Comments to Fred

[Guest guest]

Dear Fred,

I'm sorry to hear that your wife has been recently going through this increase

of symtomatic chronic pancreatitis. As the natural progression of this disease

continues, this often becomes a common complaint.

Has your wife been taking enzyme supplements? I find that the enzyme

supplements do so much to help ward off that uncomfortable bloating and

gas, which actually makes more pain. I also find that the use of an antiacid

like Prevacid, which my doctor has prescribed for me to use in these

occasions, helps considerably. I've learned by experience that when the

bloating and gas has increased that it may mean a few different things; either

I need to increase the amount of pancreatic enzymes that I'm using, that I

need to use antiacids on a semi-regular basis, or that I need to take Miralax

to help with bowel motility. Quite often it's bowel motility that's causing the

discomfort.

Those of us that take narcotic analgesics on a regular or semi-regular basis

need to pay close attention to our daily habits to ensure that we keep things

moving smoothly through the system. This is especially important when

there's been an increase in use of our pain medications. One easy and

cost-free way of doing this is to drink large quantities of water throughout the

day. It's important to keep the pancreas well hydrated, and recommended by

professionals that we consume half our body weight in that many ounces of

water daily, to keep the system well flushed and promote healthy colon

conditions. This is especially important for anyone over the age of 50, but

good advice for any age group!

So I'm suggesting that you consider the above recommendations for her

discomfort; an increase in water consumption, an increase in enzyme

supplements, antiacids and an increase in either fiber supplements or a

laxative like Miralax for regularity.

These problems, naturally, should be discussed with her doctor as soon as

you can schedule an appointment or speak with him or her on the phone.

Whenever there is any change in one's symptoms, a doctor should be notified

and the situation should be thoroughly discussed.

I hope this is of some help.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

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

not be

should be substituted for a professional medical consultation.

Fred wrote:

In 2003, she averaged 4 months between bad painful episodes, now she is

having attacks every 3 weeks. The thing is, while in an attack she takes

Vicodin to ease the pain. Usually the next day, her abdomen feels very

bloated,uncomfortable and gassy. In the past this feeling has lasted 1 day ,

maybe 2. However since she had an attack last Thur the 27th of Nov, she

has had this awful bloated feeling, today is the 3rd day with no relief.

[Guest guest]

> In 2003, she averaged 4 months between bad painful episodes, now

she is

> having attacks every 3 weeks. The thing is, while in an attack she

takes

> Vicodin to ease the pain. Usually the next day, her abdomen feels

very

> bloated,uncomfortable and gassy. In the past this feeling has

lasted 1 day ,

> maybe 2. However since she had an attack last Thur the 27th of

Nov, she

> has had this awful bloated feeling, today is the 3rd day with no

relief.