Re: I have questions to Kat

[Guest guest]

Kat,

You've asked several questions, and I would like to give you my personal

answers to as many as I can. You asked:

>What do pancreatic enzymes do for you? Are they worth taking? My GI

doctor was hoping they would help a little with pain relief, do they?< 

Pancreatic enzymes are made with the byproducts of animal enzymes and

include proteases, amylases, and lipases. These enzymes function in the

intestine and in the bloodstream. When we take pancreatic enzymes, they

help to aid with our digestion in the intestine, by sharing the workload of the

body's own pancreatic enzymes that normally are active there.

By supplementing the body's own pancreatic enzymes, pancreatic enzyme

therapy promotes health by helping to diminish the demands placed on the

damaged pancreas to supply enzymes to convert food into usable nutrients

and energy. Taking the enzyme supplements allows the pancreas to " rest " ,

thus helping to eliminate the pain that's caused when the damaged gland

vainly tries to produce enzymes on it's own.

I have found by personal experience that certain enzymes work better than

others in dimishing the pain from eating. I've taken Ultrace, Pancrelipase,

Lipram, Creon and Viokase enzymes, and of them all, have found that the

Viokase enzymes have worked the best for me in eliminating post meal pain.

Each type of enzyme works differently on each individual, though, and I would

recommend that you try more than one type before you decide which one

works best for you. Please remember that only pancreatic enzymes that are

enteric coated, (encapsuled in a gel-like capsule with small beads inside),can

be taken without an antiacid. All the remaining enzymes that are a matte-

finished tablet require that an antiacid be taken prior to taking the enzyme.

Failure to use an antiacid or proton pump inhibitor beforehand will result in

improper early digestion of the enzyme before it reaches the intestines. The

enzyme is broken down prematurely by stomach acid, which negates its

beneficial digestive mechanisms in the intestines.

> My GI doctors partner suggested I have a MRCP because it is a more

sensitive test than the ERCP. What are the advantages and disadvantages to

this test besides the obvious hospitalization afterward?<

I wouldn't necessarily say that the MRCP is a more sensitive test than the

ERCP, but it is much less invasive than the ERCP, and as a result, doesn't

carry the threat of possible pancreatic attack afterward. It's said that the

ERCP

is the most definitive procedure for diagnosis of pancreatic obstruction and

clear observation of the ducts. The MRCP is considered the second best

imaging procedure for viewing the pancreas and duct work, and is also an

excellent diagnostic tool. I have never had an ERCP, but I have had 2

MRCP's, and my doctor felt that he was able to see all he needed to from that

test.

> What are the advantages to taking antioxidants when you have chronic

pancreatitis?<

Certain antioxidants; beta carotene, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and L-

methione are said to be beneficial in reducing pancreatic pain and oxidative

stress. A study by the Manchester Royal Infirmary in the UK tested patients

with several different types of chronic pancreatitis, (alcholic, idiopathic,

etc.),

and found that the patients who were given specific doses of these

antioxidants had fewer hospitalizations and reduced pancreatic pain. I've

been taking the pancreatic antioxidant therapy for three years now, and do

feel the merits of this therapy. It's said that the therapy works for some

people,

and doesn't for others, so all I would say is that it's worth a try. If it's

going to

work, you should notice an improvement within three-four weeks.

> I have a TENS unit that I use for my neck. Where do you place the

electrodes to help with pancreatic pain?<

I just answered this question in an earlier post to today. Type in

'TENS unit - ' into the " Search archives " section and all posts in regard

to the TENS unit should appear.

> My pain management doc would like to do a nerve block deadening the

nerves to the pancreas. Does this help? The best I can get is that it works

for

some people but not for others. Is it worth trying?<

My doctor told me the same thing, that it works for some, and not others. I

haven't ever had a block, but know of several others who have. The

conscencus seems to be as your doctor said, it's worked for some, and not

worked for others. Perhaps some of those who have had blocks will share

their personal experiences. I have heard from one patient that the most

effective and longest lasting block is the celiac plexis block that is

administered via EUS. There are only a handful of doctors in the US that

perform this specialized procedure, and a list of them is included in our

database section.

Kat, I hope my answers have helped you. I'm sure that many others in the

group will also share their experiences and answers for your questions. You

can't ask too many questions in this group.....we're here to share what we

know and hope that by doing so we can help someone else. You will learn by

reading the many messages that you can learn the things you need to know

here much faster and more willingly than you usually can from your doctors.

An added benefit to this is that we know what we do by personal experience,

which is something that most of the doctor's don't have! There's nothing like

hearing it from the horse's mouth.......

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina Rep.

SE Regional Rep., PAI

Note: All comment or advice is based on personal experience or opinion, and

should not be substituted for consultation with a medical professional.