Question: regarding life expectancy?

[Guest guest]

,

I, too, read the same statement. I asked my specialist about it and was told

that wasn't always the case. He told me if I didn't follow the " rules " for

living with CP, then that could be true. But if I didn't drink, smoke and

followed a good diet, it wouldn't apply to me.

Had me pretty shaken up after I read it for awhile. I wish that atricle had

more written with it and explained more.

Sandy in Ca

-------------- Original message --------------

I have a question for the group that perhaps some could shed some light on for

my wife and I. I have read on at least half a dozen websites the following

statement.

" Chronic pancreatitis is associated with a reduction in life expectancy. Only

half of the patients with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis will survive for

longer than seven years following diagnosis "

How true is this or is it just a crock of s--t. I would really like to know.

Thanks in advance, ..........

[Guest guest]

Hello, .

Sorry if my message scared you. It is only some information

that I have read. That's why I wrote the group to find out, whether or not the

statement quoted was true. Thank you so much for your response. And yes we must

find a cure. Peace ...............

Re: Question: regarding life expectancy?

>.>

> " Chronic pancreatitis is associated with a reduction in life

expectancy. Only half of the patients with a diagnosis of chronic

pancreatitis will survive for longer than seven years following

diagnosis "

.

I don't know the answer - it was my impression that this disease

definitely changes the quality of life, but I did not think it was a

terminal illness. This scares me half to death. I know there are

people here who have had CP for a lot longer than 7 years though. WE

NEED TO FIND THE CURE!!!! Blessings,

[Guest guest]

hello sandy, thank you for your response. my husband is really freaked out, and

so am I. All is want is for him to feel alot less pain so that we can somewhat

get on with our lives. we've only been married 1yr and i want him back to the

way he used to be. we have an appointment with a new doctor on november 14, and

i'm praying that he will be able to do something. sometimes i feel like putting

a gun to their heads and demanding them to fix my husband. but that would just

put me in jail, and that would'nt be very good.but i get just as frustrated and

upset as he does and it takes a toll on the marriage, you know. we'll keep you

up to date on the doctors appointment, see how things go. i may be in jail by

the 14th of november if we don't get the answers we want. Ha,Ha! blessing from

tracey, richard's wife. take care .........

Question: regarding life expectancy?

,

I, too, read the same statement. I asked my specialist about it and was told

that wasn't always the case. He told me if I didn't follow the " rules " for

living with CP, then that could be true. But if I didn't drink, smoke and

followed a good diet, it wouldn't apply to me.

Had me pretty shaken up after I read it for awhile. I wish that atricle had

more written with it and explained more.

Sandy in Ca

-------------- Original message --------------

I have a question for the group that perhaps some could shed some light on for

my wife and I. I have read on at least half a dozen websites the following

statement.

" Chronic pancreatitis is associated with a reduction in life expectancy. Only

half of the patients with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis will survive for

longer than seven years following diagnosis "

How true is this or is it just a crock of s--t. I would really like to know.

Thanks in advance, ..........

[Guest guest]

Hi , I have CP for 5 years and I have heard of people who have CP

for 20 years. I wouldn't worry about the seven years statement. This

disease does change your life, but with a good doctor and the right

medication, one can still lead a productive and happy life. The thing

that does have to change is the cause of your CP. If its from alcohol,

as mine was, you can drink or live. The side effects of the pain meds

is a hard part of this disease. I have to do my errands and any driving

in the morning before I eat and take breakthru pain meds. I have worked

my way up to 180 mg's of MS Contin (time released mprphine) since April

2001. When I eat I take 30 mgs of Oxycodone, so you can see why I

wouldn't drive after eating. Unfortunately, I can never work again. It

took me a year to get used to not working. So, to make a long story

short, get a good doctor and don't worry about the 7 years staement.

This may be for people who continue to drink after diagnosis. Jim

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

One must be a little careful of the " date " on stastics. Remember, it was not

too long ago when the main patients diagnosed with CP were ancient winos.

And they didn't have a very good life expectency to start with. As time

passes, and diagnosis techniques got better, I think we find a more representive

population group with this disease and thus the life expectency gets higher.

Since this disease is still rare, or at least uncommon, and the diagnosis is

not easy to get to, and it has various stages, and it's not likely COD records

are kept very well, I wouldn't put too much faith in any expectency data I

might come across. Just remember to drink your water as 1. you will feel better,

and 2. it might allow you to spit in the eye of the " hang-man " whenever that

day finally comes.

Best wishes, Poncho - GA

[Guest guest]

Hi . I has been determined that I must have started having

acute pancreatic attacks when I was 11 years old. Been having them

all my life to the point when I was diagnosed chronic a few years

ago. However, it was apparent I had been chronic for some time prior

to that. I am 44 and still kicking, just cant kick as high as I used

to; but can still put the fear of death in my 15 year old son's

eyes. Also never ever not even once have my enzymes ever been

elevated. They have either been low or on the low within normal

limits level, but never high. Even after all the testing and what

not. So go figure. If the actual life expectancy was 7 years from

diagnosis; or meaning 7 years following becoming so chronically ill

that it was diagnosed; I wouldnt be here. For 4 years I was treated

for kidney stones that never existed. It was my panc the whole

time. Frustrated Ididn't go back to docs for a few more years.

Forget about life expectancy and just live you life. Your healthy

life, dont worry about what might happen tomorrow, or the next day.

Unless of course you down a bottle of Jim Bean with a pepperoni bacon

pizza; thats gonna hurt. But you can live a full and happy life all

the way up to being a big fat grandpa man. If you make the changes

to keep yourself healthy and happy, one important change, dont worry

about the stuff you cant change, change what you can and the rest

will just fall into place.

Warmly,

(SC)