How long do I have left to live?

Hey Jon,

As long as you maintain your diet and don't drink alcohol again, that will inflame your pancreas, you can lead a normal life as others. You will have a normal lifespan. I know what your going through, I also have CP, I know it's tough, so cheer up.

Hi Jon, As far as I am aware longterm prognosis is dependant on what caused your CP, with me, I fall into the unknown catagory as I have never been a drinker nor fit any other scenerio. But obviously for those who drink they should stop immediately, we have to look after ourselves now, perhaps more than we would have before CP and we should keep our appointments with the doctors.

If you are concerned about anything you should ask your consultant, especially about something so important and I am sure you will get an informed honest answer in return.

In the meantime stay positive, surround yourself with good friends and family and be happy

Hi Jon, yes as Tom said, you can live a normal life span if you take care of yourself.  A bit of luck thrown in doesn't hurt so you won't have a crisis during an attack.  We're all different and I'm not saying some haven't had life threatening issues but it's rare.  Talk to your doctor.

My chronic pancreatitis is called Chronic Auto Immune Pancreatitis, I have another even more challenging genetic disease which can throw pancreatitis as a rare complication. I've never had alcohol as a result of that one and get a bit pissed when doctors especially tell me I'd have been better off if I'd kept off the bottle. 

As for diet, no alcohol, low fat healthy diet and smaller meals more often is best.  That can be hard to get used to but if you think ahead each day you can put together healthy snacks so you aren't starving at the end of the day and overload your stomach with one enormous serving. 

When having an attack it's better not to eat much (or at all if you're sick enough to be in hospital), I tend to stick to easy to digest foods, no red meat, soft foods and only small amounts when symptoms become active. 

Don't forget to take your digestive enzymes immediately before eating anything at all, no exceptions, and remember they only last for 30 minutes so if your meal takes longer take more enzymes, you can't overdose on them.  Good luck.

Hi Jon, like others say, we are all different! I have had CP since I was 17, I am 47 now! My CP was linked to trauma, I was having CP attacks every 4-5 weeks, so a week or so at home, then 2-4 weeks in hospital! My CP is very active, so please bear that in mind! In 2007 I had liver failure, and needed a transplant, which I was very fortunate to get! Since then my attacks have got better, so the future is always there for us! Try not to worry, my case was very severe, try to look after yourself the best you can. Avoid alcohol, and it is very important to manage your pain well! If you are honest with your doctors, they can help you live with this condition as pain free as possible! Try and get help from your local hospital from the pain management department! They understand CP much better now! Good luck, I hope you get yourself sorted