Re:...I just reread message 54411 & see it has some suggestions

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,

When discussing my mild problems with edema, and of course, my earlier

problems with malabsorption with my GI doctor several months ago, he was

very much opposed to diuretics, and very much in favor of Protonix. Karyn's

response to your message about both of these subjects explains his

reasoning very well now. It made it very clear to me why he would oppose

diuretics for a person with CP, and why the Protonix, which is a proton-pump

inhibitor, has been so successful in my treatment. Since I switched to the

Viokase-16 enzyme supplements, prefaced with 80 mgs. of Protonix each

day, I've gained back nearly all my weight, and seem to have no problems

keeping it stable......finally!

Another thing to consider is your vitamin/supplement intake, to insure that you

are taking adequate enough supplemental portions of folic acid, vitamin B-12,

beta carotene, (or if not that, Vitamin A), vitamins K, D and magnesium. All of

these play an important role in combating against malabsorption. I've also

read in several nutritional/herb publications about the benefits of evening

primrose oil, in addition to those necessary fish oil supplements. I haven't

tried the evening primrose oil, mainly because the malabsorption doesn't

seem to be an issue for me anymore at this time.

Where are you having problems with edema? Is it in your legs, feet, hands or

arms, or elsewhere on the body? I still do have occasional problems with it in

my ankles and sometimes in my fingers. I never know whether the finger

swelling is caused by edema or from constrictions from the j-cock wrist braces

that I have to wear every night for my CTS. I have found that sitting with my

legs elevated on the ottoman when I'm watching TV, or up on a pillow on a

chair for a couple hours helps greatly with the ankle swelling. Now, trying to

kill two birds with one stone , I keep a chair with a pillow next to my computer

desk, and prop my legs on that as I read my email, post messages, etc.

There's also an exercise using a rocking chair and a stepping stool that I've

learned that helps reduce the swelling, too. I also don't use salt, except on

the

rare occasion.

I hope some of these suggestions may be something you hadn't already

thought of. Are you keeping warm enough these days? Last week was a

rough one, and I thought of you especially, as I sat there in my turtleneck,

heavy sweater, fleece vest and a " borrowed " airplane blankie around my

shoulders.....with the thermostat turned up to 79!! I hope you weathered

through that and are enjoying this week's better temps.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

SE Regional Rep., PAI

http://pancassociation.org/anthology.htm#Heidi

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

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