My name is Mary. I have had Chronic Pancreatitis for 6 years now. I have idiopathic Chronic Pancreatitis which means they are not sure what is causing it. I wanted to start this site to help others out there who may be suffering from this dreaded disease as well. So come on it, lets talk, read my blogs, advice, whatever, I can even just be here to listen.I hope this site helps someone else out there. I know how frustrating it all can be! So Please come on in and make yourself at home.I am 45 years old. I am divorced and the mother of 2.
My daughter, Tara, is 23, she has a wonderful husband and beautiful little boy, DJ, who is 9 months old.
My son, Brian, is 18 years old. He is taking Chef and Catering at our local Career Center.
Right now, due to the Chronic Pancreatitis, I am on disability. But am looking forward to kicking this disease and getting back to work and finishing nursing school.I have had Pancreatitis for six years now. I have never drank, so no alcohol is not the reason for my pancreatitis.
The last two years I have been in and out of the hospital so many times, I am not sure how I ever stayed sane. Every hospital visit required more and more tests, it was very frustrating.
Last November I got brave and decided to try a surgical procedure called The Whipple Procedure. I will not lie to you it was a tough surgery and a tough recovery to get through. I will write more about this surgery in my blog.The Whipple did work for a while but I am now being scheduled for a Total Pancreatectomy with Islet Cell Transplant. I will be having this surgery the end of April.
FAQ ABOUT PANCREATITIS
What is Chronic Pancreatitis?
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive disorder of the pancreas which causes destruction of the pancreas.
What are the symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis?
Initially chronic pancreatitis is often confused with acute pancreatitis because the symptoms are similar. The most common symptoms are diarrhea and upper abdominal pain. The pain may radiate directly through to the back. As the disease becomes more chronic, patients develop malnutrition and weight loss. If the pancreas becomes destroyed in the later stages, patients may develop diabetes mellitus.
How is Chronic Pancreatitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis is difficult because routine blood studies (such as amylase and lipase levels) do not necessarily show elevations. The most important clue to a proper diagnosis is an accurate medical history. There are many diagnostic tests that can be used for chronic pancreatitis. The evaluation should begin with a plain film of the abdomen. The finding of pancreatic calcification is virtually diagnostic of chronic pancreatitis but quit often this is not found. There are several other tests that can be used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis:
Ultrasonography
This method uses high-frequency sound waves that are above the human audible range. An instrument sends sound waves into the patient’s abdomen, and the echoes that the sound waves produce as they bounce off internal organs creates a picture called a sonogram.
CT scanning (Computed Tomography)
This method of testing involves the use of an x-ray machine which is linked to a computer. The patient lies on a bed that passes through a hole, and the machine moves along the patient’s body, simultaneously taking multiple x-rays. The computer then pieces the x-rays together to produce detailed pictures.
ERCP (Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancretography)
A method for taking x-rays of the common bile duct and the pancreatic ducts. The doctor passes a long, flexible tube called an endoscope down the throat, through the stomach, and into the small intestine. The doctor then injects dye into the ducts and takes x-rays.
EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)
This is a test that combines ultrasound(sound waves) with an endoscope. The doctor places the tube (endoscope) into the stomach and the ultrasound machine (which is on the endoscope) is used to direct sound waves to the pancreas.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
This method of testing involves the use of an x-ray machine which is linked to a computer. The patient lies on a bed that passes through a hole, and the machine moves along the patient’s body, simultaneously taking multiple x-rays. The computer then pieces the x-rays together to produce detailed pictures.
What is the treatment for Chronic Pancreatitis?
The treatment for chronic pancreatitis depends on the symptoms. Most therapies center on pain management and nutritional support. Oral pancreatic enzyme supplements are utilized to aid in the digestion of food. Patients who develop diabetes require insulin to control the blood sugar. In patients using alcohol, the avoidance of alcohol is central to therapy. A diet low in fat is necessary and sometimes it is easier for the patient to eat more frequently in much smaller portions.
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