Re: need advice regarding pancreatic enzymes

[Guest guest]

Becca,

It can take a while to find the right dose of pancreatic enzymes. It's quite

individual. They can cause some initial problems with bloating and abdominal

cramps in some people.

I take Creon 40,000 x 8 capsules with each meal, but i have had me pancreas

removed. My consultant believes that you take as many as you need to stop the

diarrhoea / fatty stools, and to stop you loosing weight, but i know not all

doctors agree with this.

Sue (UK)

[Guest guest]

Becca,

Your disappointment at the confirmation of the diagnosis of chronic

pancreatitis is understandable. No one likes to see their loved one

in pain and having to deal with a chronic illness. He is fortunate in

one regard, and that is that at least he does have a confirmed

diagnosis. Many people go for years and years, to doctor after

doctor, before they're able to get a confirmed diagnosis, and

subsequently, the right treatment for their problems.

If the dosage on the enzymes is correct, Mark should notice an

improvement within a few days time. Although the enzymes works

differently on some people, most people notice a difference in how

much better they feel after eating very soon. Their discomfort,

nausea and diarrhea is gone. Research says that the patient needs a

minimum of 30,000 units of lipase with each meal to prevent

stratorrhea (oily stools), yet many patients take even more than that

amount, depending upon the severity of their pancreatic damage.

For example, my pancreas has burned out, so it no longer produces and

lipase, amylase or protease on it's own. There is no elevation of

these enzymes when blood tests are done, my last scores were lipase of

17, and amylase of 29. As a result of this lack of production, I have

to take a higher amount of enzymes that most people would, I take 5-6

tablets of Viokase 16 with every meal, and 4 with a snack. This

provides me with anywhere from 64,000-96,000 units of lipase when I eat.

If Mark doesn't notice any improvement in his pain levels after eating

with the dosage that he's presently on, he should address this with

his doctor to see if he could take a higher dosage, or change to

another brand. There are several different types of enzymes, and some

work better than others.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

[Guest guest]

Becca,

I also take enzymes (Viokase 8) and I noticed a difference in my pain

levels within about half an hour as it takes a bit of time to actually

digest. Some may have noticed differences sooner, I guess it depends

upon ones digestion. It also depends upon what kind of enzymes your

husband is taking There are two kinds of pancreatic enzymes:

enteric-coated and non-enteric-coated. The one that seems to help most

with pain levels is the non-enteric coated. However, because they aren't

coated, you must take an acid-reducer such as tagamet, ranitidine,

prilosec, etc. or they will completely dissolve in the stomach and you

want them to be able to reach the instestines for optimall effect.

That's why you need the acid-reducer. Viokase 8 is non-enteric coated.

Creon is enteric coated. The label of the enzymes should state whether

they are enteric-coated or not. I take Viokase 8 with Ranitidine and it

does help with my pain, but not enough to keep me from needing pain

medicine As to which will work best for your husband, only trial and

error will tell. If the brand he is using doesn't work, he should try

another brand as there are several out there and it's not possible to

tell which will work best on someone until they try it.

I am so sorry that your husband has this disease and it is not easy to

deal with. I am also disabled and not able to work anymore. As for the

SSDI disability, do not be discouraged if his intial claim is denied.

This is normal operating procedure for Social Security. About 95% of all

claims are denied, regardless of how obvious it is that a person can

work. About 90% of all appeals are denied as well. Again, don't be

discouraged by this. Social Security does this as normal operating

procedure. It is only during the ALJ hearing that most disablility

claims are awarded. It's a long drawn out process and the more

information you can drown Social Security in, the better. Be as specific

as you can on how Chronic Pancreatitis has affected your husband, his

life, his ability to work, how it affects the whole family, etc. It took

me a year and nine months to get mine and many people have waited two

years to get their awards. Also, make sure that Social Security has

received all the medical records they requested as many doctor's offices

throw away Social Security's request for documentation. You may even

have to pick up the records yourself and deliver them to disability.

Also, you might want to consider getting a lawyer to help you with the

process. I did and I felt it helped me alot.

Hope this is of some help.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed

physician or health care professional.