Re: Celiac Plexus blocks?? to ka

[Guest guest]

Dear ka,

My track record from going from mild to moderately severe CP, to

brittle diabetes and pancreas burn-out took less than two years,

twenty months to be exact. So when you say your condition has

progressed this quickly, I certainly don't doubt you! The speed

with which this disease effects some people is terrifying.

I beg you to make sure you have a really experienced pancreatic

specialist treating you. If things are progressing this quickly for

you, it's in your best interests to have a physician who is very

attentive and dedicated to helping you whenever you need it.

I was considered for a celiac block and met with a Pain

Management Physician, an anestheasia specialist, when my

pain was becoming more intrusive. The plan was to do a celiac

block when I was in a full blown attack. He said it would be more

effective if it was done during this time, that they would be able to

locate and numb the pain with more certainty. Unfortunately, my

diabetic ketoacidosis attack and shock happened before this

could be done, and then it was too late.

I don't know if it was a steriod celiac block that was planned, or

just one with alcohol. I've heard varying reports on the blocks, for

some they didn't work, for some they worked for only a short

period, for others they were successful for a long while.

Because of all these different reports, I think the success of a

block is a very individual thing, and probably has a lot to do with

the experience level of the physician. You might ask your doctor

how many he has done, and how many were successful, and for

how long? The part you said about the pain being 10x worse

with unsuccessful blocks isn't encouraging at all, is it?

You might ask who has success stories about their Whipple's,

as long as that's being suggested, too. Have you considered a

pancreatectomy with auto islet transplant as any kind of an

option? If all this surgery is suggested, that may be something

you may wish to think about.

I hope someone else can give you their first hand experiences,

and I hope that you are able to find a solution that works for you

soon. Please keep in touch, you've been gone too long, and

we've missed you.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SE & SW Regional Representative

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

I have been away sooo long doing hospital and Doc stuff. Has

anyone else been told they went from mild CP to moderately

severe CP in less than 6 mos time? I need some input if anyone

can tell me about their Celiac block experiences....Is it worth

trying?

Love ka Poppe in California:)