Pancreatitis Support Group

Cher:

I really haven't had to deal with this stigma so I'm sorry you're going through this. It's amazing what people will do to those who are already in pain. I really hopes this is temporary for you.

Remember, we are not the disease. We are more than the disease. Remember that! And don't let others tell you any different. Many times, there isn't a cause for pancreatitis. And even if it was from alcohol, no one has the right to judge another person.

Cher:

I'm going thru the same exact thing. Over the past 5 months I've spent 85+ days in 5 different hospitals. I can't even begin to count the doctors I've spoken to and without fail, almost all of them assumes I'm an alcoholic. The fact is I've maybe had two or three drinks per year... On special occasions only; I’ve never been drunk. When I tell the doctors or nurses that I don't drink, I get this "yeah, right" look and have had some of them even roll their eyes.

I once jumped on one doctor's case after getting that look. In the end, I don't think it changed his mind...but I'll tell you what... It made me feel great! You might give that a try... it might make you feel better.

I treat doctors as a medical consultant. They can advise me, give me the facts and suggest directions to take, but I make the decisions. I've been dismissed by a few doctors when they get angry at me for defying them or even questioning them.

Hang in there kiddo!

Beacuse of my age (20) I mostly fall subject to the junky stigma, as there is no way that a 20 y.o. can have chronig pancreatitis. I see it every time I go to the ER and when I am addmitted. Because of it though, it makes me incredibly uncomfortable to tell them that the meds aren't enough. It's not easy

I haven't had a flare up in over two years but recently I had one and I'm feeling pretty rough right now. I'm weak because I can't eat anything but soup. I told people at work what it was and didn't notice a stigma. They don't really know what it is. I'm so hungry.

I've told people what I had and told them i am not an alcoholic, just in case you're wondering and kind of made light of it. Doctors can be so insensitive. Who cares if they believe you? you know the truth and try to let that comfort you. To hell with anyone who doesn't believe you. They're not you're friend then anyway.

Hey jasp435, you're right. We can't worry what others think of us. We KNOW who and what we are. I'm going to the doctor today. I think the worse if over with this attack but I want to make sure nothing else residual is going on. I'm online now finding out all the big bad things that can happen so that I can address each of those and make sure I'm tested when I go today to rule them out. I hope everyone is doing well today.

fuck em all....i drank heavily for years, so tell those judgemental people who have never dealt with chronic pain to come talk to me.....ill tell them a few stories....