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How long does it take to recover from acute pancreatitis?

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Booboolamore
Booboolamore

Hi I was wondering how long it takes to recover from acute pancreatitis? It started when I was at work just over 3wks ago, I got the most excusiating pain in the upper left side of my abdomen, going into my back (the exact same pain I used to encounter when I had gallstones nearly 10 years ago, but I knew it couldn't be that, as I had my gallbladder removed.) my colleague took me to the walk in centre, where I had bloods taken and given buscopan tablets and sent home. Later that night the walk in centre rang to tell me I had pancreatitis, and that I should see my GP in the morning. I went to see my GP, she was puzzled why I hadn't already been admitted to hospital, she then arranged for me to go straight on to a ward. I was kept in for 4 days, nil by mouth on a drip, on lots of painkillers and I was given a X-ray and ultrasound scan. I was discharged and was sent home to rest, they said I would need to go back as a outpatient for a MRI, a camera test and a mrcp test. I got a sick note from my GP for 2wks, so thought I'd be ok by now? I was due to return to work yesterday, but still don't feel well, so my doctor has given me another note for 2wks. I still haven't heard from the hospital re tests, I just wondered is it normal to still be in some pain, I am also very tired? I know I shouldn't worry but I am worried about returning to work, my boss and her boss are coming to my house on Friday to discuss my attendance as it is procedure, it really is making me very anxious, I just want to get better.

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  • Blondzilla92
    Blondzilla92 Booboolamore

    Posted

    Hi! I just got out of the hospital from acute pancreatitis. I was there for 4 days. They said it was caused by pancreatic divisum which is a defect from birth..anyone else have this? Iv been out for 2 days now and I'm super bloated and gassy and still having a little bit of pain. How long before all of this goes away? sad
  • linda58496
    linda58496 Booboolamore

    Posted

    I can't say that I know since I just had my first acute attack May 10 2016. Ice chips Delauded in the hospital for 2 days then clear fluids. What has helped is that I have strived for a no fat diet since leaving the hospital. And I am ashamed to admit how easy it was to give up the alcohol. I used to be a bartender and proponent of drinking responsibly. I didn't start drinking until I was thirty (had my first child at 21 and didn't drink while they were little little) and was involved with an Englishman at the time. I learned to drink in England. I love wine and good beer, and G&Ts before dinner.  The no fat has been difficult. It is hard to imagine no more cheese lasagna for the rest of my life. Forget cheeseburgers. Fondue - fuggedaboudit. All egg whites which hasn't been too bad. I like my egg white omelets. I drink only two cups of tea in the morning eat fresh fruit salad or egg white omelet. Basically once I followed the strict diet I have had no pain. My stomach is still a little bloated but not like in the hospital. I used to have a 28 inch waist and now it is 32 inches. They say that will take a couple of months to go down. No alcohol. But I drink non-alcoholic beer. I am waiting a month and will try a white wine spritzer which will be mostly seltzer. Google beating pancreatits it is a web site. The person who authors it has chronic pancreatitis but there is advice for someone who has suffered an acute attack. I follow MOSTLY what he says. After a month the dietician said I could have 20 to 50 grams of fat a day. I've learned to make a low fat carrot cake, low fat pie crust, I eat exclusively fish or chicken and when I have had red meat I have gone to the local Pho restauraunt and order a bowl of lean beef -  so yummy and no grief from my pancreas. I drink seltzer and lime at dinner. 

    I've read most of your posts and it seems you have it either a bit worse than I have or you need to lower as much fat from your diet if you can. I ate a biscuit (American version) and it gave me a bit of grief but the next day until about 2:00pm I just drank fruit juice and water. If you get it in the UK try the Tropicana Farmstand, tropical green or pomegranate and berries. The reason is that they are mostly comprised of clarified sweet potato juice and sweet potatoes are excellent for the pancreas.

    This is a condition in which there is really no medication therapy; it is almost purely dietary. But PLEASE rely upon medical science. I was drinking a lot of herbal tea out of the hospital and my liver gave me grief for it. I had to stop all herbals and rely on good ol'Tetley's for the morining and juice or seltzer all day. I drink fat free milk hot cocoa at night and that knocks me out better than my wine. Next goal: Quit smoking.

    All the best to you!

    Linda

  • beryl38883
    beryl38883 Booboolamore

    Posted

    Hi I'm in the same situation tho I was discharged from hospital yesterday after a 3 nite stay no medication but stomach still very sore

    • leslisby
      leslisby beryl38883

      Posted

      I have been hospitalized 2 times since September 22 2016.  My first was August of 2015.  They can't seem to find the cause of mine.  They removed my gallbladder September 24. I was put back in the hospital a week and a half later.  Last August my lipase number was 34000 . September 22 it was 24000 and when I went back about 2 weeks later it was 2000.  I am continuously nauseated and throw up on a regular basis. I just had a test done Tuesday.  I have been back at work for a short period of time but do not feel good at all.  All my ct scans are normal.  I've been tested for autoimmune and it was negative.  Just about the only thing my GI dr tell me left to do is an ERCP.  I have had gastric bypass 14 years ago.  It's not an easy procedure. Not just going down the throat and placing the stints.  I would have to be opened. But I do not feel good any day have haven't for sometime now.  I eat what I can but is not much.  I have lost a good bit of weight and I really can't afford it.  I hurt constant be when I throw up it just irritates the pancreas.  Doesn't cause an attack but inflammation that makes me think I am.  I went back to emergency room 2 weeks ago because of the vomiting making me think I was having another attack but numbers were good.  Just told me the vomiting causes the inflammation.  That's all they could tell me.  I go back to dr nov 22 so we will see from there.  

    • Daisysmom
      Daisysmom leslisby

      Posted

      It was the ERCP that kicked me into acute pancreatitis. Had I known, I would never have had that procedure. My lipaids went to 40,000. I almost died. There are GI doctors who have a 100% rate of doing an ERCP and not throwing their patients into acute pancreatitis. Look for those doctors but there is still no guarantee.

      I was in the hospital 5 weeks. I still can hardly walk or get around. I pray I get my life back. I am sorry you are suffering. We are all here for you.

    • leslisby
      leslisby Daisysmom

      Posted

      Im doing better since my assisted ERCP. My dr does have a 100% satisfactory rate. I'm glass I has if done but is still throw up and tire very very easily. I just want my normal life back mint I don't throng you eve do. In afraid to eat that if will make me sick.

      Lisby

    • leslisby
      leslisby Daisysmom

      Posted

      I can't gain any weight either. One day I feel ok the next day I feel that I can't do anything. By the time afternoon comes I am done. I just keep praying I get stronger and can eat food without it making me sick. Everything they say drs say looks good. I just can't seem to kick this. I didn't get this way overnight so I'm not going to be back to myself overnight. It's a long process just wish I was already there. It sucks!!! Sorry

    • Daisysmom
      Daisysmom leslisby

      Posted

      I agree with you 100%. It does suck but at some point we have to get stronger. I still have some really bad days. Night time and going to bed is my worse time as my pain is greatest at the end of day after all day food in-take. I am going to start walking in my neighborhood as I believe strengthening myself will help me heal and circulation is very important. Thanks for communicating with me...
    • leslisby
      leslisby Daisysmom

      Posted

      You are more than welcome., I'm pretty much in constant pain everyday of some sort!!! Yesterday was a terrible day but today not so bad.

  • clareyscarey
    clareyscarey Booboolamore

    Posted

    Hi Booboolamore. Are you ok now? Just wondering as I have acute pancreatitis and waiting to feel better.
  • sally37247
    sally37247 Booboolamore

    Posted

    I recently suffered my first pancreatitis attack. Worse pain ever. My problem is I had a Nissen laparoscopic fundoplication 2 1/2 years ago for reflux issues(Barrett's Esophagus). I am unable to vomit but can belch. That made it way worse. Severe dry heaves. My BP was over 200. Once on an iv and pain meds, I was feeling better. Enzyme levels came down so I could go home after 2 1/2 days. However, every time I eat now, I blow up like I'm six months pregnant. Very uncomfortable. I'm taking Reglan and Gas X to help but I have to lie down on my stomach which is interfering with my life. And the meds don't work like they should. I'm calling my Dr. on Monday cause this can't go on. Anyone else have an issue like me?

  • Marilou021580
    Marilou021580 Booboolamore

    Posted

    Hi Booboolamore, How r u now? I have acute pancreatitis and now my gallbladder is inflamed. I'm at the hospital atm. I was here exactly year ago and was advice to take the gallbladder out but I refuse to take to operation i was scared. The pain I had when I had the pancreatitis attacked year ago and til now was lasted about 3hrs. And was on nil by mouth for 2 days. Now I'm back here at the hospital again same issue pancreatitis attacked plus inflamed gallbladder. They s said that they have to take the gallbladder out. And o am about to say no again, the reason being is that I am scared with what will happen to me without my gallbladder. . And I don't know I am confuse now. The doctors said yesterday they had to take the gallbladder out as the stone blocking He tube it is dangerous. Then not long after they said they stone pass the tube but still need to take the gallbladder out. This morning they said the stone blocking the tube again. I don't know I'm confuse. Why they change statements so quickly

  • pam64432
    pam64432 Booboolamore

    Posted

    I was in hospital for 3 months with my last bout of pancreatitis. It killed off part of my pancreas (necrotizing), I had several pseudocysts, and was very very sick. I couldn't eat a thing for months and was put on TPN IV feeding for several months after that. It took a total of about 6 months before I felt good and was able to return to work. I hope you don't get as bad as I was! Good luck to you!

  • Diane7777
    Diane7777 Booboolamore

    Posted

    I have just started having symptoms of pancreatitis. I am in so much pain. I don't know whether to go to the emergency room I'm not sure what kind of doctor to go to can you please give me some advice

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