it's nice to know that there is somewhere I can go that

folks know I'm not just being lazy, or a hypochondriac.

Nice to meet you,

Anne

[Guest guest]

Anne,

I'm glad that you finally got the help that you needed and have

been able to get your life back on track again. It's too bad about

the reaction from your first GP, he should have known better, but

your question would have been more accurate if you asked " who

NOT has this happened to! " Unfortunately that's usually the first

reaction from many, especially ER personnel.

Hopefully everything will work out better for you now that you have

some control and some relief. Take care.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

Southeastern Representative

PAI, Intl.

Note: All advice or comments are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation

I was first diagnosed with pancreatitis about 5 years ago. The

first four attacks I had were treated by a GP, who refused to

believe that I was not an alcoholic (has this happened to anyone

else?).

for the first time (After three years of illness), I discovered that I

should be on a low fat diet, and that there were enzymes that I

can take to help my pancreas function. For the first time in

years, I actually feel good, have gained back some weight, and

haven't called in sick to work in almost six months. Hurray!!!!!

Anne

[Guest guest]

-Hi Anne, I'm Dianne, also suffering with chronic pancreatitis...been

through the being called an alcoholic thing, and don't know what i'm

going to do if this doesnt clear up.

Im tired of doctor bills and hospital stays and being called a

hypocondreac also. Im only 33, I shouldnt be feeling like this.

THis is a good place and your not alone.

Nice to meet you.

Dianne