Re : Scot

[Guest guest]

Hi Scot!

(I can't remember what kind of surgery your docs are considering?)

I realise that I don't understand the insurance system in the US but

I don't think it's a good idea to be suffering too much pain. I

appreciate not wanting to take more pain meds than you need,

especially as recovery after surgery may be harder the stronger the

pain meds you are taking beforehand, and I know we all feel we have

to " keep something up the sleeve " in case the pain gets even worse.

But pain is exhausting and you need to sort out the best routine

with your doc. Like yours, my specialist also prescribes high doses

of enzymes so that I can have as normal a diet as possible. For me

this works. Enzymes don't do any harm; they may allow you to eat!

Important! Especially if you have diabetes. You should be able to

experiment to reach your own ideal balance of enzymes, pain relief

and diet. I think it would be better to be straight about your

medical and personal history because they are significant when

medical OR surgical options are being considered. You need a

sympathetic and understanding doctor. However, I recognise that I

don't understand all the ramifications here and you have to be the

judge, of course! I don't know much about diabetes but I'm sure it's

crucial to keep it as stable as possible and not to let it get out

of control if you can help it.

I know one can feel pretty hopeless or fatalistic with this disease.

(My particular choice now is between living with the pain episodes

coupled with a very high cancer risk and an inexorable move to

diabetes OR a total pancreatectomy, with all its attendant risks,

including certain immediate diabetes, possibly severe! So I know

what feeling down means.) If you can do anything to maximise your

health at this stage in the condition, I would!

Good luck, Scot, whatever choices you make! Thanks for the e-mail.

Best wishes,

Fliss