Guest guest Posted May 20, 2004 Report Share Posted May 20, 2004 Hello Anyse, I'm sorry you are going through pain. Have you explained to your gastro just how much pain you are in? Is it not possible to have another referral to him? I'm asking that because a good gastro does understand the pain of pancreatitis and should be willing to prescribe appropriately, refer you to a pancreatologist or refer you to a pain management centre. Sometimes the actual pancreatologist will refer you to a pain management specialist if he or she cannot deal with the pain with the overall level of treatment warranted by the particular case in point. I do think it's important, as Heidi explained, to get a referral to good gastro or, even better, a pancreas specialist. Pancreatitis is rare and only these specialists are really aware of the pain levels involved (although my dentist (!!) told me not long ago that it was known that the pain of pancreatitis is among the every worst to suffer). I'm not sure how the system works in the US. Here, one could easily ask for a second opinion although some GPs would no doubt be grumpy if one did that! I'm sure you have even more choice in the US as you have your own insurance. If you're not happy with your gastro, can you easily have a referral to someone else? Have you also been given a particular diet/treatment regime to follow apart from the pain meds? Forgive me if you've already mentioned this and I've forgotten! Please don't despair. I know from many years of CP (54 to be precise!) that the disease can go through different stages. Please keep trying to get the right gastro/pancreas specialist and follow any other dietary guidelines you've been given. I do hope things improve very soon. With very good wishes, Fliss (UK) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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