Chronic pancreatitis

I would reapply or appeal SSDI decision. I know your pain … I was going through similar circumstances last year before my diagnosis. I was in so much pain and going back/forth to the ER only to be treated like an addict. I was losing weight, scared to eat some days because the pain after eating was so horrible. Luckily I stopped losing weight. Eating an orange helps with inflammation and my pain but for some strange reason I can’t drink orange juice, it upsets my stomach. On days I wake up with any slight pancreas pain I don’t eat. I only drink broth or Ensure for a couple days and that helps me. However, I’m also on digestive enzymes and receiving ERCPs every other month for treatment. I recently read certain GI issues have been approved for disability. I also read they take more opinions into consideration too, not just the doctors. It’s common to be denied the first time. I had a company file on my behalf but this was prior to my pancreas problems. I have a nerve disease that isn’t listed on the approved list. It took nearly a year to get approved for disability and that was through a company … I wouldn’t give up. They look at everything, how much you complain about pain, how many times you see the doctors, what tests, etc. I personally feel chronic pancreatitis should be listed on disability … it’s very difficult to live with. 

With only a tiny bit of information it's difficult to help laddie.  You mention a drug problem and ineligibility for disability, as a result I assume.

The constant pain you have could be as a result of the drugs you were taking.  Some drugs are known to trigger pancreatitis.  If you think things would be better if you could get the med you're likely wrong so you have to think beyond that for a more lasting solution. 

To achieve any sort of relief you really need the drug issue addressed first, seriously.  Easy for me to say I know but if you want to get on top of your possible pancreatitis you need to ask for help with that first.  If you have a case worker assigned for that process ask their help in getting an appointment with a gastroenterologist and follow it through.  

If you make the effort it will be documented which will be positive in every way and possibly ensure you receive the treatment you need if you do have pancreatitis.  If managed correctly you may not need disability, many if not most people with pancreatitis work for many years.  Pancreatitis is managed rather than cured.  If you still can't work then at least you would be considered for disability.  Giving up will achieve nothing.

Eat a low fat diet, small meals often, no junk food or processed foods, just real, natural products, it will help with the pain.  Go for walks, even low impact like that is helpful, and ensure you drink enough water.  Try to establish a routine, sleep time, rising time, walk time, meal planning, eating times etc, which will help your body and keep you busy through the day. 

When having an acute attack you should not eat anything solid at all for 2-3 days, sip water.  It gives your pancreas a break and time to settle down.  After a couple of days advance to clear broth, don't start piling in the solids you'll not be able to digest it.  I have a feeling that if you presented to the ER you might not receive the treatment you need at this point so learn to manage some of the attacks.  If in extreme pain you will have to go to the ER. 

Having pancreatitis, acute or chronic, requires effort and a willingness to take responsibility on a day to day basis, and that's without additional problems such as drug dependency.  You've got a bit of work to do laddie, start, you'll feel better about yourself and then others, including medical professionals, will see your effort and be more willing to help you.  I do wish you luck.

I’m sorry that you’re having so much going on. You will get approved for SSI, but most likely you will need to go through an attorney as I did to win the case. You don’t have to pay out of pocket to attorneys. They take their fee through your winning the case. I couldn’t make out what you were saying about the Drug problem. Could you elaborate? If you are having that severe of pain, your Dr. should give you some type of opiate to get you through this. If you have a history of Drug seeking it’s going to make it harder for you to get a Rx for one. Talk openly with your primary doc and see what he says. It sounds like you need someone to help diagnose and treat you. Good luck. 

DJRN