I have a question

February 27, 2003

In a message dated 2/27/2003 8:29:06 PM Central Standard Time,

loriowen@... writes:

> Not yet. I haven't been on it that long, about 3 months. That was kind

> of my thought to. I just didn't realize it could happen so fast.

-------------------------------------

Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u started

the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor them all

the time.

Carol A

February 27, 2003

In a message dated 2/27/2003 8:29:06 PM Central Standard Time,

loriowen@... writes:

> Not yet. I haven't been on it that long, about 3 months. That was kind

> of my thought to. I just didn't realize it could happen so fast.

-------------------------------------

Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u started

the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor them all

the time.

Carol A

February 27, 2003

Not yet. I haven't been on it that long, about 3 months. That was kind

of my thought to. I just didn't realize it could happen so fast.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

On Thu, 27 Feb 2003 20:29:50 -0600 " " writes:

> Yes,

> with Lipitor, your doctor should be checking your liver enzymes

> every 4

> months....have you had this done?

> in Nebraska

> I have a question

>

> > Alright, I have a question. I suspect I need to call my

> doctors

> > office tomorrow and I certainly plan on doing that. I have had a

> pain on

> > my left side on and off for a while. I had this pain shortly

> after

> > surgery (vbg) and was told it was a muscle spasm. It went away

> after a

> > month or so. However, it is back and I seriously doubt I am

> having a

> > muscle spasm 19 months after surgery. I asked my chiropractor

> today what

> > was in that general area. His answer was the gallbladder (I have

> none),

> > the liver, and the opening for the intestines. It doesn't seem to

> matter

> > what I eat. It use to get better after a BM but that doesn't

> happen

> > anymore either. My fears are that the lipitor I am taking for

> > cholesterol is affecting my liver, I have an ulcer, I have a

> hernia.

> > Unfortunately, I don't know the symptoms for any of these. Any

> > suggestions?

> > Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

> > CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

> > SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

> > Current Weight 335

> > Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

> >

> > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

> >

> > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

> >

February 27, 2003

Not yet. I haven't been on it that long, about 3 months. That was kind

of my thought to. I just didn't realize it could happen so fast.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

On Thu, 27 Feb 2003 20:29:50 -0600 " " writes:

> Yes,

> with Lipitor, your doctor should be checking your liver enzymes

> every 4

> months....have you had this done?

> in Nebraska

> I have a question

>

> > Alright, I have a question. I suspect I need to call my

> doctors

> > office tomorrow and I certainly plan on doing that. I have had a

> pain on

> > my left side on and off for a while. I had this pain shortly

> after

> > surgery (vbg) and was told it was a muscle spasm. It went away

> after a

> > month or so. However, it is back and I seriously doubt I am

> having a

> > muscle spasm 19 months after surgery. I asked my chiropractor

> today what

> > was in that general area. His answer was the gallbladder (I have

> none),

> > the liver, and the opening for the intestines. It doesn't seem to

> matter

> > what I eat. It use to get better after a BM but that doesn't

> happen

> > anymore either. My fears are that the lipitor I am taking for

> > cholesterol is affecting my liver, I have an ulcer, I have a

> hernia.

> > Unfortunately, I don't know the symptoms for any of these. Any

> > suggestions?

> > Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

> > CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

> > SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

> > Current Weight 335

> > Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

> >

> > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG

> >

> > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe

> >

February 28, 2003

I have an ulcer, I have a hernia.

> Unfortunately, I don't know the symptoms for any of these. Any

Well, Fay, I don't know about the hernia.....but with the " ulcer " if it is a

stomach or esophagual ulcer I know these. It is an incredible burning in

your chest or stomach area.......death would be preferable. It tends to get

worse after eating or lyeing down at night. You might also get some

temporary relief from antacids. P.

February 28, 2003

I have an ulcer, I have a hernia.

> Unfortunately, I don't know the symptoms for any of these. Any

Well, Fay, I don't know about the hernia.....but with the " ulcer " if it is a

stomach or esophagual ulcer I know these. It is an incredible burning in

your chest or stomach area.......death would be preferable. It tends to get

worse after eating or lyeing down at night. You might also get some

temporary relief from antacids. P.

February 28, 2003

On Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:20:25 EST tuesdynite@... writes:

> Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u

> started

> the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor

> them all

> the time.

Yep, yep, yep. I guess I shouldn't complain to much. I am getting care

through the Indian Nations and it isn't costing me anything. However, I

should get quality care anywho.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

February 28, 2003

On Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:20:25 EST tuesdynite@... writes:

> Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u

> started

> the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor

> them all

> the time.

Yep, yep, yep. I guess I shouldn't complain to much. I am getting care

through the Indian Nations and it isn't costing me anything. However, I

should get quality care anywho.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

February 28, 2003

On Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:20:25 EST tuesdynite@... writes:

> Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u

> started

> the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor

> them all

> the time.

Yep, yep, yep. I guess I shouldn't complain to much. I am getting care

through the Indian Nations and it isn't costing me anything. However, I

should get quality care anywho.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

February 28, 2003

On Fri, 28 Feb 2003 01:20:25 EST tuesdynite@... writes:

> Actually you should have had that liver enzyme test when or before u

> started

> the Lipitor, so you'd have a baseline. These docs, ya gotta monitor

> them all

> the time.

Yep, yep, yep. I guess I shouldn't complain to much. I am getting care

through the Indian Nations and it isn't costing me anything. However, I

should get quality care anywho.

Lori Owen - Denton, Texas

CHF 4/14/01 479 lbs.

SRVG 7/16/01 401 lbs.

Current Weight 335

Dr. Ritter/Dr. Bryce

July 5, 2003

Sandy,

I can't answer any of your questions about remission, but I can

offer my personal experience with pancreas burn-out. Have you

checked your blood glucose levels lately? I know you said the

last time you did this your BG was 116. That's within a normal

non-diabetic range.

If your pancreas were completely burned-out, as mine is, you

would show extremely high blood glucose levels. Once the

pancreas is burned out the production of insulin and glucose are

severely impaired or non-existant. How recently has an amylase

and lipase test been done, and what were the results?

A C-peptide test would be a good exam to have that shows how

much insulin your pancreas is, or isn't, producing.

Cravings for sugary foods does complicate things for many

diabetics. If your pancreas were burned-out, you would be not

only diabetic, but would probably be having some of the other

signs of untreated diabetes, such as; frequent urination,

excessive thirst, blurred vision, and fatigue. Any of these things

bothering you?

While the pleasure of being able to eat many of those higher fat

foods you couldn't eat before without pain is one of the upside

aspects of pancreas burn-out, pancreatic enzymes become

more of a very vital necessity than ever before. Since the

pancreas is no longer able to function at all, those pancreatic

ennzymes are crucial for the digestion process so your nutrients

can continue to be absorbed. Without the enzymes you would

have excessive malabsorption problems and damaging

steatorrhea, and would be quickly losing weight.

I hope this information helps.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SE & SW Regional Rep

PAI, Intl.

Note: Comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

> Here goes the question. I was completly stressed out before I

went on my cruise. Had lots of pain from the old pancreas. I

tried to eat low fat on the cruise but must admit I did succomb

(sp) to the tasty temptations on the ship. I got home and got on

the scale and saw that I had gained 5 pounds. Desprate to lose

weight I have gone off my pancrelipase pills for 1 week now. In

fact, I didn't even take them on a regular basis on the ship. I

have been eating higher fats than normally I would have and

have been having relativly little problems.

I am not having the pains that I normally had before the cruise.

Can my CP go into a " remission " of sorts that would allow me to

eat as I please without the problems? Eating is becoming like

before I got sick. It seems I can eat almost anything anymore

without too much trouble. Is this normal? I have MAJOR cravings

for sweets lately.

Could my pancreas have " burned out " to the point I won't feel the

pain anymore?

> Sandy

July 5, 2003

Hello Heidi,

Thanks for answering. The last time I had my A & L checked I was

having a pancreatic attack and in the hospital and they had not raised.

My doctor told me that was not unusual as with my Chronic condition that

happens. I am not so much thinking I have pancreatic burn-out as I am

confused as to why I can eat foods now that I couldn't eat 3 weeks ago.

That was only a question I had to throw out there.

My BG is still below 120. So diabetes hasn't set in. If I called my

last doctor and asked why this is happening, he would tell me again that

I am " cured " and to drink, eat and be happy. He told me that in Febuary

and I was still having bad problems at that time. If I called the

doctor before that he will tell me that I am primed for an attack that

will put me in the ICU ward at any moment. That it is just a matter of

time. And I am being stupid by not having surgery. So you see where

that puts me. I have run out of specialists on my HMO network and there

isn't a regular GI that will accept my case. They all tell me I am too

complicated a patient and they haven't the knowledge or resources to

help me. So I am stuck until I have another attack and visit the local

hospital here in town.

I would still like to know if anyone else has been through this and for

how long it will last.

Sandy

>

July 6, 2003

Sandy,

yes, your pancreas can go into " remission " if you want to

call it that. I usually just call them good days and

sometimes that can last for a month or so, at least it has

for me. Last month (before the last two weeks) I had very

little to no pain, but now it's back. Unfortunately, I think

it's possible that the pain will come back eventually. I

know when I'm having particularly good days, I can eat

things I normally would not touch. Enjoy the good days while

you've got them. Pancreatitis is one of those diseases that

seems to vary in the intensity of pain over time. And just

because your pancreas can be burnt out, doesn't mean that

you no longer have pain. " burn out " according to my doctor

is that your pancreas is so damaged that it can no longer

produce enzymes so that when you have an acute attack, your

enzyme level is normal or below normal. This is the stage I

am at and I still have pain everyday. Some doctors have

theorized that when your pancreas burns out, it also ends

the pain.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to

that of a licensed physician or health care professional.

July 7, 2003

Heidi and Kimber,

Thanks for writing to me as I do very much appreciate it. Just an

update, the pain started back this afternoon at lunch. I was eating a

half of turkey sandwich. It got kinda intense, but not bad enough

that I had to take a pain pill. I dreamed last night that I was in

pain and have felt like I haven't slept all day today. Guess that a

sign, huh?! So no more fatty foods for me. It was nice while it

lasted. I am still concerned with my weight, even though I am back to

pre-cruise weight, I still have about 20 pounds to go until I am at

where the doctors charts say I should be. So I am going to try to

hold off on the enzyme suppliments for a while and hope that helps

with losing weight.

I just hope that i am not setting myself up for an attack. I don't

think the enzyme suppliments have that much to do with preventing

attacks. At least I hope not.

Anyway, thanks for caring,

Sandy

July 8, 2003

Sandy,

sometimes the enzyme also lessen pain, so if you start

feeling more pain after eating, I suggest going back on the

enzymes. I know I tried it a couple of times without the

enzymes (I'm about 50 pounds overweight) and it was so bad

that I immediately went back on the enzymes. I found out

exactly how much they are helping. I hope you can lose the

weight like you want to, but don't do so at the expense of

your health.

As for your dream, you may have been in pain while you

slept. I've had dreams like that and then I'd wake up and

I'd be in horrible pain. And when that happens I'm always a

little more tired. Not a wonderful way to spend the night.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to

that of a licensed physician or health care professional.

January 11, 2004

I had my surgery October 29th to and I have only lost 40.5 lbs. But

sometimes I think I feel hungry,but its not really being hunger as head hunger.

I

dont' eat much. I eat what I am supposed to and thats about it.

I have my protein drink everyday since I found one I like.

Pam

January 11, 2004

I had my surgery October 29th to and I have only lost 40.5 lbs. But

sometimes I think I feel hungry,but its not really being hunger as head hunger.

I

dont' eat much. I eat what I am supposed to and thats about it.

I have my protein drink everyday since I found one I like.

Pam

January 11, 2004

I use to take Nexium and for the last 6 weeks I havent' had to take it. And I

am glad. I haven't had acid reflux and it feels great..

Pam

January 11, 2004

I use to take Nexium and for the last 6 weeks I havent' had to take it. And I

am glad. I haven't had acid reflux and it feels great..

Pam

January 11, 2004

You need to find a doctor in Florida. Where are you? I am in South Florida,

but my doctor has an office in Orlando too. Let me know

Mindi

277/175/125??

Lap Rny 6/26/03

January 11, 2004

You need to find a doctor in Florida. Where are you? I am in South Florida,

but my doctor has an office in Orlando too. Let me know

Mindi

277/175/125??

Lap Rny 6/26/03

January 11, 2004

Waqtch the fluid intake....I get in 70-80 oz a day and I was still on the

dehydrated side. Thats one sure way to lose muscle weight instead of

fat.........I was told to increase my fluid, so now I am at 100 ounces a

day.......

Mindi

277/175/125??

Lap RNY 6/26/03

January 11, 2004

Waqtch the fluid intake....I get in 70-80 oz a day and I was still on the

dehydrated side. Thats one sure way to lose muscle weight instead of

fat.........I was told to increase my fluid, so now I am at 100 ounces a

day.......

Mindi

277/175/125??

Lap RNY 6/26/03

January 11, 2004

Hi Tricia,

You are doing a great job so far. Don't starve yourself and don't worry

about 'drinking' your protien. Eat a develed egg or have a scoop of tuna

or a slice of cheese. You can still do the protien drinks but if you

don't enjoy them then why use that as your source.

www.sabariatric.com is a great website that you can visit. My doctor

recommends it and he gives us printouts of the diet plan from that site

as a guide.

www.thinnertimes.com is my doctor's web site and there are more links

there for help.

Use the resources and learn all you can about what the process is. Visit

www.obesityhelp.com for a great chat group 24/7 and the website is

loaded with so much information.

At 3 month's, you should be able to eat anything except white rice, soft

bread and corn. I couldn't have any of that until 5 month's and even

then it was too heavy on my tummy.

The best advice I can give you is don't eat more then 3 oz. at a meal.

Or if that's too much, then take a few bites and see how you feel. Your

tummmy isn't going to hold more then a golf ball so keep that in mind. I

am 9 month's out now and I'm pretty satisfied with 3 oz. for a meal. I

do have a small snack sometimes inbetween, like fruit or beef jerkey or

a protien shake with fruit, but that's about it.

Drinking your fluids is very important too. I'm still having a hard time

getting 64 oz. I may generally get in about 40 but I do try to get

more.

I hope this information helps you along. Good luck and visit here often.

4/28/03

ORNY 283/191/130

I have a question

Hello my name is Tricia. I am 34 years old and had my surgery on Oct

29, 2003. I am now 3 months post op and I am feeling hungry. I can

tolarate just about anything but I am worried that I might be

hurting myself. I do not eat large amount of food, I eat very small

amounts. The thing is. I am not sure what I am suppose to eat. After

I had my surgery (about 8 weeks) I was relocated to FL from NJ and I

have not been able to see a doctor yet. So I am not sure what I

should be doing. Also 3 weeks after my surgery I had a bleeding

ucler, my surgeon told me that 10% of patients get this. So not only

am I afraid that I might be doing the wrong thing when it comes to

eating,I am also afraid that I might get another ulcer that will

bleed.

I am drinking my protein. I am mixing it with 1% milk. I know that I

should have this every day but I just can't seem to make myself. Now

I have lost 80lbs so far but it seems that I have not lost anything

in about 2 weeks. What should I do.

Please help.

Thanks,

Tricia

January 11, 2004