Re: pancreatitis to Karl

[Guest guest]

Dear Karl,

When your pancreas is damaged the symptoms you speak of are common

signs. The pancrease enzymes that you've been prescribed should be

helping to aid the pancreas by supplementing the enzymes that it can no

longer produce. Research says that a level of at least 30,000 units lipase is

needed to avoid malabsorption, and the proper dosage of enzyme

supplements can be very beneficial.

Many of us have found multivitamins and pancreas-friendly antioxidants to be

helpful, both to supplement the vitamins and minerals that the damaged

digestive system cannot absorb, and to help lessen the severity of pancreatic

pain episodes. In a controlled study done at Manchester Royal Infirmary in

the UK it was proven that if chronic pancreatitis patients took a specific

combination of the vitamins, minerals and amino acid of beta carotene,

selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and L-methionine their pain episodes were

less frequent and the incidences of hospitalization with acute attacks greatly

reduced. I've been taking these antioxidants, along with grapeseed extract,

have found them to be very helpful in reducing my pain, and have only had

three acute attacks in my three and a half years with the disease. I've noticed

that if I stop taking the antioxidants, that the daily episodes of flareups, or

hours of pancreas discomfort do increase. If you would like more information

regarding the specific amounts that need to be taken and where one can

order the formula, called " Antox " , please post again or send me an email.

Many of us have also found that acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and

other forms of theraputic manipulation have been helpful. We are cautioned

to not indulge in excessive, rough exercise, specifically anything that will

twist,

turn, or stretch the abdomen. Unfortunately, this has limited some of us from

partaking in the physical activities that we once favored, yet finding out what

you need to limit is always a personal discovery. I've personally found that

any activity involving bending, twisting or stretching my abdominal area can

bring on more severe episodes of pain and discomfort, such as; vacuuming,

gardening, washing windows, raking, sweeping, mopping the floor, etc. Since

these are all household activities, so to speak, you'll find that many of us

dread household cleaning chores! Gone are the days of tennis, golf or alpine

skiing, yet I've that found that for myself, biking, walking and swimming, and

kayaking have been more sensible activities to keep myself physically fit.

I trust that your doctor has also advised you on the necessity of limiting your

fat intake, and that you've adopted a low fat, low protein, high carb way of

eating. We have diet recommendations and meal tips in the files section

under " Nutrition " that you may be interested in reading. The recommendation

is to limit fat intake to no more than 30 grams of fat daily, and not more than

6-

8 grams per meal. It's also suggested that instead of three large meals each

day, we substitute with several smaller, mini-meals throughout the day, eating

smaller portions and having appropriate snacks throughout the day.

Sometimes that large, heavy dinner late in the day can be a killer, resulting in

increasing pain levels through the evening and into the nightime sleeping

hours. For some people, certain foods trigger attacks, so it's very helpful if

you

can keep a food diary of everything you eat, when you eat it, and the effect it

has had on your system each day. If you do this on a routine basis, after a few

weeks, sometimes you can discover what foods aren't tolerable for you.

Another thing you should already have been advised on is to avoid all

alcohol. This includes so called " non-alcoholic " beers and wines, some

nightime cold and cough remedies, and even some mouthwashes! You learn

to read the labels, and if it has alcohol in it, don't use it.

Do you know the cause of your pancreatitis? Although the lifestyle changes a

person has to make are the same across the board for anyone who has

pancreatitis, sometimes knowing the cause of the pancreatitis can help lead

us to find medical intervention that can help make our pain lessen. There are

particular surgical procedures, i.e.; stenting, drainage, or even removal of

portions or all of the gland, that can improve our conditions. So knowing the

cause of the pancreatitis can be an important part of finding out what can be

done to mimimze the pain.

Please read all the pancreatitis information that one of our members, Mark

Armstrong, has put on his pancreatitis webpage located at:

http://www.top5plus5.com/

This is the most comprehensive collection of research materials, information

and facts you need to know about pancreatitis and it's related problems that

you will find anywhere on the web. Although you can find specific information

for specific problems in many different medical sites through the internet, I

believe Mark's website is a library of facts that covers it all in one place.

If you read through our files section and Mark's website, this should arm you

with enough information to make that first appointment of value. You should

ask your doctor what tests, if any, he recommends to access your individual

situation more clearly and to help determine what medical treatment you may

need. This may be important in regard to your future treatment.

It is very important to have an open, respectful relationship with your

gastroenterologist, and hopefully you'll have a comfortable, rewarding

experience with a physician who shows you compassion and is willing to

answer all your questions. He or she will become a very important member of

your health team, so it's crucial that you have a physician who will support

you, and take an active role in your physical health and well being. It's often

helpful to take a spouse or friend along with you to this first appointment, to

help you remember all the information, (some of it very foreign and

unfamiliar), that your doctor SHOULD discuss.

I hope this long post of information is of some help for you, and that I haven't

overloaded you with too much, too soon! Please update us on your status,

and let us know how your appointment with the doctor goes.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

SE Regional Rep., PAI

http://pancassociation.org/ourstories/#Heidi.html

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion,

and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical professional.

Karl wrote:

> was just diagnosed with a severe case of pancreatitis about 6 months ago.

doc has me on " pancrease " enzyme pills. still have some pain, and urine and

bowels are still very light in color...(snip) i hear that those are symptoms of

a

malfunctioning pancreas. thought i'd ask you people before i talk to my

doc.(snip) maybe some other type of treatment or any other reccomendations