Acute pancreatitis on the return
Posted , 2 users are following.
i suffered acute pancreatitis 4 years ago 10 years after getting my gallbladder out, i was in hospital for 8days really unwell, they continued to do blood tests and scans over the next year to find out what caused it as im not a drinker at all more sociable , I believe having your gallbladder out 10yrs previous has something to do with it. anyway will try keep this short, but ive been fine for 4yrs , still had the occasional drink and didnt really change my diet. but im starting to feel the symptoms again, pain in left upper chest going round to shoulder blades, fatty stools, feeling sick and vomiting after a big meal. the trouble is i go on holiday to America in 2 wks and if i go to the doctors now theyll do a blood test to check my pancreas and I'll have to mention this to my holiday insurance and I'll pay about £600 extra for the 1 trip. Has anyone got any advice to control this myself or any medication i can take like enzeymes or would Lansoprasol help.
I'm happy to go to the doctors after my holiday, just need to reduce the inflammation of my pancreas, I know low fat diet and no alcohol . any advice is appreciated.
0 likes, 3 replies
bubaj18 juliet340
Posted
Hi Juliet340 Sorry to hear this is worrying you and can totally understand. With you having the gallbladder removed 10 years previous to your attack sounds quite strange. I have had this evil disease for 24yrs and it started right after my gallbladder removal. This could be a factor for your attack but could also be alcohol, diet and stress. Please don't think i'm being cheeky on this , i know you say you only drink occasionally but with this illness no alcohol whatsoever it's a no no especially if you feel this is an acute attack. With this illness you have to watch what you eat also stress can be a factor in this. As you are going to the states it will be hard with the diet especially as it is all fast food. Enzymes, i take creon with food could help you but lansamprosol is only for acid so this won't help with the attacks.
I can't stress enough you need to mention this to your insurers because if you take an attack while in the states it will cost 100's of thousands for your treatment so you must be insured for it. I was in USA about 15 yrs ago and my insurance cost me £1200 i now know that insurers are a bit better when dealing with medical conditions. So look around and you should find something cheaper.
I do hope this is your last attack and things get better because this illness is bloody cruel and does make you value life. Hope this has helped. Have a great holiday.
juliet340 bubaj18
Posted
Thank you so much for taking time to reply, I don't think the doctors know alot about Pancreatitis , but on this website everyone understands what you are going through. My doctor finally diagnosed me with idiopathic pancreatitis ( unknown cause )
so said because my diet or the occasional glass of wine didnt cause it that i didnt need to stop any alcohol or stick to a low fat diet. That was nearly 5 years ago.
You mentioned stress can cause an attack, well my daughter got married on Sunday and the month previous was VERY stressful !
The issue with my insurance is because ive been fine with no hospital treatment for over 2years , I dont need to mention it and if anything happens ( god forbid ) I will still be covered. But if i go to the doctors before my holiday and she does a blood test to check for pancreatitis then I'll have to inform my insurance. So if I try to give my pancreas a rest and not drink , eat healthy , then hopefully it will feel better before I go. Because on holiday ( a cruise) I'm going to struggle on a low fat diet ☹ . I just know the symptoms now which scares me after 5 years feeling better.
Julie
bubaj18 juliet340
Posted
Julie i understand what your saying about the attack being 2 years ago but believe you me they will work it that you had this before you got your insurance and they won't pay out. Pancreatitis in the eyes of the insurers is probably worse than heart disease. When i tried years ago it took me forever to get that insurance because no one would go near me. I think if you feel you will be good and control everything for two weeks then you must do what you feel is right. Just don't go overboard(excuse the pun haha) with your food, don't stress,really up to yourself on the alcohol but i can't take any although everyone is different. I hope you had a great time at your daughters wedding. Enjoy your holiday Julie. Take Care.