Question about Enzymes - Protease, Ultrase, Viokase

[Guest guest]

I was wondering how you all feel about taking enzymes. Brock is not

taking any enzymes, he just quit taking them about two years ago. I

have encouraged him to start taking them again, to see if they could

possibly help in his digestion and he won't. I have a very close

friend who is a 5 year survivor of Pancreatic Cancer. He swears by

enzymes.

I did contact his Nephrologist the other day and asked him about the

enzymes. Brock was hospitalized for a flare up on Wednesday, and he

told me that they started to give him enzymes to take with each meal.

I just want to know if they help at all or if they are a waste of

time.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Sam

[Guest guest]

Sam,

Personally, I cannot eat without taking enzymes first. I use Viokase

16 enzymes, and take at least 5-6 with each meal. If I didn't, I

would be doubled over in pain with 30 minutes or less, and would have

diarrhea to boot.....not a pleasant prospect! I also tend to have

more problems with malabsorption and weight loss if I don't use the

enzymes with my meals.

I have known of some people who say they've felt no benefit from

pancreatic enzymes at all. Since each of us has individual needs and

individual digestive problems, I can understand that they aren't the

solution for each and every CP patient.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

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

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

Dear group.

As far as pancreatic enzymes, I use Ultrase. My Dr wrote an RX for Viokase, but

I haven't had it filled yet. I really can't tell any difference in my case in

not using Ultrase vs. not using it. I find that if I eat small amounts, or

stick to a liquid diet that in most cases I do better. My pancreatitis comes

and goes. I have had another small attack a few days ago. I did really did not

want to go to the ER so I took my pain meds and just laid still on the couch and

the pain seemed to ease up. But with activity, the pain worsened. My

pancreatic pain is described between a real bad side ache and a real bad gas

pain. Sometimes I cannot tell the difference. Also I am supposed to lay off the

beer. That is the main culprit in my case. I will admit I have fudged a few

times and paid the price. It is hard for me after 30years of enjoying the sudsy

brew. But now it is not worth the pain. I try also to limit the amount of pain

meds that I take because of constipation. Boy

what a wretched disease this is. It seems to have more side effects itself,

than just the severe pain it causes.

Also can anyone tell me my prognosis of being able to return to work???? I

have been off since Apris 12th and don't know if I will ever be able to work

again. I am going stir crazy staying at home.

Thank you

Heidi wrote:

Sam,

Personally, I cannot eat without taking enzymes first. I use Viokase

16 enzymes, and take at least 5-6 with each meal. If I didn't, I

would be doubled over in pain with 30 minutes or less, and would have

diarrhea to boot.....not a pleasant prospect! I also tend to have

more problems with malabsorption and weight loss if I don't use the

enzymes with my meals.

I have known of some people who say they've felt no benefit from

pancreatic enzymes at all. Since each of us has individual needs and

individual digestive problems, I can understand that they aren't the

solution for each and every CP patient.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

www.health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pancreatitis/

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

not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

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