facing my fear

[Guest guest]

I finally got up the courage to go to the doctor to get this pain

checked out. When I tried to explain the pain to the doctor and

where it was, I asked could it be the pancreas. He said. You don't

get pain from your pancreas. I said, Pancreantitis? He said, do

you drink? What ignorance I have to look forward to if this is my

problem. I understand what you all have been taking about.

I go for blood tests tests today and I'm begging him to order

abdominal CAT scan.

[Guest guest]

It took a lot of courage to go ahead and make that appointment and then go

through with it, but personally, I wouldn't want to continue with a doctor like

that who already has prejudiced opinions about pancreatitis. His statement

that you don't get pain from the pancreas was so incorrect that he sounds like

an idiot.

If you think you can convert this doctor and inspire him to be challenged

to find out the real cause of your problems, then that would be great. If you

have any doubts about his competence and experience, now is the time to

find someone else who has more experience and better knowledge of

pancreatitis, before you have established too much of a connection with this

doctor.

Now that you've taken this first step, follow through with it to find the

answers,

and get the right tests done that will help you pinpoint the problem and get a

diagnosis. A CT-scan would be the best place to start, and the amylase and

lipase blood test won't hurt, either. Don't be discouraged if your results

aren't

what you expect. Keep searching.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion,

and should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. Do you know if

the tests ordered for an annual physical will provide this

information? Also, I've asked him to arrange for me to have an

abdominal CAT scan ASAP. Can he refuse or is it my right to have

one done if I want it? He hasn't yet, but just wondering. I have a

history of depression and anxiety. I'm not even sure he is taking my

complaints about pain seriously. Darlene