My First ERCP

[Guest guest]

Cindy,

I want to encourage you to relax about your upcoming ERCP. Don't fear

it as much as be grateful that the pancreatologists have a procedure

which can allow them to maneuver into this " hidden " organ. There was

so little for the so many who have walked before us. In preparation

for my first ERCP, I was so scared. I did not have the benefit of

being able to talk to others before hand, so I did not really know

what to expect. That may have some benefit, since what comes with that

is also the sharing of what wasn't pleasant about the experience. But,

the deal is that being able to learn as much as much as we can about

the tests and procedures we put our bodies through, can provide more

of a benefit than a hindrance.

I am glad that you are focusing on the nurture and care of your body

with vitamin supplements and keeping it well lubricated and hydrated

with good, clean, clear water. If you are able, soaking in a nice,

warm, tub can be very soothing. Sleep is also one of the most

important things we can do for our health and well being. Like most

persons with pancreatitis, I have trouble achieving optimum sleep

quality / quantity. I do take intentional steps to get uninterrupted

sleep. It seems that in chronic illness, our sleep patterns change. I

encourage persons to use an MP3 player or other device and listen to

mediations and soothing music to relax.

Remind us where and when the ERCP is, so we can add it to the PAI

calendar.

Karyn , RN

Executive Director, PAI