Re: New here to

[Guest guest]

I was diagnosed in 1997 with chronic sclerosing pancreatitis. In 1998 I had 2

surgeries leaving me with only about 1/2 of my pancreas and no spleen.

Earlier this year I was sent to University Nebraska Medical Center to see a GI

" Specialist " , All he did was increase my pancreas and add Nexium to my list

of meds. Last week after losing about 10 lbs in a week. I was put in the

hospital for 3 days. The doctors did an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and an MRI.

My GI told me that my tests were all normal. I am still in pain.

Dear ,

Good luck with your search to find a pancreatologist. To the best of my

knowledge, I don't believe there are too many available in the states. It's

just

a shame that the Gastroenterologist at UNMedical Center only gave you an

increase in enzymes and Nexium as treatment when there may have been

other things that could have been done.

Have you thought about consulting with Dr. Sutherland in Minnesota at

Fairview Medical Center, University of Minnesota? He's the doctor that does

all the pancreatectomies with auto islet transfers on patient's with either

diabetes or chronic pancreatitis, and although you may not be seeking that

procedure, he may be able to direct you to someone else in the field that

could help you.

We all understand about those tests that all come back normal yet you are

sitting there in true pain. Unfortunately it's a story that many have heard,

time

and time again, in dealing with their individual situations. It happens just

too

many times, but I don' t want you to give up hope. Just because the doctors

and tests haven't been able to find anything yet doesn't mean that your pain

isn't real and interferring with your daily activities.

Are you taking any additional supplements, vitamins or antioxidants to help

you with your run down feeling? I wouldn't place too much blame on your

pain medications, a lot of times we feel run down and fatiqued because our

bodies aren't absorbing any of the vitamins or nutrients from our food.

Malabsorption is a very common and often overlooked problem with chronic

pancreatitis, and IMO, doctor's should place more emphasis on helping their

patients maintain good nutritional balance. Additional vitamins, supplements

and special pancreatitis antioxidants do a lot to help replenish the body, and

will help with increasing your stamina and energy levels once they're taken

on a regular basis. If no one's ever suggested this to you, I'd be happy to

offer

some suggestions for you to consider.

Please feel free to tell us all about your problems here. We'll try our hardest

to

help you out and let you know that you are among friends who are in similar

situations as you are. When we all help one another to deal with the

frustration and depression, those issues seem to become less significant.

Think good thoughts,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on my personal opinion or

experiences only, and should not be substituted for a professional medical

consultation.

[Guest guest]

Thank you Heidi for you kind words. My father in law is very much into

natural alternantives so he sees that I get good nutrtion and supplements.