Re: Pain / Pat

May 6, 2003

Pat,

You said, " I almost always have constant pain- I eat a low fat 15-20 gm per

day but still have the pain. I am taking 13 pills of Creon 20 per day +

protonix. What am I doing wrong? "

It doesn't sound like you are doing anything wrong. Pancreatitis is a

progressive disease. That means that even if you do everything perfectly, the

disease will still progress. All you can do is keep it at bay and minimize

the pain the best you can. The pain is unrelated to eating in many cases.

What happens is that the pain fibers in the organ get over stimulated after a

long period of being 'fired.' After a while, they become like a light switch

that you can't turn off. That is neuropathic pain. Those nerve fibers

integrate into the spinal cord, that is why sometimes the pain seems to go to

the back, low back, hips. One of the common meds given to treat neuropathic

pain is Neurontin, Balcofen, and Flexaril. (in that order) A pain medicine

doctor can explain this better. The reason indigestion can remain a problem

even when you are following your diet is that Pancreatitis can cause damage

to the nerves that stimulate the abdominal muscles. This makes the stomach

sluggish to empty. narcotics also hinder gastric emptying. Because of this

food can back up and start to decompose in the stomach and create an acidic

environment. That is why my doctor has me on Aciphex, an antacid ( get it?!!

anti - acid :-)

I never know how much of the information I share helps or hinders an

individual. I do much better when I understand the pathophysiology of the

situation.

Don't add more stress thinking you did something wrong. Drink plenty of good

room temperature water. keep everything diluted.

Blessings,

Karyn , RN

Founder / Executive Director

Symposium August 28 & 29, 2003

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