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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New to chronic pancreatis

thunder33
thunder33
Hi all I am new to all of this pancreatis issues. 11 years ago was having these attacks were food felt like it was getting stuck couldn't breath pain under ribs head felt like it was about to explode. And I would cough up froth? They did an ultrasound found 1 gallstone so took gallbladder out. That didn't help had the tube down throat and behind they didn't find no gallstones. Said was gerd and lactose intolence, been on pariet since. Have a fatty liver a few times. Now my liver function tests are going up and down. High lipase etc.. Had a scary attack now confirmed as pancreatis attack. I have read about the cf gene can cause problems? I haven't been tested but my mum is a carrier my nephew has cf and so does my cousins child. I don't drink or smoke my diet is good and I am only a few kilos over weight? I just don't understand why? I don't need this ATM as I am awaiting a hysterectomy for adenomyosis and I can't take the pain killers for that why pancreas is a problem. Was in hospital for observation after pancreatis attack they did nothing but monitor and take bloods now have another letter to see gastro? My question is could I have a defected gene causing my issues? And is it ok to be on pariet all these years?
Can anyone offer me advise please ?
lsjjm
lsjjm
I am so sorry you are going through al of this hun... the answer is YES you could carry a gene that causes pancreatitis... there are a few SPINK 1, CFTR, and a few others...also is you have a history of CF, in the fam.....this also causes pancreatitis..many ppl with CF end up with pancreatitis ...not fun....but the bottom line is, even though you do need to know the cause of it..( I would recommend your doc order genetic testiing if he would be so kind...ours did) there is really no "cure" most folks just play with the diet...and when an attack comes along do your best to keep hydrated , take pain meds if needed, and try to eat a small amount even if its just a juiced drink....good luck..... hugggsss
thunder33
thunder33
Hi thank you for your reply. You have eased my mind some. I am just a little overwhelmed with everything going on. My lfts started going down after last attack now they are starting to go up again. I am on weekly blood tests and awaiting gastro appointment at hospital. I just are feeling yuk ATM. I hope this doesn't mean I am going to have another attack? They are scary I thought I was having a heart attack. If my levels are raising again how can I prevent another attack. Nobody has given me advise? I will join your support group too to try and understand this disease? Thanks again. Xx
lsjjm
lsjjm
the attacks are scarry yes, and I know this is hard to hear...but you must do your best to not panick.... if you panic...you may increase your pain level.... maybe an anxiety pill can help...many ppl use this... but for best results to NOT have an attack ( nothing is 100% sorry) generally the pancreas will not "get better" but in the mean time you can do these things....
take pancreatic enzymes every time you eat
take an anti acid med ( prilosec..or such )
eat small meals...or only liquids when pain is approaching
stay away from alcohol or fatty meats etc...
look into anti inflamatory foods ( due to your pancreas is inflamed) such as curcumin etc...
always stay hydrated!!
good luck ....and I am here for you anytime hugggss
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi,

Sorry you've joined the CP club...This is a difficult disease to live with. One of the best ways to prevent an attack is to eat very low fat, less than 20 GMs per day, which is very hard. I found that meditation helped me deal with the pain and the anxiety early in the process. I have been diagnosed for approx 1 1/2 years and so far I've had a couple of attacks but no hospitalizations. A few trips to the ER, but didn't have to stay.

Good luck,
GG
Shoelace
Shoelace
I am so new to this. This is the first time I have ever heard of pancreatic enzymes. I tried looking it up on the web and among other things I didn't understand, it said something about glucose. My husband is the one who has pancreatitis and also has diabetes, so the word glucose is kind of scary.

Can someone please tell me what pancreatic enzymes are, the advantages of taking them, whether or not they have any side effects, to take them, etc. Or can you please direct me to a thread on the forum that will explain all this to me? I want to know everything I can, but right now I feel totally clueless... because I am.
thunder33
thunder33
Hi again is pancreatic enzymes the same as digestive enzymes? I have seen digestive enzymes at a health food store. The bloating and gas I have ATM under my right rib cage just won't let up. Been watching what I eat. But I have always been a healthy eater. I have gone off raw veges & fruit (except bananas) ATM. I am trying to listen to what my body is telling me. I am trying not to stress over having another attack but really thought I was going to meet my maker that night. It's the pits this pancreatis.
lsjjm
lsjjm
yes pancreatic enzymes are the same as digetive enzymes and they do sell many of them at health food stores....but from what I hear it works better to get the prescribed ones....such as zenpep, creon, and the like....but if you dont have that you can buy over the counter...also (our homeoathic doc told us) you can take a spoonful of crushed pineapple as well.....research what foods have digestive enzymes in them already... good lluck...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I can't say much about the cystic fibrosis gene. Mine is caused by genetic "pancreatic divisum" (the pancreas is partially divided in two) and definitely augmented by stress.

The thing that I have found most helpful, if not a complete cure, is at the very onset of an attack to apply heat and pressure (such as a back massage) to the mid-lower back. There are some muscles up around the shoulder blades that when downward strokes of pressure are applied to will relax and greatly reduce the symptoms associated with a pancreatic attack. I have been off pain medications except perhaps two Tramadol a year and avoid completely any trips to the hospital with this method.

Best of luck!