To Vicki

[Guest guest]

Vicki wrote:]

< I work for a family doctor, he just shakes his head and says " never heard of

those system - you have a real sensistive tummy " .

I was wondering about herbs or vitamins....if pancreatitis is an

inflamation...has any one tried MSM or grape seed extract? >

Vicki,

Did you see my post where I said that I take grapeseed extract along with my

antioxidants? They say it's supposed to be helpful. And if you read the

article about " Antioxidants and pancreatitis " it will tell you about the

antioxidants at the bottom of the article.

As far as your doctor/employer goes.....HOGWASH!!! I don't mean to

criticize, but, IMHO, he's just not educated enough in pancreatitis and it's

symptoms to know what he's saying. The GP's only take one week on

pancreatitis during their entire years of medical training, so most of them

forget more about the subject than they ever learned!!

Anyone that has taken the time to research the subject can find these

symptoms listed, and those of us that live with the disease every day know

they exist, as well as our doctor's do. Nearly all of us go to panceatic

specialists or gastroenterologists, and these doctors' do know what the

symptoms are. So, I'm sorry that your employer just blames it on your

" sensitive tummy " , we all know that's not so.

It's hard for many of us to work those kind of hours, especially with children

and a husband to care for as well. You'll see that a good number of our

members don't work, and several that are on disability. Those that do work

are struggling, just like you, to hold themselves up through a full work day. I

know it got so bad for me that I had to stop work a few years ago. I still try

to

put a few hours in each day. I'm self employed, so it's a little easier for me

to

do this. I know I could never work for an employer again, they would never

tolerate my daily naps, spending hours in the bathroom and the fact that I

can't sit for more than an hour or so! The meds that I take make me sleepy

and not able to figure out complex tasks, too.....no one would tolerate that.

So I admire that you are still able to work, even part time. It's difficult to

do

this when you're in so much pain. You didn't mention what meds you had

been given. Some aren't as strong as others and some people are still able

to work on their mediation, it just depends on what it is.

Most of us have learned that when the pain is untolerable that we are really

grateful for the relief the pain meds give us. If you have them, you ought to

try taking them when your husband is with you so you can see what kind of

effect they have on you.

I'm glad you wrote back to share more about yourself. Let us know how we

can help.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should not be

substituted with professional medical consultation.