Whipple

[Guest guest]

Robin,

I'm so sorry to hear about your recent hospitalization but am

encouraged by the results you received. Thank God for understanding

and compassionate doctors! As ofr the stent, I too have had this

surgery but, unfortunately I never received the degree of relief you

have had nor did it last very long (I was back in [pain within 2

weeks after stent placement as the duct began to immediately re-

stenoze. I hear this is one of the drawbacks to this type of surgery

for some people. That is why I began my nightmarish journey through

many surgeries. Those included both the Duval and Puestow Procedures

as well as a Thoracic Sympathectomy (removal of the nerve leading to

the pancreas). All of this culminated in my finalloy getting a

Whipple performed in late 1996. With each subsequent surgery I

continued to regress until I am now to the point where I eat 2-3 meas

per week! That is the only way I can manage the pain that I am

constantly dealing with and I have to drink ensure daily to keep from

losing too much weight. Once again, this is just my story and since

all of our illness are different and are at different stages of

deterioration, it is not intended to " scare " you from trying whatever

is necessary to get your life back. Hang in there, Robin. Good

things are in store for you, I know it.

Andre'