To Colin

[Guest guest]

Hi again Colin,

I'm glad you've been referred to hospital again since having the

acute attack in the US. I wouldn't despair of your specialist.

Pancreatitis is relatively rare and is therefore not usually the

first condition docs test for, even when you're referred to a

hospital consultant. The symptoms of pancreatitis (other than during

attacks of acute pancreatitis) sound similar to those of a lot of

other conditions. Any consultant would probably want to eliminate

the more common causes of abdominal symptoms of one kind or

another. There are many sufferers on this board who have waited

years for a diagnosis of CP. I was diagnosed with a variety of

ailments, over many years, before CP was found to be the problem.

I still think a good pancreas specialist is worth bearing in mind. I

have a lot of respect for my gastro, whom I'll see again on Monday,

but I'm glad he referred me to a specialist pancreatic

specialist/surgeon as well. The gastro deals with the full range of

diseases of the digestive system whereas the pancreas specialist

spends all his or her time just on the pancreas, or maybe, for some

specialists, the pancreas and liver.

Hopefully you'll be able to reduce your pain level by correct diet

and medication together. The diet should be low in fat and contain

no alcohol. You may also find specific foods which trigger attacks.

Heidi often advises new members to keep a diary of what you eat and

the effects of different foods. The docs may decide your pancreas is

not functioning as well as it should and will prescribe enzymes to

replace the pancreas' own enzymes. These preparations, such as

Creon, also rest the pancreas and that can help with the pain. I

have found it to be most helpful, as I think I mentioned earlier.

If your specialist is not understanding about the level of pain you

are suffering, you will need to take further action. Hopefully that

won't happen.

Good luck and good wishes,

Fliss (UK)