comments to DOC

[Guest guest]

Doc,

I was just reading your post about your wife and her frustration with the

uncertainties of pancreatitis. I understand. Totally. My son was diagnosed

when he was 7. We kinda " fought the system " for a few months, but with the

great advice we received from folks on this board, we found a way to live a

fairly " normal " life in spite of the pancreas problems. When I was diagnosed 3

years ago, it was just another folder to pack. What I mean is,... (and KIMBER,

jump in here anytime...) at the suggestion and guidance of Kimber and Karyn,

they explained how to just take with you a copy of a few things. I will try to

list a few of them, but I'm sure someone else can jump in here and give you a

more accurate list. First off, I either check online, or use the phone book

and locate the nearest hospital emergency room from where we're going to be

staying. This way, we are able to rehearse how, who, and which way...long

before it might become an issue. Then, upon arriving at a hospital in God knows

what podunk town our camping has led us to....we show them our folder of our

most recent labs...a statement from our primary MD and one from our primary

specialist. We have a list of any meds. A list of pain meds that work, ones we

know don't work. We know and practice relaxation techniques.....this one has

proven invaluable, as my husband is a Scoutmaster and our son is a 1st Class

Scout. We camp anywhere, anytime, in any weather~ Sometimes a hospital ER can

be

hours away.............. in the mud........LOL

Maybe it's that old Scout motto " Be prepared " . It seems when you PLAN for

the worst case scenario, then if it DOES happen.....it's not in control, you

are.

Just suggestions. Tell your wife to fight it, but don't allow it to control

her quality of life. Take control of it... learn to manage it.....and lean on

the folks on this board whenever needed. (They're amazing!)

Donna Womack

Fort Worth, TX