To

[Guest guest]

Hello ,

First of all, I'm sorry you may have this condition but things can

usually be done to help. If you want to know more about the actual

condition (chronic pancreatitis, if that is what the docs think you

have) you can try the sites Henry mentioned. (Hello Henry! I hope

you are feeling better to-day. I always enjoy reading your posts.)

The Hopkins one is superb. You can also get a good introduction

to all aspects of pancreatitis on the top5plus5library section of

the PAI site itself. Once you reach it, just click on the sections

you want to read.

Maybe your specialist is going to have a CT scan to see if he or she

can see any more possible damage to the pancreas? That is one the

best diagnostic tests but chronic pancreatitis is difficult to

diagnose.

Has any doc suggested that you try enzymes (such as Creon.....but

this is just one type) to replace the digestive enzymes normally

produced by a healthy pancreas? Not all patients need them; you'd

need to ask your specialist. Many of us find them very helpful. If

you have diarrhoea or steatorrhoea caused by malabsorption, they

could help. It might just be worth asking about them. They seem to

have made a big difference to my own symptoms.

Has your specialist talked to you about diet? If it is likely to be

chronic pancreatitis (or if they think you have attacks of acute

pancreatitis) I presume you have been told not to consume any

alcohol at all? Whatever the cause of the original illness (mine is

hereditary for example...I've had symptoms since the age of

five....now nearly 58!)alcohol is forbidden. It damages the pancreas

even though its effects may not be felt at once.

Most doctors advise a low fat diet and many patients feel better on

such a diet. Again, you need to discuss this with your specialist.

It's important to consume adequate nutrients. Some pancreatologists

to-day prefer to prescribe high doses of enzymes and encourage a

more normal diet. Generally speaking, a low fat diet helps, but not

too low. Again, you need to ask about this. Trial and error would

also be important in establishing the best diet for you personally.

, every case of CP (if this, indeed, is what you have)

develops differently so it is difficult to give advice. Only your

own specialist can really advise. However, sometimes we have to be a

bit pushy and insistent and ask the right questions to get the

answers we need!

You could ask about the above points. If your gastro thinks you may

have CP, it's worth trying for a referral to a pancreatologist.

Pancreatitis is pretty rare and specialists in the pancreas are the

only docs who deal all the time with diseases of the pancreas. My

own gastroenterologist is very good and very experienced. He

diagnosed my CP but also referred me to a pancreatologist/surgeon. I

now see them both from time to time. I know this isn't always easy

because pancreas specialists as such are fairly thin on the ground.

I do hope you feel a little reassured, , and that you soon

get the help you need. I'm sure others will post answers as well.

As Henry said, you will definitely get help and support from this

site. I was finally diagnosed only last May and I have had great

support from the PAI members and the information available through

the site as well.

Good luck and best wishes,

Fliss