New Diagnosis of Chronic Pancreatitis

Hi,

I sufferred from a really bad attack in July '15. 30% necrosis via a pseudo cyst in middle of pancreas. Incredible pain for the 1st 2 weeks, and unbearable pain up to week 7. At week 7 they inserted a stent to drain the cyst and I strtaed to feel better. Now 7 months and 6 ERCP procedures latter I'm finally feeling nearly pain free, but for the rest of our lives we must watch fat intake and no alcohol. You will begin to feel better but there may always be set backs; especially if you are now chronic.

There is a really good FaceBook group you may want to join known as Pancreas Pals. That site is restricted to only those that are going through what you are going through and gives you a good feel as to what to expect ... and what may forever be an unknown.

Good luck!

Sorry to hear about your condition. Atleast you have a diagnosis. I'm new here too I have been on Creon for almost a month. I am still having major pain issues. My weight loss seems to have stoped but I am still extremely under weight.

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with CP last November. It took 2 years of tests to finally find out what is wrong. I don't know why it took so long. I was pointing to my pancreas and saying it hurts right here! Also, I was taking Prilosec (doctor prescribed) for about 20 years and CP is a side effect. Too bad I had to get CP to learn all of this. What good did my doctor do me? Anyway, I was in a lot of pain right after they diagnosed me. I believe the endoscopy caused most of the pain. For over 3 weeks I was in a lot of pain and thought I was going to die. No doctor explained the disease to me, and I saw many doctors! Then on my own I started doing research and found out what I should and shouldn't eat. I'm still learning. I now eat very healthy. Lots of fruits and vegetables, a little chicken and fish and only whole grains. I try to eat less than 20 grams of fat each day and watch my sugar intake. Also I drink no alcohol at all, that was never a problem of mine anyway, but sugar was. I feel pretty good most days now, but still know there's something wrong as I have that tight feeling in my middle. The muscle spasms are getting to be less and less too. I drink a lot of water every day and I cut out coffee, drink only herbal teas. I never drink soda either, never did much, and I don't eat anything processed! Before my diagnosis I was eating way too much and eating the wrong foods and drinking coffee everyday. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

Thank you all so much for the quick responses. 

Though I did party in my younger years, I have not drank an alcoholic drink in about 15 years.  Don't drink sodas, never could.  I quickly a salad as a meal.  All that said, this really puzzles me.  Fate I guess. 

Have been watching my fat intake purchasing nothing above 5%.  Have been eating so much baked fish I'm afraid I'll deplete the oceans.  Good thing I like it.  My other protein have been chicken and tuna.  Watching hubby eat his steak and potatoes is hard.  Also have been relying on a variety of beans for protein.  I'll do good for about a week and then have an attack. 

Just learning here so your input and advice is greatly appreciated.

Pancreatitis Pals on FaceBook is a great forum to learn more about your (our) new relality.

I suffered an attack of acute pancreatitis in Oct, 2010.  I was hospitalized for 47 days.  I lost 1lb/day.  I was on TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrirtion) via an IV for 110 days.  I had numerous cysts around my pancreas for 4 years.  I started taking Creon in Feb 2011.  I have been on it ever since.  I'd ask your doctor about starting a TPN regimen for a couple of months to give your pancreas a rest.  Life style changes are a must.  No smoking, no alcohol, and minimal fat.  I try to keep my fat intake to less than 5g/meal.  It requires you to look at ever label of everything you eat.  There is tons of fat and sugar out there.  I eat lots of chicken, turkey, fish, and salads.  My wife was a life saver for me.  She remeinds me to take my Creon and advises me when my pancreas is about  to act up by the smell of my breath and weak sounding voice.  Creon can make you constipated, so, remember to take a fiber supplement or just eat more fiber.  By the way, I'm 65 and walk 5 miles a day. Good luck and remember to pray, it helps.

Take chelated magnesium for calcification of the pancreas.

it works like a charm.

Keep us updated if it works for you and happy healing.

How important do you find that exercise helps with management of chronic pancreatitis?

Thanks for your response.  Only 4 months ago had a hip replacement so just really getting back in shape.  Can't wait to get back out in the yard to do some gardening.  Of course, it snowed today - UGH!  Also, have a dog that needs daily walking which has helped greatly with the hip and now the pancreatitis. 

Hello.  I had a question relating to your diagnosis.  I have also been on PPi's for reflux for over 20 years and was wondering if your doctor said that was a cause.  I had one bout of acute about 6 months ago with intermittent pain ever since.  There was no known cause of my first AP but they are testing for chronic with a CT scan this week.  I have SEVERE GERD with hiatal hernia, hence the long term us of PPI's.  Any info you have on the correlation would be helpful.  Thanks.