I'm so sorry. I have no experience with the type of thing you are dealing with, I have chronic pancreatitis because of pancreatic divisum. BUT....I can say that I have the utmost trust and faith in Hopkins doctors. I've had 3 ERCPs there and have had nothing but great experiences with the doctors. They have all listened to me, explained thing well, and honestly cared. So, I hope that at least gives you a small piece of mind. Hands down the best medical care I could ever ask for.

Good luck!!!!

The best one for you I would think would be the total pancreatectomy. It's really the only way to get rid of everything.

I had what docs thought was a pseudo-cyst on the tail of my pancreas and was scheduled to have a distal pancreatectomy (removal of pancreas tail). The surgeon scared me to death when he told me it could breach my arteries and I could bleed to death very quickly! Regardless, I insisted on another opinion and had to push but was referred for an EUS to double-check that the mass was in fact a pseudo-cyst. Turns out it wasn't. Still don't know what it is but the latest specialists believe it was caused by a balloon sweep of the tail during my second ERCP and the subsequent acute pancreatitis. The latest doctors agreed with me that it's important to know what is causing the pseudo-cyst, if that's what it really is; previous doctors were not concerned about what caused the problem, just wanted to get it out. Not good! Nothing against surgeons I've met some great ones. But remember, their job is to cut. If I had not pushed, I would be missing part of my pancreas, dealing with all the results of that and they are many, and still have the mass. Since you don't know what surgery is being recommended it is hard for you to reserach. Even procedures done during ERCP are considered surgery. Nevertheless, make sure you understand to the best of your ability what they are purposing and why, then you make the choice. Remember the benefits must Far outweigh the risks. I don't know your situation but in the three years I have been dealing with cp and pancreas divisum, I have learned to take it slow and make sure I understand what is being purposed, preformed, and why. Every surgery has risks and side effects, some can possibly make things worse. It takes more work but it's so worth it. It seems there are almost as many schools of thought as there doctors. Sounds like you are in good hands; I have heard good things about Johns Hopkins. Good luck. Please keep us posted and ask questions. Loyd

BTW - I am certain you will make the right choice! :o)

Do you know who is doing the surgery at Hopkins? I had my first surgery there......would be more than happy to talk if you want to :)

sara

Thanks you all. Sara I don't know until I get there. I wish I knew so I could tell you. What type of surgery did you have? I am grateful to you all for the help.Thanks twoduct I always ask so many question they hate me.lol I will ask them to tell me what it is. And what caused it. I think it was where since May I have been having attacks after attacks. My doctor thinks its because of so much inflamation on the pancreas it drained in the little tube that runs from the Pancreas tail to the stomach. Hope I explained it right. Still waiting. I have to fly there because it takes 10hrs from SC. Hope you all have a pain free day with lots of hugs.

Good luck kelsmom51. I'm looking forward to the great news upon your return! Healing blessings to you.

Just wanted to wish you good luck with your surgery!!! I hope you get the help you need and the results you want!

Im sorry that you are having to go through this but you are not alone, we are all here for you
I pray that the best decision will be made and that you have a quick recoveryI
We all have to learn to trust which is so hard for some of us especially me.
Im glad to have faith and trust in God otherwise I dont know where I would be

floodnz I thank you for your concern. Just waiting for an appt. I don't see why its taking so long just to get a appt. I too believe that my faith and trust in God is the only thing getting me through this. I have prayer chains going all over the world that at praying for me. I have had 2 days now that I have been able to keep down solids. WOOO-HOOOo for me....Thanks every one who responds to me. I really appreciate the suppost and I will supports you too by pray and thanks for people like you who is going through this too. My husband is my best coach and he is wonderful at helping me....

I had surgery in dec of 2008. I had no choice my pseudocyst became infected. I am glad to be alive.

I would say do what's necessary.

I had a distal pancreaetectomy and splenectomy in 6/02. I had the surgery not to far from you at Walter Reed. It was painful after the surgery but they usually medicate ok. I feel better than before the surgery. I still have difficulty, usually with digestion. I take Creon but it has its issues. The surgery may effect you sugar. I have pain but I don not take pain meds. I consider myself lucky. Be sure to have someone with you when you see the doctor. It is too much info for one person to get.
Best of luck to you.

Hi, I am also 60 yrs of age living in west australia and have been 3 months now trying to recover from my 2nd bout of Pancreatitis this time have done a big number with necrosis of approx 50% of the organ and a subsequent pseudo cyst. I was told that a drainage procedure via the oesophagus under ultrasound control is the safest and least invasive method. I see the surgeon in 10 days for that decision.
hope all goes well

Wishing you all the best. May God Bless you!

Thanks everyone for your replies. How long was the recovery time for surgery. Will I have to stay in Baltimore for long perod or is it short stay. to have the cysts drained. help anyone.