Huge archive

Denise,
I love John Edward, and I know what you mean about Silvia Brown's voice. It
makes me think of an old biker chick with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth!
LOL I like to watch her though. She has allot of talent. Can you tell me
where you purchased the tapes? I would love to buy them.
Lisa
Simi Valley

I just wanted to let everyone know that ReeAnn is on the phone right now with

Pat,
You message did not post. Can you try changing the subject line and

Denise,
I know I wouldn't be able to do it with out my mom. I am very blessed to have
her living with me. It works out mutually for us, she can't afford to live
anywhere else, I get so much help from her. Of course some days I still feel
like a 12 year old! God forbid if I want to do a load of laundry! And we all
know I can't wash dishes just right. But we love her! My son Devan shared with
his class during Thanksgiving that he was extra thankful because he had his
grandma living with him. It made me cry. There was an audible AWE! from
everyone there that day.
Denise, can you contact privately at chamberslm@.... I would like to
speek with you about Robert and his family off of the board. No offense
everyone but I just want to do something for them and I am not sure how it would
taken so I would like to discuss it privately with Denise.
By the way Denise you can always send the kids to be with me when you really
need the help or maybe if you afford to send them in the summer for a week or
so. Every kid wants to go to California in the summer! Just a thought. We are
after all just family here! I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Lisa
Simi Valley

Hello Again,
Just thought after reading Pats post I would interject my own little, um....
habit here. Every night, well, most every night, I listen to a meditation
tape created by psychic meduim John Edward. I'm not sure what it is about his
voice but for some reason, I can follow him much easier than I can any others
that I have tried.
I have a set of tapes by Sylvia Browne, her voice just isn't as easy to
listen to as his I guess because I just can't follow hers. Maybe eventually I
will
be able to. (Not giving up hope there just yet.) So far in lstening to
John's tapes I have learned about Pronic breathing and how to meet with my
spirit
guides, so far I have only seen my animal guide though, I think I am ADD or
something because I just can't seem to get past that first hurdle. Though he
says in the beginning of the tape that sometimes it takes months to get there.
I
guess I am just one of those late bloomers.
I have to tell you though, the first time I put the head phones on and
listened to the tapes, I never even made it past the introduction and the
breathing
before I was sleeping. I woke up and the tape player (a small portable
walkman type with earphones) was stopped and back up on the headboard, and the
earphones were wrapped neatly next to it. I guess even in my sleep I am a
stictler
for that stuff. (that or my spirit guide did it for me, hmmmm.... nah!!)
When I did wake fully I felt very well rested. Which for me is a trick in
and of itself.
I was told that meditation, no matter the technique was great for pain
control. So I think that if it is something that anyone wants to try... more
power
to them, and if I can find a tape deck that I can use to copy the tapes, I'd
be happy to share them. Though I got mine through the Audio Book club and they
weren't that expensive at all. They are sure a find for me.
{{{HUGZ and prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

I'M USING CAPITALS AS ROBERTS SIGHT IS POOR SO I WANT TO MAKE IT EASY
FOR HIM. IF HE CANNOT READ THIS, WILL SOMEONE READ IT FOR HIM.
ROBERT,
REGULARLY THE MEMBERS HAVE READ POSTS FROM ME FOR YOU IN WHICH I
CALLED YOU BROTHER, I DO THIS BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE A BROTHER BECAUSE
OF THE WAY YOU LOOKED AFTER ME WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED.
I WILL CONTINUE TO CALL YOU BROTHER BUT I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY NOW
THAT MIGHT MAKE YOUN FEEL DIFFERENT.
ROBERT, YOUR JUST BEING SELFISH AND UNREASONABLE BY REFUSING TO GO TO
THE ER FOR YOUR WIFE. YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO MAKE HER LIFE ANY MORE
DIFFICULT AND STRESSFUL THAN IT ALREADY IS. SHE IS A DEVOTED CARE
GIVER, LIKE SO MANY OF US YOU ARE INDEED BLESSED TO HAVE HER TO HELP
AND LOOK AFTER YOU WHEN YOU NEED IT.
WELL GUESS WHAT? IT'S PAY BACK TIME, DENISE IS NOW IN DANGER BECAUSE
OF HER MASSIVLY INCREASED BLOOD PRESSURE, SHE IS IN GRAVE DANGER OF
SUFFERING A CATASTROPHIC STROKE IF SHE DOES NOT GET HER BP DOWN.
YOU HAVE GOT TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO
GET BETTER, THEN GO THERE SO THAT DENISE CAN GET THE REST AND RELIEF
SHE SO URGENTLY NEEDS.
NO MORE TIME FOR GENTLE PERSUASION, IT'S GONE WAY TOO LATE FOR THAT,
GET ONE OF THE FAMILY TO PHONE FOR AN AMBULANCE FOR YOU AND THEN CALL
ONE FOR DENISE, YOUR LOVING WIFE. SHE NEEDS URGENT MEDICAL
INTERVENTION AND SHE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU ALONE TO GO AND GET IT.
STOP HANGING AROUND, YOU ARE TOO ILL TO TAKE CHANCES, YOUR GAMBLING
WITH YOUR LIFE HERE, THAT'S OK, IT'S YOUR LIFE, BUT YOUR ALSO
GAMBLING WITH DENISE'S LIFE AND THAT IS DEFINITELY NOT RIGHT.
THE NEXT NEWS I HEAR ABOUT YOU HAD BETTER BE THAT YOU HAVE COME TO
YOUR SENSES AND GONE TO THE HOSPITAL.
SPEAK WITH YOU LATER ROBERT,
I LOVE BROTHER, PLEASE DO THE RIGHT THING, NOW!
PAT

Hello Everyone...
I see that everyone is posting and helping each other out. Lisa and Devan...
what wonderful Birthday Buddies are you?? Wow, sending a warm fuzzy all the
way to Pat in Ireland!! And we have a mystery mailer in our presence... hmmmm
where is Sherlock when we need him?
I got a nice batch of stars and goodies too Pat, but I know who sent mine.
Hehehe...
Things here have been up and down. Mostly down. My pain is not calming down
for what ever reason, and the nausea and diahrea are taking turns beating me
down. My nerves feel frayed with my kids, and every little thing today is
setting me off. Lisa, I don't know how you do it with the kids being younger...
mine are 11 (this Sunday) 12, 14 (lives w/gramma) 17 (lives w/girlfriend but
still drives me nutty) and 18 (almost 19 and is out on her own now). Some days
I don't know what I would do without them, then there are others when I just
wish I was alone so I wouldn't have to worry about whats going to happen to
them if the "What ifs" finally happen.... ya know what I mean? None of them
have good relationships with their fathers (Long story there... not now though)
so I know other than Tyler and Brady, they won't have them around to help out.
Even Tyler and Brady I won't say are really lucky. Dad there (Tylers Bio
just really took a liking to Brady.) isn't very reliable. (big immature oaf is
what he is... no beating around the bush about that one.)
I really hate when I get in these moods and I am sure that you all can
relate. I have thought seriously about having a chat for depression and ReeAnn
and
I talked about it the other day, she agrees that it might be beneficial for us
to use one of the focus chat times to talk about depression and how this
disease affects us and our loved ones. Since depression not only affects those
with the disease but EVERY person it touches, I think it is important that we
make sure that everyone is aware of this focused chat. It Does affect our
caregivers and family members as much as it does us.
Too many times I have gotten to the bottom of my proverbial barrel, and
needed a good swift kick in the pants to get me out. More times than not since
I
have been a part of this group, and in league with the members that helped to
build this Group, it has been them that have lifted me, and helped to lighten
my load. So I know that this chat and any others we have like it will be
helpful.

Pat,
There are many things we can possibly do here. I would like to be able to speak
directly with either Denise or Robert. Does anyone know what state they live
in? If I can get that info maybe I can start the process of getting them so
help before they get in touch with me. I previously posted my home phone number
and I do not mind who calls me, you can me collect even if ANYONE ever needs
help! Here is the number again (805) 579-8538. I screen my calls though so when
you call just say that you are with the support group and I will grab the phone
right away.
Lisa

Hi folks,
Great advice Jan, when mine used to go very high i was also advised
to lay across a bed with as many pillows as possible under my body so
that my head was lower than my feet, it's easier to do than explain,
the principle is to reduce the pressure of pumping on the heart by
having gravity assist the blood to "fall" back down the body.
Believe me, I am all in favour of these methods in the short term
when someones BP just goes up somewhat in an emergensy, but I will
not lie, despite my faith in complimentary therapies, the scale of
this ladies BP is positivly dangerous! The WHO's international "norm"
or ideal, is now down to 140/90, they say that any SUSTAINED levels
above this warrants clinical intervention. This ladies range is in
the "BALLISTIC" ranges, [Jeannine, true or not?] and her risk of
having a stroke is enormous.
Personally, I would favour a more direct form of intervention such as
getting her some Blood Pressure medications for example. Something
like as many as possible that can afford say $5, forwarding it to her
to buy some meds, it's not charity, it's giving a gift to a friend,
no different to buying a cup of coffee when you meet someone and want
to sit and chat.
Lisa, you regularly impress me with your personal knowledge, or
knowing someone else with the knowledge of names of organisations
that can assist people with severe madical conditions who have not
got insurance, any ideas here?
This situation is all that I need to tell me our health care system
here is, on balance, far far better for the less well off in society
than it is in the USA. Regardless of circumstances, no one would be
asked to go unmedicated with this level of BP, it could very easily
become a catastrophic event. what kind of people run the hospitals
that they would allow a person to leave the hospital in that state
purely on economic terms, it makes me sick to even think of it.
It occurs to me that even a child could expect no better treatment
unless it's parents could provide, if true, that's sad, and it
reflects badly on US attitudes.
Pat

Does anyone else know how to get ahold of Robert or his wife? If so can they
please e-mail me or even call me collect if they like (805) 579-8538. there are
many things they can do to get help for Denise, and I would like to speak with
them if they are willing.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Jan,
Tell Denise to call an ambulance ASAP, if not for just Robert then for both
of them. My sister is in a nusring home and never coming home again because
she didn't pay attention the signals her body was sending her.
Time to be STERN. CALL THAT AMBULANCE NOW!!
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Hi Gang!
Lisa, what a beautiful lifting story, thank you for bringing it to us
to share in. You are 100% correct, and so is Jan too, Prayer is
Power, without it it we are lost, it does not matter what religon one
is, it's the prayer that unites us. God, Buddha or whatever Deity you
look to for guidance and help, it all becomes the same, prayer.
For some time now I have toyed with the idea of asking the Board if
the members would try a little experiment, for want of any other term
for it, whereby we would all agree to be at our computers at the
exact same time all over the world and to all be on the board
messages page.
At an agreed time, say 5 minutes after we arrive at the page, we
should all concentrate on the entire membership and for 5 minutes
say, pray for the power of healing or assistance or whatever the
individual wants to focus on.
It would be interesting to see if the power of prayer had any
dramatic effects for anyone.
Another idea was to ask in advance, say one week in advance for
example, if any individual member had a special person, event,
anything, that they would like to have a prayer moment for, then we
could do just, everyone pray at exactly the same time to see if the
prayer works.
To avoid the religious connotations of "prayer" such a gathering
could concentrate their "energy" or "CHI", on behalf of an individual
in the hope that our combined power or energy would "boost" the
individuals power that has, in all probability, weakened.
The idea is now out on the forum,it cannot hurt to at least give some
feedback on it just to see if there is any interest in doing it.
I know of a number of groups whose interests are all of the Eastern
disciplins such as Reikii, who gatjer in just this kind of way but
without the computers and the outcome has been great for them.
Actually, we do not have to be at our computers, we could all simply
agreee on the time and go to the safe place we all should have and
meditate together for an agreed amount of time, or to pray, whichever
is most acceptable.
Regards
Pat

Jan God Bless you for checking on them ! And thank you SO MUCH for
having faith in me. The easiest thing Denise can do for her blood
pressure is to lie on the floor with her bottom up against the wall
and her legs resting against the wall. The longer she can rest and
relax in this manner the better her blood pressure will be. She can
also add in really slow deep breaths and really slow exhales...If she
can breathe in to the count of 10 and exhale also to the count of ten
(this may take some practice) and fill her abdomen not just her
chest, she will get better benefit from the deep brathiing.
We will ALL be praying I am sure!
Many hugs and prayers !
Jeannine

Jan,
I have tears in my eyes right now. I feel terrible for them! I just lit a
candle and prayers are flying right to them from California. My mom says that
vitamin B6 is a diuretic and that will help to bring her BP down. Please tell
the we are praying and that I lit a St. Jude candle for him along with a blue
one which is for healing. I will keep them lit for him and her until this blows
over. Just a little story to let you know how strongly I believe in the power
of candles and prayers. My husbands aunt, (she raised him when he was little)
was diagnosed with a rare type and very deadly type of cancer in her leg. She
had two very large tumors that looked like footballs attached to her leg. The
doctor told her she had no more than 6 months to live. Well she had surgery on
Tuesday and the doctor told her he would have to take the leg all the way up to
the hip. We lit candles and started praying. After the surgery my mother in
law called to say that they removed the tumors along with three muscles in the
leg and they were able to save the leg! They said she would be in the hosp. for
a month and than to rehab for at least 8 weeks so she could learn to walk again.
We lit more candles and kept praying. Well my mother in law called last night.
Aunt Darlene is home just three days after surgery. The doctor said he has
NEVER seen anything like it! She is walking well on her own and doing so well
he saw no reason to keep her in the hospital! So I have faith that these
candles and prayers do work! We now have Roberts and Denise's candle going and
our faith is so very strong. Please let them know God answers our prayers and
with all of us lighting candles and praying there is no way he won't be able to
hear our prayers!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

-SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?
A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.
A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
A "jiffy" is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
All 50 states are listed across the top of the Lincoln Memorial on the
back
of the $5 bill.
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child
reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
Butterflies taste with their feet.
Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.
"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full
moon.
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line
would
never end because of the rate of reproduction.
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an
average of 6 months waiting at red lights.
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Leonardo Da Vinci invented the scissors.
Maine is the only state whose name is just one syllable.
No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, or
purple.
On a Canadian two dollar bill, the flag flying over the Parliament
building
is an American flag.
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears
never
stop growing.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
"Stewardesses" is the longest word typed with only the left hand and
"lollipop" with your right.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel
that
it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and
a
chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every
letter of the alphabet.
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely
solid.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are
read left to right or right to left (palindromes).
There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.
There are more chickens than people in the world.
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous":
tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous .
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in
order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
There's no Betty Rubble in the Flintstones Chewables Vitamins.
Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only
on
one row of the keyboard.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks;
otherwise
it will digest itself.
...................Now you know everything

I just received a disturbing post from Denise, Robert's wife. He is in very
sad shape now . His sugars are at 46 and will not elevate. His entire body
is blown up like he swallowed a bag of balloons... Even up to his neck and
face.... Denise says he looks like a huge chipmunk. This situation is not
good. Denise, herslef went to the ER yesterday as she is sooooo upset and
her Blood pressure was 200/176? They gave her a little something to calm
her down and sent her on her way home. Now she is asking for help from
everyone. PLEASE! i told her my experience with low sugar ( had it for 25
yrs) is to drink a large glass of O.J. followed by a huge chunk of cheese.
(protein) The cheese will stabilize the sugar as it is protein and will
keep his sugars at bay for some time. Any kind of cheese will help. Then
he'll sleep for a while as his body neutralizes itself. Now... she has no
insurance herself... and isin need of something OTC to calm her insides down
and lower her blood pressure. I suggested drinking a cup of sleepytime
tea.... with one bag not 2. This will calm her insides down and give her
some relief. Does anybody have any suggestions for her... she is worried
she'll have a heart attack.... her nerves are just shot! please put all
your minds to work . She said she is sooooooooooo worried she's going to
lose Robert. He says no ER! BUT that kind of swelling means there's a
blockage of something somewhere... and it's up in his chest area and lung
area and his face is very swollen with fluids. This is bad, guys.... They
need prayers big time for the both of them.... I have a doc appt this
am.... and when i get back... i'm going to call her... i told her. Robert's
suppose to be going to see the doctor today, ithink it's today. i've been
late reading all the posts as i have had not been home lately with all the
doc's appts. PLEASE PRAY and light candles for them. She ha been watching
the board, she says... and she believes in the prayer and the candles
everyone is participating in. So.......... can we all help her out, please.
I don't know what else i can do by myself... but i know with all of us
together.... we can help them.... AT least get Robert to the hospital if
today is not his doc's appt. Again.. i say ........ this is serious. My
gut has been telling me this since he's gotten home from the last hospital
visit. Jeannine..... you must know of some kind of home remedy or health
remedy that can bring her blood pressure down. She has no med's at all.
Please help me with this. together we can do it....... i know i just said
that .... but i'm serious as can be. .... and i'm scared for Robert once
again. We need him to be well. He's oour brother ,,, for God's sake. i've
got to go now. i'll post when i return... in the meantime.... candles and
prayers.........PLEASE! love all of you...... jan xox

Hola amigo Pat
Sorry I haven't write much, I try to post ones and never got post,
I send your b-day wishes yesterday morning and was post in the
afternoon.
I haven't had a good week, the pain is really bad. I had a doctor
appointment Tuesday, she wants me to go for a week in a liquid diet
and after that wants me to go NPO for a month, she wants to put a
pickline (sp???), I'm so scare, but she say that is going to rest
my pancreas. I don't know what to do???.
I have been taking Creon20 for a month, the doct give me supply,
yesterday I went to buy it and is $195 ( with my insurance), I didn't
but it I don't have that much money every month, I know pain gets
worst with out this medication.
If I go in NPO, I don't know if they will let me work...???/ I need
to work, I have bills to pay....
Thanks for asking for me .... I really need you!!! life is not giving
me a easy days but I'm ok, I'm not alone I have you, my family and
God.
hope you are having a good day.... are you felling better?
"Don't tell God how big your storm is
tell your storm how big is your God"
Muchos besos and prayers for all of you....
Love you
Ale

Wow,
I am glad Pat is in my corner! I love him to bits and pieces! Good for you
Patrick! You are a real asset to us all.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Jan,
Thank you so much all the very kind words. Your timing is perfect! I am having
a bad pain and Nassau day today. It was all I could do to get out of bed! My
boys both have colds and are really cranky but they still sat on my bed with me
and tried to let me sleep a little while longer. It was so sweet Devan was
rubbing my hair, and Colin was not so gently patting my back! They are just
like their dad, so very loving. Jan I don't mind if anyone has my address, I
get so much junk mail now that if my address got out to one of those places that
sell the address for solicitations I don't think I would notice! My address is
as follows:
Lisa Chambers
1806 Ridgegate Lane #E
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Just everyone please no live animals! We already have a zoo.....2 cocketiels, 9
fish, 1 guinea pig that thinks he is a dog, and two crabs with funky painted
shells! Any more creatures and I think the city will cite me for running an
animal refuge without a permit! LOL!
Jan I hope you got my e-mail about the places that give the hearings aids to
those in need. My cousins father and mother both were to get theirs throught
the Kiwanis club locally. Good luck with this new little project of yours. I
hope you will be hearing the birds chirping really soon!
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

The reason I asked here is that we have a pretty big scandal here right
now involving Janet Jackson, the Super Bowl, and a bare breast with
glitter on it. So stars on your arse would not bring much of a reaction,
unless you displayed them in public!
Eileen

Hello Sweetie Meatee!!
Boy, you have me hungry with all the food talk.
I envy you the time you can spend outside, even in the winter time.
We love to have Barbeque or use our George Forman on the side table
in our back garden. But you need to know that it is a rare treat for
us to get to do that EVEN IN THE HEART OF SUMMER!!!
The weather here is never that good, unless for a couple of weeks in
the summer if we are lucky. Last years weather was so bad we never
got to have even One BBQ, not even one. I lost track of the times we
set up the BBQ range and had to run and take it all indoors in a
hurry from the awful rain.
Because of all the information on the site this past week or so about
pork, we are going to have some real soon but we will not bother
until next week. I have to go to Dublin on Friday to see the
Specialist in the large Dublin hospital. On Saturday we are at the
wedding and on Sunday we will likely go out to lunch if I'm ok, the
next two days are going to be a big stress on me, I have not
travelled to Dublin for almost a year now. We'll see.
I'm in alot of pain from my Pancreas, it is really very bad.
there is no doubt that I have gone to the hospital in the past with
the pain being much less than it is at present. I'm holding out as
long as possible because of the wedding in particular, i will go
crazy if I miss that so concentrate your prayers my way for the next
two days, please?
I have not heard much from Robert except for one reply to an email I
sent him and he told me his sugars had dropped very low and he was
very tired as a result. On top of all this, he had an attack on his
computer by a virus and he has an awful job trying to get it back on
line. I think he may have answered me on a library PC but I'm not
totally sure about that. If I hear anymore I'll let you know OK?.
Have to go, I'm about to throw up I think, my nausea is about the
worst it's ever been. Pray it dies down.
God bless and keep you safe my earthly angel, keep your wings high
and fly my way with your love and caring. There is a kindness and a
goodness in you that is there for a purpose, and you fulfil
that purpose with every breath you take.
Lovezz and hugzz and kiszzz from Pat the Rat Rancher.

Pat... we eat pork all th e time.. Grilled outside on our electric grill...
Tom is a Grill Master.. He is a fantastic chef and makes sure not a drop of
fat gets near me... Lady 9 our pooch) gets the fat parts... and they're
good for her coat. The usual marinade tom uses for pork and chicken is
garlic (lots) ( great for the heart) annd something called liquid smoke...
a few shakes oon each piece.... til wonderful. I believe tom was a chef in
his last life! we marinade this combo with the pork in a big baggie for
about an hour... then on the grill it goes... The liquid smoke tenderises
the toughest of chickens, porks, and red meats. Rarely do we eat red meat.
It's not good for CP'ers. Also... he grills vegetables on the grill like...
zuccini ( cut into slices), mushroons, asparagus, squash.. ( cut into
slices) First he puts the veggies in a large baggie ... pours extra virgin
olive oil all over them and thensprinkles them with sea salt! Marinaid
for 30 minutes and yummy in the tummy is on it's way! Also...whole tomatoes
and onions just grilled on the top shelf is good , too! Never, ever are any
of these foods fried in a pan on the stove.... it makes them tough. Also
you can add some soy sauce ( they make it low sodium now) to the marinade.
You don't een need a knife to cut these marvels! If you don't have a
grill.... get one..... it's a great investment in your health. We grill at
least 6 times a week..! The neighbors go wild with that wonderful smell!!!
YUMMMMMMM i'm getting hungry now. better go. love, jan xox

My dear Pat,
All my best wishes to you on your 57th! I just read Ree Ann's post
about your efforts to advocate for our missing member in Nova Scotia.
Thank you dear Pat. You are a blessing to us all!
Big hugs to you! Barbara in Canada.

Hello Barbara!
Fantastic to see you back online again, thank you very much for your
kind good wishes, but the Hero part sits uncomfortably onmy
shoulders, probably because it is tortally undeserved.
Of far greater importance to me right now is, HOW ARE YOU?
Last time on you were not exactly in tip-top form, have you made any
advances towards some sense of relief from your pain at least?
We all understand how difficult it is for anyone in the kind of pain
you were in to motivate themselves to sit at the Puter and lay it all
out for public consumption, however, if you could spare 5 minutes,
more or less, perhaps you could give us an update on your situation?
Anyway, just hearing from you has relieved some of my concerns for my
first convert to the art and practice of Shooting Bunnies!!!!
Barbara, may God bless you and keep you safe and well,
Pat
#BTW, How is your daughters driving going? I have wondered how she
got on, first time driving is a life changing experience for most of
us, we almost lose the power to walk any more!

My dear~~~ your are the most thoughtful, kindess, and generous lady. Your
timing was ssssupurb! You made his soooooooo happy with all your
thoughtfulness. You are one terrific lady and your little boys will never
forget their good dead they did to surprise and help someone they've never
met. I have a feeling that you do this sort of thing quite often to others.
It just seeens to be a natural part of you. You are one terrific lady.....
and a beautiful one.... inside and outside, at that! You've overcome
your rough time now..... so you can concentrate on you, now. Do something
nice for yourself........... or better yet........ give me your address and
i'd love to write you snail mail. I'll understand if you are hesitant as
we've never met.... but i'm as honest as one can be. Well.... besides
makingPat's day so well..... you've given us all something to smile about
and know........ what a very special and loving lady you are. Yes, you are
a gift from God ~~~~~most definitely. love, jan xox

This "mysterious" letter has you in a real tizzie? To be perfectly honest..
you never gave me your address. i would love to have it as i love to send
snail mail when i am in the mood to write. Yes... how are you going to
explain to the medical profession that you are shooting bunnies with
shinning stars that glitter coming out of them????? Better think about that
one? You can't tell me that' s not a fantasy??? he! hE1 Poor Lily,
sleeping with all those stars and You're the big star today!!!! All those
little ones(stars) are " want to be's" YOU, that is. Maybe you'll wake
up[ and find lots of little "Patricks" sleeping with you????? Be careful of
what you dream about.! I have smiled about this mystery of yours all day....
Your poor mind minus all the delusion you are having must be giving you
real hallucinations???? YES? Just let it go... and concentrate on this
weekend. Now changing the subject: I thought that Lisa's little rat
she sent to you... on your birthday, no less........ ws the neatest thing,
ever! She dosn't realize what a heart of gold she has, does she.? I don't
think i could do as good of a job with 2 young boys and deal with this
disease very well. There too young to really understand.... and all they knw
is they love their mom. She is so very lovable! She's just going through a
reallytough time now. i remember those days well. They were pure hell and i
recall beggin God to take me... and take me now! I think most of us here,
have at one time or another.. The pain is just undescribally torture.
Don't you just love the way i start out writng you.... and then talking
about someone else??? That's cause i know that everyone reads s your
posts.. You're a healer. Did you get that joke i sent you about the
receptionist who had a problem with a man sniffing her hair everyday and
telling her how wonderful it smelt???? She wanted to start a harrasment
against her???? I thought of you,,,, immediately!! Back to the note
you got........ if you'd give us more details of the letter.... maybe with
all our head put together... we can figure it out? At least it keeps the
mind off the pain anyway. Your birthday is at an end now.... and might i
say.... You look wonderful! I hope your day was filled with total
delight..... until Lily opened the box with RATSO in it?????? Details, man
details!!!!!! Hears hoping you sleep like a baby and have the most wonderful
dreams of tomorrow. Who knows what the post man will bring tomorrow??????
Perhaps a mate for RATSO??? so you mayhave little ratso's runnnnig your
household???? What a visual? I"ve just finished wrapping up all the
Valentine boxes for the boys and their girls and of course... my baby angel
boy (grandson) Joshua.!!!! The light of my day.! Are you a grandparent?
I love being a MomMom.... it's simply another life of purehappiness. I only
wish they lived closer . They are 10 hours away. My younger son, who is
attending Florida State University in his 2nd year..... studying criminology
will be spending Valentines with'his girl" as he calls her, Kendra~~~~~ the
love of their lives. I am praying.... when the time is right..... that
she'll be my daughter in law! i can't wait.... she's a dolly...... and when
the two of them come over.... our home is just filled with the young love
they share.......... and our home smiles. Speaking of love~~~~~ her
husband must be a prince as she is a princess. Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh how iwish i
could be a fly on the wall at that wedding. You must rest........ and Please
tell our Maura that all my thoughts, prayers, and dreams.... are coming
her way today and until the wedding has cometo an end. She's one of God's
most beautiful creations.... and she'll shine above the rest........jut with
her smile. And she's yourrrrrrrrrrrrr sis.!I don't have to tell you to
make the best of the day........ i'm sure you have every moment planned out.
If youwould..... could you place a few of those stars you got in the
mail.... and put them at her chair at the wedding.? or sprinkle them in her
hair and tell her that those are her guardian angels watching over
her.......... for me? God bless all of you....... always. tom got a real
kick over yourmysterious letter....... and all those stars in your bed!!!!
He laughed and laughed....... Wha'ts Lily going to thin you've been up to
now????????? We love your anticks... now take it easy ~~~~~~~ real easy.
love you, jan xox

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to share with you an email Pat wrote and the response he received.
This relates the incident in which Shanna in was treated so badly in the
hospital. We can make a difference with our words!!
Here it is:
Dear Mr. +++++++:
Thank you for your electronic message of December 5, 2003, regarding
a message posted on an Internet discussion board from a Nova Scotia woman who
has experienced abuse while being hospitalized for chronic
pancreatitis. I commend you for your efforts to assist this woman.
I did not receive the file you attached to your message and it is therefore
difficult for me to have a full understanding of the situation. However, the
issue you raise relates to health care in Nova Scotia, which is a matter under
provincial government jurisdiction. If this is a subject of significant concern
to you, you may wish to contact the Honourable Angus
MacIsaac, Nova Scotia's Minister of Health, at:
The Honourable Angus MacIsaac, M.L.A.
Minister of Health
P.O. Box 488
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2R8
CANADA
Telephone: (902) 424-6780
Facsimile: (902) 424-6675
Electronic mail: healmin@...
You may also wish to contact the Ombudsman of Nova Scotia, Ms. Mayann Francis,
to inform her of the situation. She can be reached at the following address:
Ms. Mayann Francis
Ombudsman of Nova Scotia
P.O. Box 2152
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3B7
CANADA
Telephone: (902) 424-6780
Facsimile: (902) 424-6675
I hope the information I have provided is useful and thank you,
again, fortaking the time to write.
Sincerely,
ORIGINAL SIGNED BY
The Honourable Jean Augustine, P.C., M.P.
Now Pat's original email:
"Pat" <pcasso@...
I live in Ireland and I visit a site on the internet that offers support for
sufferers of pancreatic disease. This is a link to a posting on a similar site
which a resident of Novia Scotia sen to our group.
It is from a young woman, she suffers from chronic pancreatitis and is
known to our group. She tells of her treatment, quite recently, in a
hospital in Novia Scotia and I urge you to please read what she has to
say.
I am appalled to think that a civilised country as Canada would allow it's
women to be treated in this way. This very ill young lady was not treated" in
the hospital she was brutalised and abused. We have lost contact with her and
are concerned for her wellbeing, we beg
you to see if you can track her and the hospital involved and see that
she gets the urgent attention she deservers and needs.
I don't have the means or the good health or I would go there and find her
myself. i am reduced to trying every way i know how to try to get her
assistance.
One final point.
Please, don't let her reference to Methadone influence you to believe
she is "just a drug addict", Methadone is a very effective analgesic,
commonly used to treat chronic pain such as that of chronic pancreatitis.
Kindest regards,
Pat
ReeAnn M. Betts-Morris - VA
CoOwner, ThePancreatitisPlace
434-409-7162

Jan,
Here is link to a website that list agencies that provide free or low
cost hearing aids. Also my cousins fiancee' said it is federal law
that you be provided with an iterperter for any doctors visits, and
things like that for free of charge. I know you don't need that yet
but he said your docotrs office should have this info to give you,
just so you have it in case you need it in the future.
I hope one of these organizations can help you. Some of them seem
liek they are just what you might be looking for.
Lisa Simi Valley, CA
http://www.wasa-shhh.org/FINANCIAL%20ASSISTANCE%20FOR%20HEARING%
20TECH.pdf

Kimber,
That is a great idea! Now how do I get him to eat the applesauce?
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Hello, Denise. I'm sorry that you're not doing well. I've had a bad
week also. Yesterday I had an EGD and ended up having two biopsies
taken from the lower stomach. Don't know what they're looking for
yet. Just a bit scared right now. Yes, I am taking the Topamax with
the Paxil. I take 15mg. of Topamax twice a day and 20mg. of Paxil at
night. My migraines used to be really horrible. I had one that
lasted for 11 days. Since I've been taking these two medicines, I
get maybe 2 headaches a month. I haven't noticed any side effects
with the topamax yet. I'll let you know if I do. Hope that you feel
better. Hang in there. Linda from Atlanta

Lisa,
a friend of mine gives her son his pills mixed in with applesauce,
though it isn't broken down (It's a pill not a capsule). She gets those
small individual sized applesauce and just gives him a spoonful of that
with the pill in it. Works for her.
Kimber
--
Kimber Allen
Vallejo, CA
hominid2@...
Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed
physician or health care professional.

It wasn't me.. i wouldn't have the slighest idea how to send a letter out of
the country.But it must be fun trying to figure out who's behind all of
this????? Just what you need to keep your mind occupied.... perhaps
overload?????? With your wit and your keen knowledge.... i'm sure in no time
you'll figure this out.... these mystery person(s)??? Why do you think
there's more than one??? You haven't given us any clues? That would drive
me banannas to say the least!! Good luck my friend! How's Maura doing
today??? time is running short for the wedding and i hope she's getting her
strength up. My imagination is going wild just thinking of how wonderful
that day will be for both of you.. Remember we want pictures..... please
take care of yourself. Candles and prayers are going non-stop. Have you
heard from Robert lately??? I'm hoping you arehaving one fantastic day!!!!
all our love my fine man..... love, jan and tom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Hi Kimber,
Promise I'll do my best not to end up calling you Bridgit or whatever!
Two replies here Kimber, we don't actually get the super bowl
generally speaking, it's not broadcast mainstream is what I mean,
however, it is available as a pay per view broadcast for anyone
wanting to see it but without offending any of my US friends, it does
nothing for me, even as a spectacle rather than a sporting event.
There is a larger audience for the American sports in the UK though.
On the question of pork, it was a meat that I always adored years ago.
But I have to confess that it was a Roast Pork Joint with all that
lovely crackling that I enjoyed, it's sinful even thinking about it!!
Since the subject came up, I have phoned the Meat Marketing Board and
asked for some recent nutritional information and receipes. they have
an information pack on it's way to me.
Clearly, I would have to avoid the sinful excesses of my past
consumption and look at the leanest possible joints or cuts such as
pork chops.
I had better stop this food line, my nausea levels are running on
high at present, and I have become aware of an increasing discomfort
in my left lower quadrant since around midday. It shows no sign of
abating yet.
Lovely to speak with you Kimber, thanks for the info on pork.
Regards
Pat

Pat,
I told them today that the package had finally gotten to you. they love the
idea that they have a friend in Ireland. My little one is named Colin. Last
night they helped me to pick out the e-cards we sent to you for your birthday.
They really liked the one with the rat and the cheese! Devan took his guinea
pig to school today for show and tell. The class just loved him, they couldn't
believe how long his hair is, or how soft he is. He shared with his class that
we sent you your very own friend because you were being bad and wouldn't listen
to your doctors! The boys are being little monsters today, especially Colin, he
is tormenting Devan constantly! He has been on a time out most of the evening!
I must go now the boy just got out of the tub and they need to get their teeth
brushed.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Hi Ale!
In truth I have no real idea what your post said, but I will guess it
was a birthday greeting and you were wishing me many more happy
birthdays too!
Am I correct?
Just to know youare OK and reasonably well is the best news for my
special day!! Please keep well and come speak with us when you are
not too busy, O'K?
Besos
Pat

Besos, sweet Ale,
There has not been a post from you for a while now, are you keeping
well? We begin to worry when our friends are not around as much as
they usually are.
Perhaps you have gone to Colombia to see your family, if that's where
you are I hope you are having a wonderful time.
If you read this, then perhaps you can come in and say hello,
everyone here would love to hear from you.
God bless you Ale,
Pat

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS MI QUERIDO PAT
QUE CUMPLAS 1000 MAS
HAVE A GRATE DAY
BESOS.... ALE

Hello Lisa,
Yes, it was magical timing, you probably could never arrange
something to work out exactly like this did, both events have made my
day, I'm buzzing around here right now, on a little high.
Will you please thank Devan and his little brother, who's name I
simply cannot remember, if you ever mentioned it Lisa, (I'm sure you
did though)for all their efforts on my behalf. Please tell them they
have a little hampster friend living in Ireland now and his name is
RATSOTOO, he is named after his cousin in Simi Valley, RATSO,
I hope Devan is feeling better, he is such a brave boy. You must give
both of them a giant hug from Lily and I. We will be praying that he
gets well real soon, he will be so much better in a few months he
will think back and wonder what all the fuss was about.
God bless you all and keep you safe and well.
Pat

Pat,
I hope that your special day has been filled with many happy moments and fond
memories. I am so glad that you are feeling better for this special day, and
that you got your special prezzie from Lisa and her family and that other
special fun filled card too! Aren't the surprises the best parts of a Birthday?
Happy, Happy Birthday Pat and many Happy returns!!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Hello Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know I have opened the chat room early tonight,
in case anyone would like to chat a little early.
Hope to see you all there!
{{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Hello Pat,
I wanted to wish a very happy birthday and also share this day with
you because it's also very special for me. It's my only son's
birthday back in Canada. He's 17 today. Hope you're enjoying your day.
Kind regards,
Joanne

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat - DENISE
Wednesday February 4, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chatroom
Notes:
Denise ~ Co-owner will host a chat in AOLs TPP Chat room. You need AOL or free AIM (www.aim.com) to access this chat. Email or send us a message for the link to the room.
DeniseHallock@...
MsReeAnnBetts@...

Pat,
regarding Pork (I saw your post to Lisa in Simi Valley. I actually had
some pork about a month ago and had no problems. Evidently, pork out
here isn't as fatty as it used to be and it used more now as an
alternate protein. Just an fyi. Guess it's just one of those what's good
for one is bad for the other deals.
Kimber
--
Kimber Allen
Vallejo, CA
hominid2@...
Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed
physician or health care professional.

Patrick,
I didn't know it was your birthday. I'm so sorry I missed it, so sorry.
Please accept my belated Happy Birthday wishes.
Kimber
--
Kimber Allen
Vallejo, CA
hominid2@...
Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed
physician or health care professional.

Pat and Jeanine,
the problems with words is called aphasia. There are several different
types, though I don't remember all of them. I know one of them is you
can remember the word you want, though you know you have it. You know
the word you want, but you use a different word instead and then there
are severl other more confusing types that I can't remember. I only
remember the aphasia because I took a linguistics class in college and
one of the things we discussed for several weeks was aphasia and it's
different types.
Just an fyi,
Kimber
--
Kimber Allen
Vallejo, CA
hominid2@...
Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed
physician or health care professional.

OH OH I know Mr. Cassidy. Can I answer the question, please? NOT! I know who
it is.....ha ha ha ha and I am not telling! :-') Nothing you can say or do
will make me tell, ha ha! I know a secret!
And for my friend, whom I know sent it, don't tell him! It will drive and
already crazy old man even crazier! LOL
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA
PS We love you Pat you are so special to us!

Pat,
I am so happy you received you present on your birthday! The timing could not
have been better! If you notice your little friend does not have a tail, so
tell Lily he is not a rat but actually a short haired baby guinea pig. This is
exactly what they look like when they are born. Did you squeeze him? He is
supposed to squeak for Lily when you are bad! We spent allot of time training
him, I promise he will not run between your feet and cause Lily to scream too
much!
HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY FRIEND! My kids are so happy because they knew
today was your birthday and they loved the thought you got your present today!
Lisa
SimiValley, CA

Now Jan, are you going to be honest with me or do I have to come over
there and punch your one good eye out,that'll put a stop to your lip
reading won't it!!
I'm assuming you read my post about my mysterious "Secret Friend",
the one that sent me the absolutely enchanting letter filled with all
sorts of beautiful glitter and stars, it's still all over the bed,
not to mention all over me. Even though I showered, there are lots of
the tiniest stars still falling down the legs of my trousers!!
My panic levels are at their highest in case i have to be examined by
a doctor and they find my ass is covered in silver and pearl stars,
that's going to get them to take me seriously, don't you agree?
I can see it now, I'm on my side when a doctor tells me, now this
won't hurt a bit" as he begins to assault me from the rear.
what on earth is he going to say when his hands come out from under
my gown and they are covered in glitter, the mind boggles at the
thought of it.
But back to you madam, you strike me as a "Fairy Tales and Glitter"
type of woman, you have an IMPISH sense of fun, some of your posts
read like they have come from a little PIXIE, and that's the type of
person you strike me as being.
Well MS Knox, are you going to own up to this little mischief? My gut
instinct tells me it was you, but I have no memory of giving you my
address, but I will not swear on that. Oh well, if you wont give in,
then I'll have to wait and set a Pixie trap, I can adapt a leprechaun
trap to do the job.
If it was you, then I thank you most sincerely, it was the most
wonderful suprise, and it was the whimsy fact that pointed me in your
direction, as well as the Florida postmark, but I was back where I
started when I saw the address that seems to suggest it was from
Canada, but how do I make the connection between Florida and Canada?
If any of the members can offer any clues as to who my secret
guardian and friend is, then please post and tell me, I'm at my wits
end trying to suss it all out.
Bye Bye for now Jan and Tom, regardless of wheteher you are behind my
mystery letter you are both very special people in my life. I feel as
though I have known you forever, you have taken me into the warmth
and love that you exude. I have said before, the medics should
genetically engineer your very soul and make it available to anyone
feeling depressed or just badly down. Your infectious humour and
sparkling personality shines out as a beacon of hope for all of us,
if I could obtain even a fraction of the humanity in you, then I
would be a very happy puppy indeed.
God bless you and keep you safe and well.
Pat

My guess would be, it depends on how high the fever is. You definitely
do not want to be sitting around waiting if you have a high fever,
because that means that you have a raging infection somewhere, that
isn't going to go away on its own. When Mark had the infection in his
port, his temp went up to 105, and they had to give him IV antibiotics.
By the way, that wasn't all the time - it would spike, and then go back
to almost normal, so it took me a few days to realize how sick he really
was.
Eileen

i have to tell you that my mom and dad offered to pay for the hearing aides.
Very nice, huh? I can't see paying that kkind of $ for something i might
not like or wearl... Mot the people i know that are haearing impaired don't
wear them because of one reason or another... i don't think i would get
used to something stuck in my ear all the time........geese ! All these
&#*@( gagets just to keep alive......... makes me furious) I thanked m and
Dad and said i couldn't and wouldn't accept their offer... They do plenty
for al of us and i don't feel right about it! but thanks anyway... I've
hurt their feelings... but i just can't. love, jan xox

Hello Tammy,
So sorry your feeling confused about your symptoms and the advice you
have been given.
The truth is that there is NO SPECIFIC TIME for when you should go to
the hospital, or your dcotor either. Each of us is different in our
approach to our pain and more importantly, our PERCEPTION of our pain.
Usually, a person will go to the hospital a little soon perhaps when
they have only recently been diagnosed. Yhis is perfectly
understandable, you are still scared at the memory of how awful you
felt the first time you were admitted and diagnosed, they don't
alsways coincide, many have repeat attacks and hospitalisations
before they are eventually diagnosed.
Personally, I go the very instant decide that I have had enough,
that I'm not getting any relief regardless of what I do.
However, I'm also aware that I don't vomit as readily as so many
others so I won't become dehydrated as quickly as others but I do
have acute "toilet issues" a little earlier in my attacks.
Hopefully, you are getting some sort of picture of how difficult it
is to say when it's time, if you listen to your body closely enough,
I think it will tell you when it's time.
Don't just go on my experience though, wait until later in the day
when more members will be online and I'm sure they will offer you
some excellent advice.
BTW, Have you seen a Chronic Pain specialist yet? If you have not,
then you should speak to your PCP and ask to be sent to see one, if
you can obtain adequate pain relief you may find that you don't have
to spend so much time at the ER or in the hospital either.
God bless you and keep you safe and well,
Pat

That's the na me of the people who gave me the phone! Very nice! I hope
Lisa's relatives can get one..... they have all kinds. yes, i am learning to
read lips.. I'v e benn wroking on that for a quite a few months now. It's
not easy.... but i'm trying. It's a very quiet world. love , jan xox

Hi all
saw the post about the juice an it is GRAPEFRUIT that must be avoided while
taking any of the Statin type cholesterol lowering medications
Pam in Santa Clarita

Hello to anyone reading this post,
Especially Lisa,
I told you all this morning about my mystery letter that the postie
brought to me on my birthday.
Well, we have a two tier postal service here, the postie on foot or a
bike will bring "flat" post or envelope post, while another postal
worker comes around in a van with "parcel or Package post".
Guess, what, the van postie called a little later with small package.
It was a small white box and it had taken a bit of a bashing in the
post. Not too surprising when you find out it has come all the way
from California. But the best was to come, or the worst, depending on
how you feel about BLACK RATS!!!!!!!!!
Personally, I HATE THEM, I DETEST THEM!!
But this little guy seemed so small and lost and a little dishevelled
from his rough trip in a canvas bag in the belly of a Jumbo Jet. I
looked at the label on the box and discovered it had been sent to me
by Lisa, our member in Simi Valley.
So, Lisa, thank you very much for the lovely kind thought on my
birthday, it is amazing that you would go to such trouble to send
this little guy to someone you have never even met. Your gift and the
mystery letter have made this one of the nicest birthdays ever.
Naturally, my family here gave me prezzies, we always exchange them
on our birthdays but the time and effort by you and your children
too, because I read on the board that they had gone with you to
obtain the gift, have left me dazed, despite the fact that I still
DETEST RODENTS, no matter what species they are, they are YUKKIE!
things, when I think of you and the little ones handling one of them
my blood runs cold.
However, because he is pretty cute, in a RATTY way, he will now live
on my computer desk as this is the place I spend most of my free
time. There is one little problem with this location, it is pretty
easy for Louie to climb up on, he will just come in and jump and
climb his way onto the desk and just sit or lie there hoping I will
play with him. When I opened the box and took RATSOTOO, that's his
new name, RATSO is still in Simi Valley; Louie took one look at him
and went berserk!! He is a tiny Yorkshire terrier, but no one told
HIM that and he thinks he is a Rottweiler God love him! I'm pretty
sure he would tear RATSOTOO into shreds given half a chance.
But RATSOTOO is now a precious member of the family here so I'll make
sure he's safe from harm.
The best may yet be to come though, Lily's feelings about any kind of
tiny, furry animals are 100 times worse than mine, plus Lily is also
terrified by even the sight of a mouse. So my plan is to, put
RATSOTOO back into his box and ask her to open it for me. If she does
it, I promise I will give a full report on her reaction.
Closing now with a final thank you Lisa, long before you sent the
gift you had become someone special in my life, your courage is an
inspiration to me and I'm certain it is to others also. Even when
you're having a really bad patch, you come bouncing back with a smile
and a joke and some kind words for everyone. Now you are burdened by
your young sons ill health I believe with all my heart that you will
overcome this difficulty also.
Please believe me when I say that you and your family are now
indelibly etched into my heart. I value your friendship above all the
gold and jewels in the world.
God bless you and keep you all safe and well.
Pat
PS. I may have RATSOTOO sewn onto a baseball cap and wear him with
pride and honour on Saint Patrick's Day!

My doctors are giving me conflicting messages. One says only if the
pain makes me double over, and another says if I have a fever and
pain to get to the ER. I'm confused. Tammy

Pat,
Thanks Pat for the stern shooing... but I am feeling a little bit better this
morning. I still am going to the docs, just to be on the safe side... but I
feel somewhat confident that I'll be ok. Whatever was going on yesterday and
last night seems to have subsided somewhat. (Knock on wood.)
I've only been up for a few hours and I promise that if things start back
downhill I won't be hesitant to take you up on the "GET OUTTA HERE" you so
kindly
offered....lol. I have to be home this weekend for Brady's Birthday
party... he already has it planned, so if I end up in the hospital again he'll
never
forgive me. You only get to be 11 once. (Besides, I have to bake the cake!!)
I hope you are having a spectacular day.
{{{HUGZ and prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Linda,
I read here that you take Topamax for migranes (with paxil) did or do you
have any side effects from the topamax at all? I am on it, but not for
migraines. I was put on it for my panc pain at the pain clinic.
I started out at 25mg and increased to 400 mg per day. I had to be cut back
to 200 mg per day because it caused me to have some pretty severe vision
problems. (tunnel vision) I also know that if I don't take it now I stand a
high
risk of having seizures, that wasn't something that the pain doctor told me
about... I had to find that out on my own.
I also found out that Topamax can interfere with hormone treatments, and
birth control pills (thank goodneess I don't have to worry about that one!!!
Whew!) It does help with the pain though. I missed two doses in a row once, I
ended up in the ER and as an inpatient for 11 days... I haven't missed a dose
since.
Hoping you are having a Pain Free Day, {{{HUGZ and Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

Hello All,
Today is my 57 Birthday, and I am delighted to be able to celebrate
it with all my TPPFamily and friends.
My first task is to thank all of you that sent me individual e-cards
and emails, it is so very nice of you all to take the time to do so.
More especially as most of you are suffering in some way 24//7 from
our common ememy, Pancreatic Disease.
My second task, and it is a most pleasurable thing so calling it a
task does the subject of it a disservice. I don't know for certain
who sent this, but I have my ideas, we shall see.
Before she went to work, Lily brought me my tea and toast along with
my "starter pack" of pills.
This morning she had my birthday cards and the gifts from my sons and
of course from her also.
there were other pieces of post and i got through my family cards in
no time.
then, THE MYSTERIOUS PINKY/ORANGEY envelope!!
It is written in Silver and black writing and to add to the mystery,
it has two different clues to the location of the sender, either
accidental or deliberate. To set the picture, I'm sitting up in our
bed, propped up with pillows and feeling really warm so I have
whipped of my JamJam top to cool down the "flush". As I open the
envelope and take out the pages inside, I am covered in the tiniest,
loveliest, sparkling little stars I have ever seen! The whole bed is
covered in the twinkling little things, they are simply delightful! I
have never received such a surprise in my life, usually any letters
to me are from my bank or lawyers or hospital appointments, and you
can be certain they do not have stars in them, that's for certain.
There are mysterious little messages, and as I read one, I think,
GOTTCHA!, I know who it's from but then I read the next bit and once
again I have no idea who it is from.
It is filled with whimsy and it is a total joy to receive, it
is "SERENDIPPITY BY POST"!!
I will treasure it always, but I will not rest until I discover it's
author and sender, if they are one and the same that is.
It must be one (or more) of the TPP Family, I really don't know
anyone in the USA or Canada that could possibly know about some of
the things mentioned in the letter, so based on that hunch,
I will say, if you sent me this lovely, heart warming letter, then
you should know that you have made my 57th birthday one of the
sweetest, nicest birthdays I have had so far. Thank you, I wish for
you, everything I wish for myself, simply some good health and even a
little more of the happiness I fell now.
May God bless you all and keep you all safe and well,
SSSSSSSSSMMMMMMMOOOOOOUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHCH!
This a a great big kiss I have blown to all of you, please share it
between you all.
Pat Cassidy

Hi Jeannine,
I won't hate you AGAIN! I'll just continue doing it, I NEVER STOPPED!!
8¬) 8¬) 8¬) 8-¬)) Can't win, can you? HeHeHeHeHeHe
Sorry, your correct, and it even says it in the extract I posted to
for Lisa but I sent it without a subject or heading!!
Errors on top of forgetfulness, it goes on and on. I think there are
two main reasons this is happening me again, for a start I'm taking
Diuretics for the firsr time in my life and I think I'm a little
dehydrated, skin on the back of my hand has virtually no elasticity
to speak of and it's late, into the early hours of the morning here.
If SWMBO comes down ans catches me online, there will be no happy
birthday for me tomorrow that's for sure
For the record, have you ever found the reason why grapefruit reacts
with the drugs in this way? Frankly, given the widespread use of
grapefruit all over the world, it's amazing we don't hear more about
this problem.
Any other fruits that can cause reactions with drugs, scripted or OTC?
Thanks J,
Pat

I believe I am going to make Pat hate me again because it is
*grapefuit* juice to avoid when taking the statin family of drugs:
Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor and Pravachol are
some of the trade and generic names I can remember.
I have a grapefruit warning on one other med I take but cannot
recall which one....when I see th elabel I will try to remember to
make a note here.
I believe there are actually quite a few drugs that react with
grapefruit juice so it advisable not to drink it near the time you
take your meds.
Jeannine

Pat,
Thanks for the info. I take the cholestramine with pineapple juice or orange
juice. Because with the pulp in it, it seems to go down easier. I will stick
with the orange juice now just to be safe. By the way I only use a small amount
of juice too, because of the diabetes I don't drink much juice at all.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Denise,
Please don't try to make the meeting, you should get some rest as
it's not all that long since your last attack. Logically, you must be
at greater risk of all kinds of problems at this stage,and trying to
battle another major attack will be even hardwer and take you longer
thsn before.
Last week you were saying all these things to me, more or less
anyway, so now it's time to bite the bullet AND PRACTICE WHAT YOU
PREACH WOMAN!
God bless, may he keep you and your family safe and well.
Pat
GO ON, GET OUT OF HERE! GO, GO, BEFORE I LOSE MY TEMPER WITH YOU,SCAT!

Hello my lovely Louie!!!
For the past few days I have been watching for you to post because I
have not seen one for awhile. I have been offline for a while myself.
The dye they gave me doing the CT scan caused me to have a really bad
reaction, I thought I was going to die it was so bad. Laqst time I
spoke to you i had been told I had a fatty liver and you had the same.
My doctor has told me not to worry about, it's not an immediate
problem but I will have to improve on it.
She is not just dismissing it, she will get down to working with me
on clearing it up or decreasing it but not until I have seen the
Specialist this Friday, 6th of February. She says I have enough to
concern myself about without adding more to it. That seems to be fair
and I won't argue with her Louie, I would not get very far if I
did !!!
Enough of me, I want to hear how you are and how your coping with all
the snow, it must be gone now though? Did you go driving in it?
you were afraid of the hill close to your home I remember, but your
hubbie just runs at it and gets right up to the top without any
problem. I bet you hate him for doing that !!!!!!
Are you keeping well? You must do me a long post and fill me in on
all that has happened since we spoke last.
My doctor finally gave me some pills to reduce the swelling in my
legs and feet. My right one is almost normal but my left foot
especially, is still very big. I will win though.
I have to go, it's almost 3:30 am and I should have been in bed ages
ago, but I won't sleep because I fell asleep this afternoon.
Promise me you will post to me, I have missed your WACKY HUMOUR, you
are a CRAZY LADY for sure Louie !!!
God bless you and keep you safe and well.
Pat

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to pop in and say hello and that I am glad to see the board
picking up again, I breathed a big sigh of relief seeing everyone here. I worry
when it gets too quiet.
Unfortunately I am not feeling that well and am probably going to be offline
for a few days again. I am going to see the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully will
get some kind of relief there.
I am feeling quite down right now also, because it seems that the attacks
aren't giving me much of a break in between, and I think its just really
starting
to affect me. My always up attitude is taking a break.
I hope that I'll be here for the chat tomorrow evening but if I am not, I
hope that you will all get together anyway.
Take care and I'll try to post tomorrow... much love and many {{{HUGZ and
Prayers}}}
Denise
Denise Hallock in Michigan
Co-Owner ~ The Pancreatitis Place

LISA HONEY!
Sorry if I scared you, but you mentioned you were taking your
cholestroel meds with pineapple juice/
Please check this out, I am pretty certain that theyadvise NOT TAKING
PINEAPPLE juice in particular.
When I post this, I will go off and check my info on this, it isa
warning with Lipitor and I though it applied to all of these meds.
I will get back with the info ASAP,
Regards
Pat

Karen,
Your too kind, all did was cause youto pause and think, in such
crisis situations we all need something to just shake us on the
shoulder ans say, listen to yourself. Actually, i'm the last one that
should say this to you, mr worry Warts himself!!
Your description of all your family's lives at present is a very
familiar one to me for sure and to many others I would think, and
your concerns are perfectly justied, this is a promt for re-
evaluating things. But your Mom would need to be at least out of any
form of crisis, at least the initial crisis an attack usually causes.
Once she is stable and recovering, then I think it is entirely
appropriate for you to speak with both your own doctors and those
taking care of your Mom. to my knowledge, the actual test for HP is
relativly simple, it's the taking of a very detailed family history
is what takes the longest time.
Something else to consider, more especially in relation to your own
daughter might be :: Is now the the time to bring up the subject of
the possibility of HP? What impact would it have on her ability to
relax and enjoy her wonderful day, and then there is the honeymoon, a
costly holiday and one that most newly weds really need to be able to
go on and relax and take stock of things, especially for themselves.
You know her better tyhan most would, would you like to ruin her big
day by perhaps scaring her? Does she know anything about HP and it's
implications?
Then there is your sisters, are they at a comfortable or safe place
in their lives? Even if they are, they too need to be able to
concentrate on helping your Mom, if they take up most of the burden
and you don't have any increased pain or symptoms, then your Mom may
not blame herself so much. god love her, she would likely blame her
illness for causing yours, moms are like that, by the way, dads are
too!
The more you give some time to stop and consider your options, the
more positive the outcome of all of this will be. I believe your Mom
should be given time to come to terms with HER Pancreatitis before
she has to take on board the possible implications of HP.
I wonder how common your situation is, whereby you had Pancreatitis
before your mother had? It seems more likely that parents would
develop these hereditary illness before their children do.
You seem to have calmed down considerably Karen, and the fact that
you were so readly able to admit your tendency to rush to "Meet the
Devil halfway", to use a pharase common here. You will do well with
this, trust me, I'm Irish(!), and your sisters will probably have
already agreed to try to keep you out of the "work load" involved for
all of our loved ones when there is serious illness in ou lives.
I'll bet that your a very well grounded person normally, but your
extra stressers, the wedding for wexample, are impacting on you right
now, take it easy, one thing, one day at a time, Baby steps are the
order of the day Karen.
God bless,
Pat
BTW, you and your mom will make for an interesting pair of members !!!

Hi, everyone. I've just gotten back from having a EGD today and I'm
not feeling too well. The doc says that I have reeflux disease
{which I already knew} and that I have inflammation in the lower
part of the stomach. He did two biopsys, but I won't know anything
for about seven to ten days. I guess when you have chronic
pancreatitis, you can expect things to go wrong in other places. My
doc thinks that the pancreatitis is progressing brcause the pain is
worse. I'll have to see what the tests say. Jeanine, I have had
migraines for the last 7 years. The only thing that has really made
a great difference has been a combination of Topamax and Paxil.I
used to get 1 to 3 headaches a week, now I only get maybe 1 or 2 a
month. This combination, according to what I've read and experienced
can really make a difference of up to about a decrease of 70 to 80%
in the frequency and duration of migraines. You might ask your doc
about it. It has been a lifesaver for me.
The chronic pancreatitis is hard enough. Best Wishes to all, Linda
from Atlanta

Pat,,
I haven't had a migraine in over a year either. I was just thinking it was
because I don't have to work in the high stress field I was in. Now the only
headaches I get are from my blood sugars going crazy. Those are close to
migraines but not as bad and they do not linger or make me vomit.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Jeanine,
I am a migraineur too, and I have been one for many years also.
however, get this, since developing my Pance problems, I have had
none at all, or certainly, none that was the same as the usual ones
for me.
Initially, I had the classics, shadows, floaters, photosensitivites,
in fact you name it, it happened during my Migs as I named them,
after the Russian nuke fighters!! Alright, it seemed like a good idea
back then.
Things were bad, theywere getting so frequen that they were almost
chain linking when my Saint Doctor, (remember I mentioned him?)
scripted me a cocktail of meds, an anti-pepressant, an epilepsy med,
(name will come) and Beta Blocker. This woked for me for many years
until late in 2001 I had a Mig for about two days and nothing would
work. I was in bed, darkend room and vomiting like crazy, and
usually, if I vomited, it would resolve sometime after.
On the third morning I woke and instantly felt something wrong
withthe right side of my face. Quick look in the mirror and I was
terrified, even more so than usual!!
The right side of my face was completly distirted. It looked almost
identical to a stroke, my right eye was drooping downwards and my
eyebrow was almost down inline with the bridge of my nose. the right
side of my mouth was also pulled down and the entire cheek was puffed
and twisted in the most awfulway imaginable.
I called Lily and she almost passed out looking at it, by this time I
was fully awake and drooling, the whole nine yards. She rang my
doctor and she told her to get me there asap. We went straifgt away
and when i walked into the receptionthelok on the girls behind the
desk was enought to tell me that iwas not imagining this, it was
nasty.
My doc took one look, cursed out loud with the F word and phoned for
the blue lighters. Away to the Er and luckly the nurses on duty saw
my face because in the time it took for a doctor tocome see me,
minutes really, my face had almost entirely resolved itself.
My right eye was a little distorted but he felt it was normal and
after the usual bloods and some Zrays and a CT scan, i was on my way
home.
This became the pattern for the rest of the year into the following
year. eventually, after 3 soecialists saying it was either nothing at
all or I was presenting the symptoms my self for some unknown reason.
None of the specialist had ever seen it and none of the younger
doctors that had, could explain it to them.
so I began to take pictures of it everytime it happened. I set up my
digital camera on a mini tripod on a shelf inmy wardrobe and simply
used the timer to take the shots. After I had about a dozen episodes
on paper, I was sent to a specialist and within 5 minutes of speaking
with me and examining the pictures he told me it was a form of
migraine. He did tell me the name but i have forgotten it now
unfortunately. I continued to have them on and off afterwards and I
found they were worse and more frequent when I was over tired or
stressed.
But for some unknown reason, they went a s quickly as they came in
the first quarter of last year. Touch wood, I have not really had
even a really bad headache since then.
Co-incidentally, I had suffered with reflux acid to die from for
years, most of my life really, and that too vanished at almost the
very same time.
Can anyone relate to any of this? i have not found anyone among my
friends that have know of someones migraines to just dissapear, may
have heard of them declining in frequency or intensity but not going
away. Better keep my fingers crossed they don't return.
Regards,
Pat

Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Do you plan on going to the hosp.? Did
your dad tell them that you also have pancreatitis? Also maybe if you call the
GI dr. and tell them your mom is in the hosp with pancreatits maybe they will
see her sooner. Good luck and our prayers are with her.
Lisa
Simi Valley, CA

Pat,
thank you so much for your post. You are so incredibly right. I am terrible
about what iffing myself to death. This has been an incredibly stressful time
for me, my mom, my sis, and my daughter. As you may have read in the posts, my
daughter is getting married May 29th. Her first bridal shower is this Saturday
and my mother has been incredibly stressed that I am doing too much and will end
up back in the hospital. Truth be told, I have felt on the edge of an attack
for several days now. I have not been out of the house since Friday because I
am trying to just rest and lay low. Now if I do end up having an attack, I know
my mom will blame herself, when the reality is that it will probably have very
little to do with my mom.
I will take a deep breath and pray that it is simply a fluke that my mom had an
attack of acute pancreatitis. If it is something hereditary, all the worry in
the world will not change anything!
Thank you for kind and reassuring words.
Karen

Jeanine,
I too suffer from Migraines and have taken Imatrex for my migraines. I used
it only when it came in the shot form and haven't tried the pill for nasal
spray kind. I have found another pill very helpful to me. It's called
Zomig. I have found that the 5mg strength work better on me the 2.5mg
strength. You take one and if you still have a headache 2 hours later you
take one more. You can't take more that 2 in 24 hour period. It has helped
me allot.
I through I would just mention you this incase the Imatrex didn't help you
or in case you insurance didn't cover the Imatrex. Best Wishes in getting
your Migraines under control. They a such a pain and make you not even want
to move.
Take Care,
Louie in WV
nal Message -----
From: "Lisa Chambers" <chamberslm@...

HI -
I also take Imitrex for migraines. I have taken it for 12 years now and it
is definitely the wonder drug. I too also get migraines when I have panc
attacks and always have to remind my dr. to put Imitrex on my meds list.
Cecilia
Mesa, AZ

Pat -
I buy most of my food at a healthy food store located mostly in the west
called Trader Joe's. I get a pork tenderloin (it is about nine inches long with
a
two - three inch diameter). I roast it in the oven and slice it into 1/2
inch medalions. It is OUT OF THIS WORLD. I have NOT flair-ups. It contains
nearly O fat. I have also seen it in the regular grocery stores, but you need
to
watch that it doesn't have additives...
It really is very mild, flavorful, and can be topped with a variety of items
(i.e. rasperry fruit spead, mustard, pineapple salsa - be creative based on
what you can tolerate).
Cecilia

Lisa -
I take a chinese herb for my constipation and have for two years. it is
wonderful (and doesn't upset any of my panc issues). It is apricot seed.
I get it from my acupuncturist (who is also a John Hopkins trained MD). It
is: SUN TEN Chinese Herbal Extracts, dietary supplement "Ma Zi Ren Wan",
Apricot Seed & Linum Formula 110, 500 mg. each (I take two capsules 3 x a day).
It
also says "for professional use only" so I don't think it can be bought at a
health food/asian food store. It is distributed by Brion Herbs Corp., Irvine,
CA 92618.
I can't stand to drink any of the liquid fiber drinks or mixes and the stool
softeners, I have been told, are not a good idea.
Cecilia
Mesa, AZ

Jan Baby,
Thank you for your lovely post, as usual you had me laughing fit to
bust imagining me dancing around with a Hampster or RATSO stuck on my
head!! your a mad lady, thank God for it too.
Something occured to me when you were writing about the cost of
having a hearing aid. for the kind of money you are talking of, you,
and Tom, could both have a holiday in Europe and have a CUSTOM
DESIGNED tiny in-ear hearing aid made. I cannot give you an actual
cost because every persons requirements are different, but they can
be obtained for much, much less than the amount you speak of.
The ones here would be made by the same famous hearing aid
manufacturers world wide, Amplivox,Philips to name but two.
they would probably have one of their technicians come to your hotel
room and check your hearing and organise the best one for your needs.
Better than spending that amount of money just on something that
many, many, people simply cannot get used to. I have a very good
friend, Joe Ryan, and he has stopped using his because the
interferrence from mobile phones(cell phones) was driving him crazy!!
That's just what you don't need any help with, Your as crazy as a
jungle of monkeys!
Lovze Yah, hugz yah,
Pat

Hello Karen,
I am so sorry your mom is unwell, but for her to be unwell with
Pancreatitis is awful. We all know only too well what it's like and
to know a parent or sibling is affected is a double blow.
First thing I want to do is try to put some of your fears and
concerns to bed, that way you can devote your "worry warts" to real
concerns.
Your concerns about your son and your sisters are understandable,
however, at this time they are in the "what ifs, perhaps's, suppose,
and all the other words you can apply. In other words, they are NOT
CURRENT and so therefore, you should try to put them aside for now.
We can all only deal with today in any effective way.
you need all your strength to deal PRIMARILY with YOUR Pancreatitis
and then, AND ONLY THEN, shouls you be there