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acute pancreatitis recovery

Posted , 6 users are following.

joe_d
joe_d

hello all, just wondering, once you have acute pancreatitis, do you always have it or will it heal completely.  i seem to get different versions from different doctors

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • renee60304
    renee60304 joe_d

    Posted

    Hi Joe,

    Acute is short lived on not on going. I've had 2 acute attacks, but do not have chronic pancreatitis. Acute is not the same as Chronic and does not mean you have it the rest of your life.

    The catcher is, you may go on to develop Chronic Pancreatitis after several acute attacks. Not a given, but a possibility. Chronic Pancreatitis is long term and on-going.

  • joe_d
    joe_d

    Posted

    thanks for the info,,,,i guess i have a lot to learn.  how do you know if you are chronic.  and if i had acute, why did the doctor say i cant ever drink again

     

    • alexis91489
      alexis91489 joe_d

      Posted

      Drinking can bring on another acute pancreatitis attack. I've had acute pancreatitis attacks since i was 14. I'm now 22. I haven't developed chronic, but I've noticed if i do consume alcohol, I will get some mil pancreatic pain. It's best to cut out alcohol all together.

  • renee60304
    renee60304 joe_d

    Posted

    Chronic does not go away or get better. Constant pain and your pancreas may begin to fail leading to diabetes and changes in how you digest food. With Chronic you may have to be on replacement enzymes. Not pleasant from what I hear.
    • joe_d
      joe_d renee60304

      Posted

      thanks for the info....im leaning more from you than the doctors.  i had a severe case of pancreatitis 2 x's.  was in the hospital for 2 weeks each time.  they say i was very lucky.  but i really had know sysmptons or pain for the last 4 months.  sometimes when i eat i feel gas type feelings on my right side that last for a couple of days.  do you get anything like this.  thanks again

       

    • renee60304
      renee60304 joe_d

      Posted

      Sounds like you've gotten better. Did they figure out what caused your attacks?

      I had my gallbladder removed as it caused my AP. I don't have pancreas problems now, but the gb removal has had its own not so fun side effects.

      Hang in there and whatever your doctor says about food/drink restrictions, following their advice is best.

    • joe_d
      joe_d renee60304

      Posted

      the hospital doctor says it was alcohol, however, i really didnt drink that much. I quit drinking after the first, but still had the second attack
  • Reefsider
    Reefsider joe_d

    Posted

    Hi Joe, certainly stop drinking and also adopt a low fat diet.  If you're having 'can't quite put your finger on it' type symptoms, not really troublesome but noticeable, start making notes about what you ate/drank prior.  If a pattern emerges you can change it.  Unfortunately alcohol definitely triggers pancreatic issues for those who are susceptable, like you it seems, so heed the warnings you don't want to develop chronic pancreatitis.  Smoking is also a known trigger so lifestyle changes can alter the outcome with acute type.  Listen to you body.

    • joe_d
      joe_d Reefsider

      Posted

      Thanks for the info.  I quit smoking 3 years ago and also drinking right after the first attack,  I still have a lot to learn too.  Do you know any good resources?  thanks again 
    • Reefsider
      Reefsider joe_d

      Posted

      Happy to help Joe.  The best recommendation I have is to be referred to a gastroenterologist who specialises in the pancreas.  They're rare so perhaps if you do a bit of online research yourself and find one you can ask your GP to refer you.  Try university hospitals for instance.

      My gastro guy is a pancreas specialist and admits that many gastroenterologists don't know much about the pancreas specifically and tend to specialise in the area generally although they know more than regular doc's of course.

      Depending where you are you should be able to find someone.  I'm in Melbourne Australia and my doc is the 'go to' guy.  If you're in London try Cambridge university I know they have a specialty pancreas clinic there.  Elsewhere I have no clue so you might have to reseach a bit. 

      All general advice is the same, no alcohol, low fat diet, no smoking.  We all have a variety of individual issues associated that require specific treatments so you need someone who knows what they're doing and monitors you regularly. 

      Good luck I hope you can stop progression to chronic.

    • joe_d
      joe_d Reefsider

      Posted

      Thanks again, I am in the US and have a gastroenterologist who specialises in the pancreas.  However, its like pulling teeth to get any answers.  I will keep asking though.
    • stegoldie84
      stegoldie84 joe_d

      Posted

      hey joe hope app is well how are u now getting on pancrease wise?? i had one attack off acute and im 29 months ago and have had drinks afew times but not had any further attacks hope ur well

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