Re: New to pancreatitis - to Mina

[Guest guest]

Dear Mina,

You must be feeling so alone and frustrated trying to understand

something like pancreatitis when there's no one there that

knows what they need to in order to see that you have the correct

care. Please have your GP refer you to a gastroenterology

specialist as soon as possible. Even if you have to travel a

distance to see one, the level of care and understanding that you

should get from a specialist will make the trip worthwhile.

The pancreas is a mysterious organ and pancreatitis is a

disease which baffles most doctors, so it's imperative to find a

gastroenterologist, even better to find one that specializes in

pancreatic problems. While bed rest and proper hydration is

important, there's a lot more that you need to learn in order to

make living with pancreatitis easier for you. When you are able

to eat, you should be eating a low fat diet, no more than 30

grams of fat daily, and no more than about 6-8 grams of fat at a

serving. You should also abstain from all alcohol, since alcohol

can cause further damage and can make you feel even worse

than you do now.

You should also be being treated adequately for your pain. Most

of us need pain medication as a regular part of our treatment

plan. Once you are able to eat again, you would also benefit by

taking pancreatic enzymes when you eat.

There's a lot to learn, and if you read the messages, both the

current ones and any of those in the past, you can learn a lot at

this website. Another great place to learn is at our library at:

http://www.top5plus5.com/

This site was developed by one of the members of this group

and it's a fantastic place to learn all about pancreatitis and other

related topics.

Please don't feel that you're suffering alone with this. There are

many of us here that have felt the same way at some time, and

we're here to tell you that you aren't alone and we're here to help

and listen whenever we can.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience

or opinion, and should not be substituted for consultation with a

qualified medical professional.