a question from a newbie

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I was diagnosed about 3 weeks ago with mild chronic pancreatitis.

Have had problems since gallbladder removed in October. Had

sphincterotomy in April and stent in pancreatic duct that had to be

removed on an emergency basis within 2 days due to occulusion.

My question is this. I almost always have constant pain--usually

mild-moderate, but a few severe attacks, in epigastric area and

back. Gets worse after eating and doesn't seem to matter what it is

that I eat. I eat a low fat 15-20 gm per day but still have the

pain. What am I doing wrong?

I am taking 13 pills of Creon 20 per day + protonix.

I would also like to know about the progression of the disease. Is

there anything I can do to stop the progression?

Thanks,

Pat German

(Fallston, MD)

[Guest guest]

Pat,

I'm sorry you have this illness, but very glad that you found this

group. I'm a new member myself, and have found a LOT of help,

information, and comfort here.

It sounds like you're doing what you need to. It might help to know

that when I have had an attack, it usually takes a few weeks for the

pain to completely go away. In my case, it does go away, and I have

very few problems in between attacks.

Now that I am taking enzymes, I haven't had an attack in about five

months, which is a vast improvement. I might take a pain pill once

every two or three weeks now. I know that I am one of the very

lucky ones, and it wasn't like this before the enzymes. I had an

attack once a month for several months in a row, so saying five

months and still feeling well is really a big thing. But the point

is that if you follow diet, and take your meds, you have a great

chance of living a normal life.

I don't know enough about progression to help you there. It seems

that every person is different. I hope yours is very, very slow.

Good luck, and welcome!

Anne

[Guest guest]

Pat, can I assume you take the Creon *with* your meals and not on a

regular dosing schedule that doesn't match your eating? You might

want to ask your doctor to increase your enzymes if you are taking

them with meals and not getting enough relief.

My gallbladder acts up, though they keep insisting it's NORMAL...but

*I* can feel the pulsing if I have too much fat in a meal...to keep

my gallbladder quiet, I take Lecithin 1300 mgs that I buy in the

Health Food Store...I usually take three capsules with each meal. My

sister had a huge panc attack from gallstones last year and had her

gallbladder out (on her birhtday of all days !!)...she says it even

helps her to take the lecithin with her meals.

I hope you find answers to your questions and that you find comfort

here on thisl ist...there are lots of caring people here...I've only

been here a few months at most.

Welcome to the list....Jeannine