Digestive Enzymes
Posted , 2 users are following.
HI! I was diagnosed recently with Acute Pancreatitis. The abdominal pain comes and goes and lately it's been worse than before. So, my GP put me on IXPRIM which is a combination of Tramadol and Paracetmemol. It's a stronger pain killer which makes me want to sleep a lot and is addictive. Anyway, I came across other advice on the internet saying that a Vegan diet was the way to go. To cut out all animal fats and to use supplements such a Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin C and Curcumin tablets. Also, to take digestive enzymes. I'm wondering if anyone has tried this ? If so, maybe you could tell me how you got on ? Many thanks!
0 likes, 4 replies
cathy_94688 pete70517
Posted
May I ask what are your symptomps and how did the dr diagnosed you? Beacuse I'm having abdominal pain that comes and goes too. And the pain wrap around my belly sometimes. I did MRCP and the result was fine. I did many blood works and stool tests as well. All were fine thankfully. But the pain never leaves me. I should add that I had galblader surgery five years ago and since then I am having all kinds of digestive problems from constupation to the colon pain. I don't know what's wrong with me anymore.
pete70517 cathy_94688
Posted
The condition came on me very suddenly just after Christmas. Up to that point I never had any digestive problems. Now, the pain comes and goes and I need these pain killers most of the time. But, my diagnosis was based originally on severe abdominal pain on my right hand side; I also had a high temperature and was a bit nautious. I think my blood tests indicated an abnormal level of amalyse and lipayse thus indicating pancreatitis. I had an abdominal x ray and a ct scan and apparently these indicated damage done to my pancreas. I stayed in hospital for five days, nothing to eat and was on a drip providing nuitrition and pancreas rest. On discharge I was advised to avoid alcohol and follow a low fat diet. The prognosis is doubtful at the moment, as I still suffer pain especially after eating. I believe Pancreatitis is sometimes difficult to diagnose, but in my case the diagnosis was made very quickly indeed once I was admitted to hospital. In your case, if your gallbladder was an issue five years ago ago, then maybe gallstones might still be an issue today, and these stones can cause a blockage in your pancreas thus causing it to become inflammed. If your gallbladder was removed, then it's probably unlikely that this is the problem. But, then of course my knowledge of these matters is very limited indeed. I hope whatever is causing you pain is not too serious and that your doctors will find the cause soon.The important thing is to keep asking questions. I spent years being treated for Irritable Bowel and finally I was admitted to hospital with a suspected heart attack. My heart was OK, but I was completely run down due to anaemia as a result of Coeliac Disease which my GP had never considered. So, as you see, doctors don't know everything!
Reefsider pete70517
Posted
With regard to taking care of yourself, especially in the meantime, you need to eliminate alcohol totally, cigarettes too they really upset the pancreas, and go on a low fat diet. Small amounts spread throughout the day rather than one or two large meals.
Ask your GP to prescribe digestive enzymes like Creon which you take immediately before food. If he doesn't, ask your pharmacist for the best over the counter digestive enzymes until you see the gastroenterologist, they settle things down especially when fat is reduced and alcohol eliminated.
If you follow the above you should find that your pain is reduced, alcohol and fatty foods are what trigger the pancreatic reaction so hopefully you won't need those pain killers once your body adjusts to it's new routine.
I'd not mess around too much with your diet at this stage other than what's been said above, it's difficult enough making small adjustments let alone changing your whole lifestyle philosophy all of a sudden, vegan is pretty full on especially when you're suffering a medical condition like pancreatitis.
Flare up's do occur even when one has done the right thing and they're best managed in hospital. Never ignore an attack, always see your doc or go straight to the ER, a bad attack is not something you can or should 'tough out', it can be very dangerous even life threatening if severe. Some flares can be managed at home, ask about that later.
Stress is a thing too, reduce it, stress makes everything worse. Hope that helps, good luck Pete, keep us informed of your progress.
pete70517 Reefsider
Posted
Many thanks for your reply and your advice. I'm still attending the hospital as an outpatient and the original doctor who made the diagnosis was a general surgeon with the co-operation of other doctors. Not sure if any of them were gastroenterologists. I certainly agree that having a specialist make the important decisions is the best way to go and I'll take your advice.
I was advised to avoid alcohol and fatty foods. At the moment, my appetite is very poor and i certainly wont be drinking alcohol again. That's for sure! I never was a heavy drinker but i believe that some people are more susceptible than others in this regard and I probably fall into that category.
Thanks for telling me about Creon. I know nothing about digestive enzymes and if they take the work away from the pancreas in this regard taking them should make a difference.
My GP is ok but his knowledge of Pancreatisis is probably quite general; and I will have to make enquiries about seeing a specialist. The advice I got in the hospital was vague, now that I think about it, and without access to the internet I would be at sea !
Many thanks again for your advice and I'll keep in touch!