To Sonja

[Guest guest]

Hi Sonja,

I just wanted to say I'm sorry you have been feeling so down.

Does it help to know how many of us regret so much the things we

used to be able to do, especially those connected with

eating/drinking/socialising/exercising/working in ways we can no

longer do? I know it's not easy.

Can you try to find things you can still enjoy? Music? Films?

Theatre etc? Is your pain level too high for this?

It might also help to remember that this disease goes through

different stages and symptoms can sometimes ease over time as well

as worsening. Diagnosed CP is usually progressive in terms of damage

to the pancreas, but that does not always mean that symptoms get

worse. Please try to hang on to this idea.

Are you finding the gluten-free diet helpful? (You mention in a

recent post that you are following a gluten-free diet.) You may

remember that I have been advised to stick to such a diet also, and

lactose-free as well. I do find it helpful so it is worthwhile for

me. Otherwise, I'd be very tempted to eat a wider range of foods. My

gastro did a full review of my biopsies going back to 1988 and it

looks as if I have got coeliac as well as CP. Have your docs tested

you for this sort of thing or do you think you just feel better on

gluten-free foods? I suppose it's only worth denying ourselves if it

makes a big difference.

At least the docs are taking you seriously in offering another

gastroscopy and it will, at least, eliminate certain worries for you

and them. I can't now remember which tests specifically for CP you

have already had. EUS? CT scan? ERCP? Gall bladder ultrasound? It

might be worth asking about any you haven't had.

I do hope you are feeling a bit better now. If fellow-feeling can

help, you have it!

With warm wishes,

Fliss (UK)