New to this group, have questions?

[Guest guest]

My husband was recently hosipalized for two weeks because of a severe

to moderately severe pancreatitis attack. He has been home now for

about 3 weeks, he was told to stop drinking, which he has. But he is

still experiencing a mild stomach ache and is very fatigued.

I have read many postings on this site and what I would like to know

is, after having an attack such as he had, will he be back to normal

soon or are there always lingering effects that he will have to deal

with the rest of his life, and does it just take time to find out if

he'll be back to his normal self or have problems to deal with.

Thanks for any help you have to offer.

Becky

[Guest guest]

Hi, Becky!

My husband was healthy until an ERCP in April created necrotizing

pancreatitis. He was in the hospital for two months (nothing by

mouth) and then home on nasal feedings for three weeks.

Anyway, he's been " normal " (tubeless) for about five weeks now. Looks

as though we're in the same boat, Becky --- he's still complaining of

being tired and aching joints. He gets " twinges " in his stomach area

now and then too.

He wants his old energy to return .... I keep telling him after what

he's been through, it has to take a toll and his body needs to

recooperate. Above all, he must maintain a positive attitude.

My fingers are crossed our husbands feel more energetic some day very

soon!

Hey, Becky ... you must be one of those GREAT wives who takes control

when her husband is down. I'd like to pat you on the back because

I've been there too! BRAVO to you!!!! (It's frustrating to watch

someone you love suffer ... you feel powerless - let alone the

responsibilities of carrying on with life's daily duties...yuck.)

Warmly,

Beth

> My husband was recently hosipalized for two weeks because of a

severe

> to moderately severe pancreatitis attack. He has been home now for

> about 3 weeks, he was told to stop drinking, which he has. But he

is

> still experiencing a mild stomach ache and is very fatigued.

> I have read many postings on this site and what I would like to

know

> is, after having an attack such as he had, will he be back to

normal

> soon or are there always lingering effects that he will have to

deal

> with the rest of his life, and does it just take time to find out

if

> he'll be back to his normal self or have problems to deal with.

> Thanks for any help you have to offer.

> Becky

[Guest guest]

Dear Becky,

An ordeal like that which your husband just went through takes

weeks to recooperate from. Right now all I can suggest is that

you just give your husband plenty of time to relax and regroup. I

would watch what he eats and try to keep his diet very bland and

low fat for the time being. Make sure he's takes it easy and does

nothing to cause any additional strain on his abdomen. Any kind

of lifting, twisting or pressure on the abdomen will only cause

more discomfort and damage.

Sometimes people only have one acute attack and then full

recovery, with no lingering problems. Many others will have an

acute attack, which leads to another attack and eventual chronic

pancreatitis. Patients whose first acute attack was alcohol

induced seem prone to having more difficulty and developing

chronic pancreatitis, more than those whose attack was caused

by other reasons. I'm not implying that this was the cause, since

I don't know what the cause of his attack was, I'm only referring

to what I have learned by research.

It's still early in the game for your husband. We will hope that he

gets through this stage with lingering fatigue and mild stomach

ache and that these problems will fade away as his health is

restored. If they don't, he needs to see a gastroenterologist

promptly for follow up care and treatment.

Please let us know how he is doing as time passes. If you have

any questions, please post again.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.