PAI Open Membership

[Guest guest]

n,

You wrote, " I have to admit I sort of feel like a fraud. My pancreatitis is

acute (as opposed to chronic) but recurring. I know that my pain is probably

not near anyone else's, but I'm pretty down psychologically, since this is my

fourth relapse in 11 months. "

Please do not feel like a fraud. There are no prerequisites to joining the

PAI. First of all our name is Pancreatitis Association International. It does

not state Chronic. it just happens that the majority of the members are

dealing with chronic pancreatitis. It would actually behoove those who are

diagnosed with acute pancreatitis to join the PAI, as early diagnosis and

intervention greatly improves the outcome. Though acute pancreatitis or

recurring acute

pancreatitis are technically different diseases than chronic pancreatitis,

acute pancreatitis can progress into chronic pancreatitis. One of the things

that can happen is that during the episodes of acute pancreatitis damage to

the pancreas can occur, setting the stage for the chronic disease process.

It is also so important to not compare our symptoms. The only thing that we

can do is monitor our own episodes of pain, thus the great 0-10 pain scale.

With pancreatitis our quality of life is on the line. It doesn't matter what

degree of illness we have, if it is interfering with our quality of life, then

it is important and warrants acknowledgment.

We are glad you are here.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Indianapolis, Indiana

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/12/2005 11:54:39 PM Eastern Standard Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

It is also so important to not compare our symptoms. The only thing that we

can do is monitor our own episodes of pain, thus the great 0-10 pain scale.

With pancreatitis our quality of life is on the line. It doesn't matter what

degree of illness we have, if it is interfering with our quality of life,

then

it is important and warrants acknowledgment.

I'm always so pleased with the wisdom and precision of " Karyn's " observations

of us and our disease. Her words cut the fog of this disease as well as

anything we have.

In a previous message Karyn said, " we're pulling for you " . And in the words

of the immortal Red Green . . " Remember, I'm pulling for you we are all in this

together " . Of course he was giving " life advice " to middle aged men not Panc.

suffers. But it still works.

Best wishes, Poncho - GA