To Deanna in NM

[Guest guest]

Hi Deanna,

I like your welcome and your introduction and would like to offer

my friendship!

I am 43 y/o women married, no children and live in Wisconsin. I

work in a hospital clinic, indirectly providing care for arthritis and

rheumatology patients. I had my first acute pancreatitis attack in

the summer of 2000 while having open abdominal surgery for

multiple pockets of abscess (as a result of pelvic surgery a

month before). The pain from that attack never completely

resolved and after three years of diagnostics and further surgery,

it was found that I have obstructive pancreatitis concomitant with

pancreas divisum. I have had 4 ERCPs since Sept 2003, with

two sphincterotomies and 2 stent placements with the final

ERCP doing a dilation of the minor duct. Because of various

problems with my pancreas doctor I decided to terminate our

relationship so I am currently being followed by my pain doctor

only. However, my recent GI doctor has put considerable doubt

in my mind concerning the accuracy of his diagnosis. He was

adamant in September that I had " classic " obstructive

pancreatitis that is associated with PD but on my last visit a few

weeks ago, he backtracked and stated that he was most likely

wrong and that I do not have a pancreas problem at all, unless

he caused it by all the ERCPs and stents.

Currently, I am doing an experiment that I call " mind over matter "

- that is, I am trying to taper off from all of my medications in

order to assess where I am at with my pain levels; to see if the

stenting provided me with significant relief and if my background

pain will lessen as I heal from the recent procedures. My

opinion at this time, is that the stents " cured " the subacute

condition associated with the blockage but has not affected the

pain that is associated with the ongoing pancreas inflammation.

I have not received any information from my former GI as to the

condition of the pancreas as seen by EUS and ERCP so I am

unaware if I am battling pain due to chronic pancreatitis or from

other causes related to the abdominal surgery (scarring,

adhesions or nerve damage). I also understand that pain from

chronic pancreatitis can arise years if not up to a decade prior to

detectable changes being seen by these diagnostic procedures

- so I am not sure what significance to place on a " nomal " EUS

or ERCP if that is what they showed. My decision is to assume

that I am feeling the effects of a sick pancreas and that these

symptoms will be chronic and most likely progressive (a " hope

for the best, prepare for the worst " attitude). Therefore, my goal

will be pain management, not a total alleviation as it seems that

there is no simple answer for diagnosis and treatment of benign

pancreas diseases.

Any opinions that you would like to express or information that

you think will help me plan a course of action will be welcome!

Thank you for the time that you are spending to met and greet all

of us!

Laurie