A billion questions....

[Guest guest]

I have a question to anyone out there.Actually 2 questions!

My Mother had suggested that I try a drink like Ensure or Slimfast

for those days when I cant eat because of the abdominal pain I get.

Does anyone know if there is a meal supplement drink that is easy on

sugar? I am just trying to take my own precaution because I have 1/3

less of my pancreas and diabetes is very popular on both my mother

and fathers side.

Second, I am trying to find a supplemental drink because I have

increased pain when I eat or drink. I have had a few days that I will

only eat one very small small meal and drink limited quantities of

water/milk. I obviously end up not only in a large amount of pain but

very weak with headaches due to the lack of energy.

Also one more question !? ( a third ! ) Does anyone ever lose hungry

completly and or feel a pressing full feeling that sometimes worsens

with even breathing ? I probably sound nuts but this is a big part of

my recent complaints.

Oh one last question - I have on occasion thrown up when I have felt

nauseated. Anyone can relate ?

I recognize the pain all to much and know it has to be all related to

my pancreas from last Januarys surgery. It will be a year on the

28th !

expect a whole bunch of questions and I thank you all a ton for

patience!

lyn

[Guest guest]

lyn,

There is a supplemental drink called " Glucerna " and it is made for diabetics.

Here in California if you go to Right Aide they have a generic brand by Rite

Aide and it taste just as good. Also there some water drinks, like Aquafina has

dome different flavors that are vitamin drinks with a little fruit flavor. On

my real bad days I do the Glucerna with the Aqaufina vitamin drinks. Good

luck, and feel better soon.

Simi Valley, CA

[Guest guest]

lyn,

has already given you an excellent suggestion about the

Glucerna. I'm diabetic now as a result of my CP, so I can't use

Ensure or Slim Fast as I used to during those no food days. The

diabetic supplements should work just as well for you.

If you could get your GI to prescribe the enzyme supplements

that I spoke of in my earlier post, they should help you with this

problem, too. They not only help you to maintain your weight,

they'll also reduce the pain you have from eating. There are

several brands, Ultrase, Pancrelipase, Viokase and Creon, to

name a few. I have found that I cannot take the Creon, they

actually cause more cramping and discomfort, but I've been

taking the Ultrase MT 20's for almost three years now and don't

dare eat anything without them.....they help me so much!

The enzyme supplements also help alleviate the problems you

spoke of in your third and fourth question....that bloated, pressing

feeling in the abdomen, and nausea to the point of vomiting. I

often felt like that until I started on the right dosage of the

supplements. I was constantly nausiated and would vomit

frequently. These are very NORMAL symptoms of chronic

pancreatiis, and I don't think I know of anyone who hasn't

experienced this at some time, or often still does.

The enzyme supplements relieved all of that for me, and the

gassy feeling I'd often get, and last, but certainly not least, once I

started on the enzymes, my diarrhea came to a halt. Prior to

taking the enzymes, I suffered daily with either diarrhea or

constipation. These, too, are common symptoms of CP. Some

people have such problems with both the nausea and diarrhea

that they are prescribed anti-nausea medication, and if the

enzymes don't help with the diarrhea, they are given medication

for that, also.

The more you talk about your symptoms, the more convinced I

am about what's causing them. I do believe you!

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

professional.