Friend with severe pancreatitis

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

My name is Jerry & I live in North Carolina. I don't have much to add to

what has already been said. However, if your friend was on a ventilator and

received dialysis for two weeks, there are probably some other things wrong

besides pancreatitis.

Severe acute pancreatitis can require a ventilator. Sometimes fluid effuses

from the pancreas into the spaces surrounding the lung. That can cause

pressure that will not allow the lungs to expand fully for gas exchange.

Multiple organ failure is also a by-product of severe acute pancreatitis.

However, your friend may have an underlying problem with her kidneys that

required dialysis.

In any event, she has been through hell and needs to rest. I know that I

don't want to see anyone for some time when I get out of the hospital.

Sometimes it takes longer than others to recuperate. It has taken me as long

as six weeks to recuperate from a one week hospital stay.

Jerry/NC

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Your friend is so lucky to have you waiting on the side lines ready

to show her your concern. I really can't add anything more to the

already excellent advice my friends here have already given you.

I think they've all been very thorough and understanding of the

situation and have provided you with some great feedback.

Speaking as another patient who has spent some time in the

hospital because of this disease, I concurr with Jerry. We often

don't feel comfortable with visitors, even our dearest friends, for

several weeks after getting out of the hospital. First of all, we are

usually exhausted, because one seldom gets any sleep while in

the hospital, and then the meds that we've given to take at home

make us even more sleepy.

She'll know how much you care by the cards you send and your

offers to help with food or errands for her husband. He's

probably feeling really overwhelmed right now, and will hopefully

appreciate any offers of help soon.

Stay with us and learn what you can, it will make talking with your

friend a lot easier and understanding when you finally do get

together with her again.

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.