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Acute pancreatitis...it's definition?

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pete70517
pete70517

Hi ! I was diagnosed last January 2016 with acute pancreatitis.  I was told that this was based on the results of the various scans I had in the hospital.The damage was due to a once off event or attack.  Since then, I have had a nagging ache and sometimes an acute sharp pain in my mid abdomen area. It comes and goes. Some days I don't mind it too much. Other days, I have to take pain killers. So, what I'm trying to figure out is this. Does the pain I get off and on amount to acute or chronic pancreatitis ? Many thanks for any information about this!

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • henry01196
    henry01196 pete70517

    Posted

    Yes it does, it lingers for like 6 months, it comes as a full feeling, dull pain.

    It also varies from what you eat, if you notice some foods will make it worse than others.

    Try abstaining from any wine, liqour or beer for atleast 6 months, try eating low fat and yes everything will subside with time.

    Mine took 7 months to subside, thank god.

    I was begining to think i had chronic pancreatitis.

    Go to the store buy some digestive enzimes, grapeseed extract and try drinking beet juice or antioxidants to help you speed up your pancreas.

    God bless and good luck.

    • pete70517
      pete70517 henry01196

      Posted

      Thanks Henry,

      It's encouraging to hear that your pain did subside eventually. In fact, I got some digestive enzymes and grapeseed extract and I haven't had to take any pain medication now for three days. I hope it continues and its looking good at the moment. The pain meds make me groggy and the less I take of them the better as I might get addicted. Thanks again for the sound advice! 

  • FEDUPTom
    FEDUPTom pete70517

    Posted

    Hey Pete, sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with AP. You should maintain low fat diet. No junk food and no carbonated drinks and Importantly 0 alchohal intake. Because if you don't maintain the diet, AP might turn to CP. Believe me you don't want that( Might be the worst pain in the World), it also affects your daily lifestyle. So as long as you maintain your diet you'll be fine.
    • pete70517
      pete70517 FEDUPTom

      Posted

      Hi Tom,

      Thanks a lot for the dietary advice. When I left the hospital they told me just to follow a low fat diet and no alcohol. That was it. So thanks to people on here who have day to day experience, I have benefited a lot in getting my head around this conditiion and practical suggestions of what to eat and not to eat. Thanks again. 

  • Poptop
    Poptop pete70517

    Posted

    So sorry you are going through this.  I was diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis about 3 months ago.  Fortunately, I have a very good GI doctor.  You, too, need to find a GI doc that you trust. 

    I've been on a low fat diet; nothing I buy is over 5%.  This means no red meat.  No alcohol at all, sodas.  Aggrevating but doable.  I'm also on Creon to take with meals.  Follwing this regime, I am living a fairly normal life.  Yes, there are some days when i don't feel great, but have not had to take any pain meds. 

    Good luck and my prayers are with you.

    • pete70517
      pete70517 Poptop

      Posted

      Hi Poptop,

      I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis just three months ago like yourself, but just recently, I started getting serious pain and the doc put me on these narcotic pills which get rid of the pain, but make me feel stupid! I got some digestive pills in the last few days and I  haven't  had any pain since. So, it looks like these digestive enzymes make a difference. None of my doctors mentioned them, but I bought them in the health shop. Creon seems to be a very popular one and maybe I'll get some of them myself. Thanks for your help.  

  • Poptop
    Poptop pete70517

    Posted

    I have never been on pain meds, other than the one time in the hospital.  Last week I had pain which I'm sure a pain med would have helped but it only lasted about 2 hours and then was gone. 

    Do see if your doctor will prescribe Creon.  Darn stuff is expensive and you might get a much better price through your insurance. 

    I'm extremely religious about my diet.  Am having many more days that I feel more like myself than not now.  Hoping this continues. 

    Sending you good thoughts.

    • pete70517
      pete70517 Poptop

      Posted

      Hi!

       Thanks for your reply. In fact, I discussed getting Creon with the pharmacist and he told me I'd need a doctor's prescription which I will get tomorrow. In the meantime, about four or five days ago, I got digestive enzymes called Quest and since taking them I haven't had any need to take pain medication. I got them in a health food shop and they contain amylase and lipase. So, it really looks like they make a difference. As you say, following a fat free or low fat diet is essential. It's difficult at first, but it can be done and when the result is not having any more pain, it's the only way to go. Thanks for the advice.  

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