welcome to the group. Sorry, but it always sounds odd since we have to be sick to be here! most of us have experienced the rotten ER treatment. It really sucks that you still have to put up with it after everything you have gone through.

Welcome, dcockfield59. Sure sounds like you've certainly been through the ringer with this crappy disease. I hope today is at least a little better. One of the hardest things I find to deal with is where is this going to lead me. I'm sending positive energies your way. There are a lot of great people here who do understand, want to help, and are glad you are here. twoduct

hey two duct sheila told me about u i friended u but when i tried to type u a message it wouldnt let me if u read this message me i app your response feel free to message me anytime im disabled with nothing to do and im on a damn feeding tube 16hrs a day ihope to hear from u

Just accepted your request. You should be able to message me now. TTFN

I know exactly what you're talking about. when my CP hit 5 years ago, I was hospitalized at least six times that year. Afterward, it was agreed that, because I have a severely-compromised immune system, I would be given Demerol on an outpatient basis, which did, in my case, lead to a serious Demerol addiction. I managed to kick that addiction by weaning myself off shots over a 12-month period. Now, I get fewer shots just for pain, but the doctors at the ER will not treat it properly.

I've been hospitalized twice this year, and twice more I've asked to be hospitalized, but they didn't believe that I was really in excruciating pain, even though their examinations and vitals showed clearly that I needed help. One doctor sent me home with a stool-softener, another wouldn't give me anything but Morphine, which does not kill the pain at the beginning of an acute attack.

They think I'm simply there for drugs. Instead of looking at my case as a doctor should, they are choosing not to treat me at all, leading to many heated discussions with my PCP. I am soooo sick of that! After five years, it should be understood that my pancreas is in far worse condition than it was when this all started five years ago, but they don't...and I don't know what to do about it.

My pain doctor gave me some good insight into this dilemma. He stated that any more than two ER visits per year could indicate that increased pain management is needed to reduce frequency of acute attacks. Unfortunately, it sometimes seems ER docs are rarely knowledgeable of chronic pancreatitis and therefore wrongly conclude someone claiming such pain is a drug-seeker. If you are not working with a pain doctor, I suggest you seek a good pain clinic and doctor. But remember, not all pain docs are created equal. My local health group so-called pain specialist was absolutely worthless but I'm having some success with the UCSF pain clinic. Working with the pain specialist has also helped increase my Internist's comfort level with my pain meds as he writes the scripts. I have also heard of folks asking their GI to write a letter explaining their specific conditions and suggestions for acute attack management one can submit to the ER staff upon arrival. I hope that helps. May we all avoid the ER!