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Advise

Posted , 6 users are following.

Jadek0004
Jadek0004

Hi, could anyone advise me what chronic pancreatitis is like?

I have been having sereve pain under my middle/lower left rib (especially worse when I'm having alcohol withdrawals).

I do have a stomach ucler, gastritis and hetis hernia however this pain is nothing like I have experience before. I am always dry heaving (not sure if it alcohol withdrawal) or something is wrong.

Every time I go to the doctors, I am in and out within 5 minutes, they always say it the above problems, but sometimes the pain is so bad it makes me physically sick.

The pain has been there constantly (not as bad, once I have had a few drinks) for the past 5/6 months, should I be worried or does anyone have advice for the pain because co-codamol and zapain are not helping for long. Thanks in advance

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • gavin15385
    gavin15385 Jadek0004

    Posted

    The pain is excruciating I’ve had a few bouts of it myself and when I get it I’m in hospital for up to a week that’s how bad I get it
  • kay82451
    kay82451 Jadek0004

    Posted

    If it’s pancreatitis alcohol is your biggest enemy.  
    • gavin15385
      gavin15385 kay82451

      Posted

      When my pancreatitis flares up it’s just out of the blue I’m completely t-total but when it comes on I’m crippled 
    • kay82451
      kay82451 gavin15385

      Posted

      You definitely need to seek out a Dr that specializes in the pancreas.  Acute is an attack that will set you on your ass.  I spent 3.5 weeks in ICU while on vacation.  They had no clue.  By the time I was flown to MUSC (pancreatic institute) I had lost 50% if ny pancreas and spent the next 3 mos with procedures and hospital stays.  I lost 45 lbs and was in malnutrition.  If your having bouts of pain it sound more chronic.  Drinking, smoking and not eating properly you will continue to have pain and issues if it is pancreatitis. 

      Get it checked !!! Wishing you luck and hoping for you it is not pancreatitis!!

  • Reefsider
    Reefsider Jadek0004

    Posted

    Ask your doc to test you pancreatitis and or get a referral to a good gastroenterologist. 

    One usually gets a diagnosis of Acute before Chronic (not always I was diagnosed with chronic immediately).  Because pancreatitis (generally) interferes with digestion it's common to have pain immediately after food and there are ghastly bowel issues too.  You've not mentioned when you experience the pain, whether it comes after eating.

    You should not consume alcohol at all.  You have to change your diet to low fat and eat small meals 4-6 times a day rather than 3 meals as we've grown up being told.  You can't smoke.

    You shouldn't be treating pain without first ensuring you've changed your lifestyle, no point.  If you ignore that advice and you do have pancreatitis you may (will) progress to chronic and the possibility of worsening symptoms with the possibility of pancreatic cancer increasing.

    Acute pancreatitis may not progress to chronic if lifestyle changes are made however one can only manage chronic pancreatitis as it's progressive.

    The pancreas does important work, necessary stuff, it needs to function or be assisted to do so.  Ignoring problems will come back and bite you, hard!

    1.  Stop all alcohol and cigarettes (seek help to do so if necessary)

    2.  Change to low fat diet and eat 4-6 small meals pd

    3.  Take digestive enzymes to aid digestion

    4.  Pain management (which isn't easy to achieve)

    Life with Chronic Pancreatitis can be difficult enough even when doing the right things, life with CP if ignoring necessary changes would be foolish. 

    First step ask for blood test and abdo CT.  If you do have pancreatitis ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist who specialises in the pancreas.  That's very important as few doctors, including gastroenterologists, have the comprehensive knowledge required to manage pancreatitis.  Good luck

  • jordan_99339
    jordan_99339 Jadek0004

    Posted

    I suffer greatly with chronic pancreatitis. I no longer drink,I no longer smoke I have changed my diet (salad, soups and fish.)I get severe pain around my abdomen and require to go in and out of hospital quite regular for various treatments. Anti sickness to stop the nauseating feeling,paracetamol to flush cleanse and clean the blood through intravenous., a strong painkiller to eliviate,also intravenous . You should be concerned if you have these symptom.and be somewhere a qualified nurse can monitor you and deliver the life saving I.v when you feel these symptoms.

    1.hot.

    2.struggling to breathe.

    3.in and out of consciousness.

    4.in alot of discomfort due to your pancreas.

    Anyway good luck x

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