Re: Diltiazem / Chelation Therapy

[Guest guest]

Ethne,

You said " Apart from chronic Pancreatitis, I have been a diabetic for 45

years with some of the resulting complications.   This week, I either had a mild

heart attack or a bad angina attack and I have been prescribed Diltiazem

hydrochloride which I am not keen to take.   " Gosh, Ethne, I am so sorry to hear

that happened to you and I over looked your post, and didn't respond when you

were reaching out to connect with someone. I am amazed that you have had

Diabetes

for 45 years. I commend you on staying as healthy as you have.

I am 46 yrs old and have had Diabetes for three years and just yesterday was

telling someone I didn't think I could do this much longer. I have so many

complications and it's only been three years, I don't think I would live 42 more

years. Of course, it all comes down to the fact, that all I have to do is

live with Diabetes--today. I wish I believed that, the whole time I say that I

am

trying to quiet my mind saying, " and tomorrow, and the next, and the next. " I

often have trouble with one day at a time, because it is so hard to live in

the moment and not project. (Actually, (LOL) I am not particularly fond of the

particular moment I am in.)

Your questions were: 

" A:  Is anybody here taking Diltiazem, and if so, have you experienced any

side effects?  Is it compatible with chronic pancreatitis? "  

" B:  Has anybody here had chelation therapy and is it compatible with chronic

Pancreatitis? "

I have never taken Diltiazem, but have administered it to patients. As you

know it is a

Diltiazem HCl is a calcium calcium channel blocker which is a medication that

prevent the flow of calcium ions into the muscle cells of the heart and blood

vessels, causing them to widen and relax. As a result, >blood pressure</A> is

lowered and circulation is improved, thereby reducing the workload of the heart.

The primary undesirable documented side effects are swelling or edema in the

lower legs, fatigue and stomach discomfort. many persons with Pancreatitis have

trouble with lower extremity edema because the narcotics they are required to

take also dilate vessels and decrease muscle contractibility. This medication

would complicate that problem. I don't know one person with Pancreatitis that

does not complain of associated fatigue. This would be exacerbated with this

medication, which causes fatigue from the lower cardiac output. It produces a

" washed out' " feeling. Regarding the stomach side effects, I don't think they

are particularly any worse than most meds. There are no indications that it

causes Pancreatitis.

I have never Chelation therapy, although I do know it is process by which

chemicals bind with minerals. This is a common occurrence, and nature uses it

frequently. Hemoglobin is the best example: it binds with iron to provide oxygen

to the tissues. Chelation is a therapy by which repeated administrations of a

weak synthetic amino acid (EDTA, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid) gradually

reduce atherosclerotic plaque and other mineral deposits throughout the

cardiovascular system by literally dissolving them away. There is no indication

of

contraindications with Pancreatitis.

I am curious to know if you did begin Chelation Therapy or not? If so, how

did it go. And, also, of course, how you are doing now in regard to you heart

problems?

With Joy & Light,

Karyn E. , RN, Exec. Director,

Pancreatitis Association International

Home Office, Indianapolis, Indiana

*http://www.pancassociation.org

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