Aloha to all

[Guest guest]

I wrote a long message yesterday after catching up on 2 weeks' worth

of messages, but something " froze " when I tried to post and I couldn't

get back online with PAI.

I'll try to remember all the names and details:

Chrissy - I'm so happy you are doing much better. I've followed the

story before your surgery and afterwards and have been thinking of you

every day. Hope you got my postcard.

Heidi and Sue - I'm so sorry you are having problems. You are both so

wonderful and have helped me and many others. I wish you better

co-operation from the powers-that-be with regard to an insulin pump.

Sonja - Yes, that was me who sent you a postcard. Sorry you couldn't

see the return address. I like the idea proposed last month about

sending post cards from our various geographic locations, but I saw

only the addresses for and for you. If anyone else wants a

postcard from Hawaii, send me your mailing address.

Someone posted recently about having a 6 year break between diagnosis

of CP and when flare-ups started becoming more frequent. After my

inital acute panc hositalization, I continued to have daily

pain/pressure and other symptoms for 2 1/2 years. Now, just for the

past month, no panc pain! I'm still on meds - nortriptyline for

chronic pain and pancreatin (enzymes.) I've been able to try foods

with more fat (meat, chocolate, cheese) and have no problems, though I

am still very careful. Rather than 20 - 25 grams of fat daily, I'd

say I'm eating closer to 35 - 40 right now.

Several months ago my doctor recommended trying more fat and protein

in my diet because of malabsorption deficiencies (very dry skin, hair

loss, etc.) At that time, it didn't work - bad pain. But now it

seems to be OK. Any comments on what's going on? Should I just relax

and enjoy the good times while they last and quit questioning it?

I wonder if being on vacation has made a big difference? I just had

another week cruising the Inside Passage and had a fantastic time. W

Warmest aloha to all,

in Hawaii

[Guest guest]

Aloha to you, too,

It's so good to hear from you, it's been quite awhile!

It's also good to hear that you're doing so well. Certainly the vacation didn't

hurt, but as

far as why you're having this reprieve, I don't think there's a good answer for

that. Enjoy it

while it lasts, and just take it easy and don't try to overdo the whole thing by

forgetting

your diet entirely. Moderation is the key here, I think.

I've been through periods like that myself, and was especially excited last year

in April,

May and June when I had no pain whatsoever and was able to get off all my pain

meds. It

was due to my pancreas burnout, and would have continued, we believe, if my

pseudocysts had't gotten inflamed again.

As for your situation, I don't know what brings the peace, but I do think you

shouldn't

worry about it or try to analyze it, just enjoy it!!

It was so good to hear from you.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology.htm#heidi

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

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

substituted for professional medical consultation.

Chis wrote:

Now, just for the past month, no panc pain! (snip) I'm still on meds -

nortriptyline for

chronic pain and pancreatin (enzymes.) Any comments on what's going on? Should

I just

relax and enjoy the good times while they last and quit questioning it?