Pancreatitis Support Group

Chronic pancreatitis can present as episodes of acute inflammation in a previously injured pancreas, or as chronic damage with persistent pain or malabsorption. Patients with chronic pancreatitis can present with persistent abdominal pain or steatorrhea, as well as severe nausea. Some patients with chronic pancreatitis often look very sick, while others don't appear to be...

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Confused about Alcohol and CP

strongbeliever
strongbeliever

3 years ago, I found out I have mild CP and also a 4 mm cyst in my pancreas.  I am now 56 and was screen for pancreatic cancer because my brother died from it.  I have a very proactive and preventive GI who is on top of this.  When I found out 3 years ago, he told me to reduce my fat intake in my diet, and reduce alcohol.  He didn't say stop alcohol.  I am surprised after researching and reading posts about CP and alcohol.  I do drink about 4-5 drinks a week.  I feel fine and have no problems.  I have another EUS coming up in the fall and made an appt to talk to him.  I am wondering about the alcohol effects on my CP and also the cyst.  I have no pain, no symptoms and am very fit and healthy for my age.  I would like others' opinions and experiences on the topic.  I only drink wine and light beer when I do drink and never hard liquor.  It is hard for me to give it up entirely as I do enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.  I am very conflicted about all of this.

angelica6257
angelica6257
Obviously this physician is misinformed and would be worth your while to get a second opinion.
CPIndy
CPIndy
Wow. I've had CP for one year - a pretty bad case from what I've been told - over 15 procedures including 4 ERCPs. My doctors were clear with me: no alcohol, fat, sugar or dairy in my diet. I hired a dietitian although only needed her for a bit as I ended up with a feeding tube for 5 months. CP is nothing to mess with as it can lead to pancreatic cancer (from what I've read - I'm not in the medical field). I'd recommend getting a second opinion from a new GI doc.
Priyanka
Priyanka
Dang CPINDY, that is harsh! I hope life gets easier for you! I have had CP for 11 years now. I've had an average of 1 hospital stay and 1 ercp per year. I had a peustow procedure in 2013 and was pain free until recently! I was in the hospital for 5 days this past month! When will it end? I've done the no dairy and 0 alcohol this entire time and still I get these attacks!
strongbeliever
strongbeliever
I feel badly for all the people suffering on this site from CP. I just wonder how mild my case is - I found out by accident that I have it but I have never had any pain or symptoms regardless of what I eat or if I have a couple of drinks. I do not overindulge in anything but I have never had pain or anything close to what is being described here. My heart goes out to all of you.
bill_cresc
bill_cresc
I would share my unfortunate experience with chronic pancreatitis. I am 64 and was diagnosed with cp 6 years ago. I've consumed alcohol all my life but never thought much about it... All my friends drink as much or more than me. But long story short, I had to totally quit drinking and I haven't had any pancreas related issues since. I love drinking and absolutely hate not being able to drink, but when I even try a sip of alcohol, I feel sick (the old "pancreatitis" sick). My research leads me to believe alcohol induced pancreatitis causes alcohol, even in minute quantities, to be toxic to one's system. I tried ignoring cp and just cut back on alcohol, and wound up in the hospital three times. When I finally quit altogether (6 years ago), I haven't had any more pancreas issues. I eat anything I want, just no alcohol. I am sorry to have to share this...sorry because I feel so ripped off not being able to drink anymore, but happy to share the lifestyle change that relieved ALL my pancreatitis issues for 6 years running now. Hope this is helpful to someone.