Huge archive

http://www.diabetes.org/type-2-diabetes.jsp
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2
diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the
cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be
able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the body,
and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When
glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can
cause two problems:
Right away, your cells may be starved for energy.
Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys,
nerves or heart.
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 2
diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy,
happy lives.
While diabetes occurs in people of all ages and races, some groups
have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others. Type 2
diabetes is more common in African Americans, Latinos, Native
Americans, and Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged
population.
Conditions & Treatment
Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 2
diabetes, and how to prevent them. Conditions associated with type 2
diabetes include hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. You will also find
helpful information about insulin, oral medications, various
diagnostic tests including the A1c test, managing and checking your
blood glucose, and tips on what to expect from your health care
provider.
Complications
Having type 2 diabetes increases your risk for many serious
complications. Some complications of type 2 diabetes include: heart
disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve
damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more
about these complications and how to cope with them.
Your Body's Well Being
Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend
now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart
health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous
type 2 diabetes complications later in life. Plus, some of the best
things you can do for your body are to stop smoking, and reduce the
amount of alcohol you drink.
Common Concerns
This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 2
diabetes. What do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you
travel? Can you get a flu shot with diabetes? How do you cope with
having type 2 diabetes? Are you being discriminated against because
you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these questions, and more
in this section.
Sex & Pregnancy
Men and women with type 2 diabetes have similar sexual health issues
as people without diabetes. However, there are some concerns which
are magnified by diabetes. Do you have type 2 diabetes and are you
planning to become pregnant? Learn how to help ensure the health and
well-being of yourself, and your child.
Ask the Pharmacist
The American Diabetes Association and Rite Aid "Ask the Pharmacist"
area is where you can ask a pharmacist a question to help you manage
your diabetes. Rite Aid and the ADA have partnered to allow you to
access to Rite Aid's Drug Information Center from our Web site.

Subject: My diabetic father isn't taking care of himself. What can I
do?
We'll assume your father has type 2 diabetes. See separate section for
definition of types.
Type 2 diabetics, and those who care for them, are in a difficult
situation.
Type 2 strikes late in life, so personal habits and patterns are
already
formed and solidly engrained. Yet in most cases those habits and
patterns are
exactly what must be changed if a newly-diagnosed diabetic is to care
properly for his or her health. This is a difficult psychological
problem.
The cornerstones for treating type 2 diabetes are exercise, weight
control,
and diet. A high percentage of type 2 patients who apply these
therapies
assiduously can control the disease with these therapies alone,
without
insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs. Naturally these are also some of
the most
difficult aspects of life to change. There can be no single or simple
answer
of how to help or encourage a particular individual find a
combination of
therapies which not only controls the disease but also is
psychologically
acceptable and which can be incorporated as a lifetime pattern.
Helping
depends on knowing the individual's habits, patterns, motivations,
desires,
likes and dislikes, and working with all the existing conditions and
everything brought forward from past life.
Doctors and other health care professionals have a choice in treating
patients with type 2 diabetes. They can prescribe drugs (oral
hypoglycemics)
and insulin, or they can try to get their patients to make the
difficult
lifestyle changes described above. (Many patients need both.) The
latter
effort is time consuming and often frustrating, as doctors too often
see
patients failing to make any change at all.
Friends and family can help by learning about type 2 diabetes, and
doing what
you can to encourage your loved one to make diet and lifestyle
changes. If
this supports the plan a treatment team is urging the patient to
follow, you
will add your support for difficult changes. If the doctor (or the
whole
treatment team) falls down on the educational and motivational
structure, you
can fill in some of the gaps. Your effort is well spent in either
case.
In particular, if a doctor has left the impression that drugs and
insulin are
the only treatments, make sure to counter that impression with
information
about the value of exercise, diet, and weight control.
At the same time, it's important to remember that needing oral
hypoglycemics
and/or insulin injections as additional tools isn't failure. On the
contrary,
a patient who's been actively involved in self treatment already has
an
excellent chance of using these additional tools successfully. Those
who have
learned to use the exercise - weight control - diet triumvirate will
also be
able to utilize insulin and oral drugs as additional treatments when
needed.
Choose the appropriate tools and use them effectively.
These treatment choices can interact in positive ways as well.
Bringing blood
glucose under control often increases the body's sensitivity to
insulin. So
ironically, using insulin may decrease the need for insulin. This is a
positive change which can then be reinforced by the other, interacting
treatments.
You will need far more information than is appropriate for a Usenet
FAQ
panel. As a start, call the ADA (see ADA section), get a subscription
to
_Diabetes Forecast_ (see journals), and visit a university library
and browse
in the diabetes section in the stacks.
Beyond the generalizations above, a few specifics are usually of
value:
Set a good example in your own life. Exercise and eat a good diet.
The recommendations for diabetics are healthy choices for anyone.
Share your example. Serve a tasty, low-fat diet to family and
friends
when they are your guests.
Suggest joint activities. Suggest a walk instead of watching a
ball game.
Make sure your diet and activities are visibly enjoyable so your
guests will accept your invitiation to join you.

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-symptoms.jsp
Diabetes Symptoms
Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms (often
misspelled as "symtoms") seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate
that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can
decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Some diabetes symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Increased fatigue
Irritability
Blurry vision
If you have one or more of these diabetes symptoms, see your doctor
right away. You can also take our Online Diabetes Risk Test to find
out if you are at risk for diabetes.

http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes.jsp
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults,
and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes,
the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body
to be able to use sugar. Sugar is the basic fuel for the cells in the
body, and insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells.
Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don't panic. Type 1
diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy,
happy lives.
Conditions & Treatment
Arm yourself with information about conditions associated with type 1
diabetes, and how to prevent them. Conditions associated with type 1
diabetes include hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and celiac
disease. You will also find helpful information about insulin,
choosing blood glucose meters, various diagnostic tests including the
A1c test, managing and checking your blood glucose, kidney and islet
transplantations, and tips on what to expect from your health care
provider.
Complications
Having type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious
complications. Some complications of type 1 diabetes include: heart
disease (cardiovascular disease), blindness (retinopathy), nerve
damage (neuropathy), and kidney damage (nephropathy). Learn more
about these complications and how to cope with them.
Your Body's Well Being
Make it a priority to take good care of your body. The time you spend
now on eye care, foot care and skin care, as well as your heart
health and oral health, could delay or prevent the onset of dangerous
type 1 diabetes complications later in life. Plus, some of the best
things you can do for your body are to stop smoking, and reduce the
amount of alcohol you drink.
Common Concerns
This section addresses various areas to help you live with type 1
diabetes. What do you do when you're sick? What do you do when you
travel? Can you get a flu shot with diabetes? How do you cope with
having type 1 diabetes? Are you being discriminated against because
you have diabetes? You'll find answers to these questions, and more
in this section.
Sex & Pregnancy
Men and women with type 1 diabetes have similar sexual health issues
as people without diabetes. However, there are some concerns which
are magnified by diabetes. Do you have type 1 diabetes and are you
planning to become pregnant? Learn how to help ensure the health and
well-being of yourself, and your child.
Ask the Pharmacist
The American Diabetes Association and Rite Aid "Ask the Pharmacist"
area is where you can ask a pharmacist a question to help you manage
your diabetes. Rite Aid and the ADA have partnered to allow you to
access to Rite Aid's Drug Information Center from our Web site.

http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics/kidney-disease.jsp
Diabetes and Nephropathy (Kidney Complications)
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body's ability to produce or
respond to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose (blood sugar)
to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. Diabetes falls
into two main categories: type 1, which usually occurs during
childhood or adolescence, and type 2, the most common form of the
disease, which usually occurs after age 45, but is increasingly being
diagnosed in children and adolescents.
Diabetes is the fifth-deadliest disease in the United States, and it
has no cure. The total annual economic cost of diabetes in 2002 was
estimated to be $132 billion, or one out of every 10 health care
dollars spent in the United States.
What kidney problems can be caused by diabetes?
Kidney disease, or nephropathy, is a frequent complication of
diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, and often ends in end-stage renal
disease (kidney failure).
Ten to 21% of all people with diabetes have nephropathy.
Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Diabetic
nephropathy is a progressive disease that takes several years to
develop. Many tiny blood vessels in the kidney act as filters to
remove wastes, chemicals, and excess water from the blood. In
diabetic nephropathy, these blood vessels are damaged, become leaky,
and protein eventually spills into the urine (proteinuria).
Eventually, the damaged filters are destroyed, putting more stress on
the remaining filters and eventually causing them to become damaged.
When the entire filtration system breaks down, the kidneys fail to
function, and this is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ESRD is
a condition where the patient requires dialysis or a kidney
transplant in order to live.
Approximately 43% of new cases of ESRD are attributed to diabetes.
In 2000, 41,046 people with diabetes initiated treatment for end-
stage renal disease, and 129,183 people with diabetes underwent
dialysis or kidney transplantation.
ESRD incidence attributed to diabetes is increasing more rapidly than
ESRD due to other causes. From 1988 to 1991, diabetes accounted for
33.8% of new ESRD cases, up from 23% of new cases in 1982. By 1999,
this number reached 43%.
In the United States, the incidence of reported ESRD in people with
diabetes is more than 4 times as high in African Americans, 4 to 6
times as high in Mexican Americans and 6 times as high in Native
Americans than in the general population of diabetes patients.
The risk of ESRD is 12 times as high in people with type 1 diabetes
as in those with type 2 diabetes.
In patients with type 1 diabetes who develop persistent proteinuria
(protein in the urine), ESRD or death usually follows after about 5-
10 years.
Can diabetes-related kidney problems be prevented?
The key to preventing diabetes-related kidney problems begins with
good control of blood glucose levels, control of blood pressure and
regular screening by a health care professional.
The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT), a 10-year study
which ended in June 1993, proved among type 1 patients that improved
blood glucose control can prevent the onset and delay the progression
of diabetic nephropathy. Therapy that keeps blood glucose levels as
close to normal as possible reduced damage to the kidneys by 35-56%.
(New England Journal of Medicine, September 30, 1993)
Because a person with diabetes can develop nephropathy and not know
it, a regular visit with a health care professional is essential.
Regular visits with a health care professional can detect proteinuria
early and possibly prevent ESRD.
Research has shown that certain blood pressure drugs, called ACE-
inhibitors, can reduce the progression of diabetic kidney disease.
What is needed?
In ideal circumstances, patients with diabetes will have their
disease under good control and be monitored frequently by a health
care team knowledgeable in the care of diabetes.
Health care team education is vital. Because people with diabetes
have a multi-system chronic disease they are best monitored and
managed by health care professionals trained with the latest
information on diabetes to help ensure early detection and
appropriate treatment of the serious complications of the disease. A
team approach to treating and monitoring this disease serves the best
interests of the patient.
Patient education is critical. People with diabetes can reduce their
risk for complications if they are educated about their disease,
learn and practice the skills necessary to better control their blood
glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and receive regular
checkups from their health care team. Smokers should stop smoking,
and overweight people with diabetes should develop moderate diet and
exercise regimens under the guidance of a health care provider to
help them achieve a healthier weight.

Today is Diabetes Alert Day. www.diabetes.org has a risk test free to
find out just what your risks are. I invite you to take this test at:
http://www.diabetes.org/risk-test.jsp
I had a score of 10 out of 10. Diabetes and pancreatitis go hand in
hand, as many of us have already found out from personal experience.I
am going to put out some information on diabetes covering many of the
types of diabetes. If some of the links are not clickable, please
copy and paste them into your browser.
Thank you,
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

Hi,
I hope everyone is doing fine,and haveing more good days than
bad.For me i am still dealing with this awfull pain,i keep telling
myself its got to get better.I cant wait for this transplant and
praying that it will work,at least take away some of the pain.ReeAnn
sorry to hear that you have not been feeling well.You are in my heart
and prayers,I hope you feel better soon.Thanks for the Happy Birthday
from all.Well take care to you all,I hope i am feeling better so i
can chat with you all on the next chat day.Ok all have those pain
free days,HAHA,even i know there are not to many of those days if
any.Just wishfull thinking for us.
Thinking Of You All,
Ruthie

Thanks.
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

If these links are not clickable, please copy nad paste them in your
browser.
Thanks,
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

http://www.lifescan.com/care/essentials/symptoms/
Symptoms of Diabetes
The initial symptoms of diabetes are usually related to
hyperglycemia , the medical term for high blood glucose. The onset of
Type 1 diabetes is often sudden, and diabetic ketoacidosis may be the
first indication of the disease. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes may
develop so gradually that some patients notice few or no symptoms for
a number of years. They may initially complain of symptoms from
chronic complications, such as peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage in
the hands or feet). In other cases, the diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes
is made by a routine laboratory test in patients who are symptom-free.
Classic presenting symptoms
The classic presenting symptoms of diabetes are an increased
frequency of urination (polyuria), increased thirst and fluid intake
(polydipsia) and, as the disease progresses, weight loss despite
increased hunger and food intake (polyphagia). These symptoms, all
caused by high blood glucose and the accompanying "spillover" of
excess glucose into the urine, can be prevented by maintaining
reasonable blood glucose levels. Other common symptoms include
blurred vision (due to changing levels of glucose in the eye),
weakness, fatigue, recurrent vaginal yeast infections and skin
infections. These symptoms are transient, do not indicate any
permanent damage, and can be eliminated by achieving control of blood
glucose levels.
Diabetic ketoacidosis
This acute complication of diabetes results when a nearly complete
lack of insulin forces the body to utilize energy from sources other
than glucose namely, acids released from fat tissue stores. These
fatty acids are broken down by the liver into several strong acids
known as ketone bodies. The accumulation of ketone bodies increases
the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis) to dangerous levels.
In addition, elevated blood glucose (due to the lack of insulin
action) leads to the excretion of large amounts of glucose and water
in the urine, causing severe dehydration. Diabetic ketoacidosis is
generally limited to patients who have Type 1 diabetes, but it can
occasionally occur when those with Type 2 diabetes are under physical
stress, such as during an infection.
Symptoms of ketoacidosis include fruity breath, nausea and vomiting,
slow and deep respiration, changes in mental status (initial
confusion, which can deepen into coma) and, finally, collapse of the
cardiovascular system. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency
that usually requires immediate hospitalization. Death can occur, but
the vast majority of patients recover with aggressive administration
of insulin and fluids.
Hyperosmolar nonketotic states
The stress of an injury or a major illness such as a stroke, heart
attack or severe infection can raise blood glucose to extremely high
levels in Type 2 patients. Their insulin concentrations are adequate
to avert excessive ketone body production, but they cannot prevent
high blood glucose levels and the rise in blood osmolarity
("thickening" of the blood) that gives this condition its name.
Severe dehydration worsens the problem, and patients develop
lethargy, prostration, confusion and, in extreme cases, coma.
In about a third of patients with this condition, it is the first
indication of their diabetes.
Like ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar states can be fatal if not treated
rapidly with insulin and large amounts of fluids. People experiencing
the above-mentioned symptoms should contact their doctor. If a person
with these symptoms becomes unconscious, call an ambulance.
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

I want to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
May the year be filled with PAIN-FREE days.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

Dear Marisa,
I would keep a check on your sugar. 152 is on the high side of
normal, but not over the limit. With the amount of OJ you drank you
may be showing signs of the honeymoon stage or gestational diabetes.
I will try to get you some information on this. I am sure your doctor
is capable of managing this with you throughout your pregnacy. Nausea
is one of the real bad problems of pancreatitis. It is also with
pregnacy, Sorry you are getting a double dosage. If there is a
problem detected from your tests you should be able to control it by
diet, if that fails the pills the are next. You have my prayers that
you never have to go through diabetes. I also would like to
congratulate you and your family on this wonderful news of your
expectation. Please stop you worrying, it breeds stress and stress
breeds pancreatitis.
Thoughts and Prayers,
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

Hi All!
It has been a while since I have posted, the last time was to let everyone
know that I am having a baby. I have been feeling great pancreas wise, just
dealing with the nausea of pregnancy and all the hormone changes have made me a
little moody...lol. I have been able to keep up on the posts though. I do
have a question. My perinatologist did some lab work. One he ordered was the
one hour glucose, where I had to drink the orange drink then wait one hour and
do blood work. Well, apparently normal would have been 130 and I was 152. I
know that isn't deathly high, but is it high for a diabetic? Am I making
sense? Now he wants to do a 3 hour glucose test, this will tell more he said.
He
and I had discussed the higher chance of me becoming diabetic since I do have
CP and have had a partial distal. But so soon??? I am only 3 months
pregnant. I am scared. I was thinking the diabetes would come in later in the
pregnancy like 6 month or something. Will I immediately have to go on insulin
or
will it be diet controlled? I know I should have asked the doctor these
questions but I always am in such a shock when they give me disturbing news. I
do
see him again on the 8th but I was hoping to get input from you all. Any
comments would be appreciated. I hope everyone is doing well.
Sending lots of happy thoughts your way......
Marisa~San Diego, CA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUTHIE

03/22/04
Hi, Rita,
It sounds like Bueford had the same thing as my son did
when he was 20 yrs. of age. We have H.P. in the family. Some of us
have cysts others dont. My son kept telling me that he felt a large
lump, he called it a tumor. When they did his ERCP they found out
that there was a cyst covering the whole outside of his pancreas.
He went into surgrey to have his pancreatic duct enlarged
and clean and while they were in there, they drain the cyst and then
cut it off.
It's so strange that you can have HP in the family, but
just some have cysts while others don't. He's been doing very good
sence then. I hope and pray everyday he stays well. INTRESTING.
Laura

Hi everyone,
I was wondering if any of you all out there have suffered from this kind of
pain. It started yesterday (Sat.) around noon.
I was in the car going to the mall with my husband. I was so glad that he was
driving. When all of a sudden I got very nauseated and felt like I was going to
throw up, with that funny kind of taste you get before doing it. But I did not
throw up, just stayed nauseated all day. Then a few minutes I got very hot,
that I had to roll down the window in the car.
Kind of like a hot flash. Then I started to get the very serve pain in my whole
abdominal area. From right below my breast clear down to the top of my legs.
The whole area hurt, but the worse part was on my ULQ into the middle of UQ.
Then about a hour later when I was in the grocery store, I got very hot again
and very light headed, like I was going to faint. I couldn't wait to get
outside to some cold air.. Well when we got home I laid down for a while and
thought it settled down, but when friends come by about 7:30pm, I had to go
outside, because I was very nauseated and felt like I was going to throw up
again and also very Hot again. As the evening progressed about 10:45 I got very
hot again and had to go outside to cool down. This is so unlikely me, as I'm
the freeze type and always cold. All evening I could eat anything except a few
pieces of celery as my stomach area hurt again. Then last night when I went to
bed about 11:30pm the pain got much worse. I laid there for a long while
waiting for my pain medicine to kick in and finally got to sleep , then would
wake up every 2 hours all night long in very serve pain. I finally found a
strong nausea pill and took it about 6am and was able to sleep to 11am this
morning only to wake up with very bad abdominal area pain still and nauseated
again too. I made my husband breakfast and went back to bed, because the pain
medicine wasn't doing much good. Well, today at 4:30 my daughter was having a
big turkey dinner with all her family and in-laws there. I wanted my husband to
go without me, but he said that he would just stay home with me. Well I finally
got up about 3pm and took a shower and felt a little better, so I decided to go
for dinner, but ate very little. My daughter told me if I didn't feel well, to
stay home and she would understand, but I really didn't want to disappoint her
or the family, so I did go. Even a few people mention that I didn't eat very
much and ask if I was feeling good, so I told them that I wasn't. It really
kind of a strange pain because the area that hurts is so large and it also feel
like my inside lining of my stomach muscles is also hurting. Now tonight my
back is starting to hurt too. My daughter told me that she had the flu a couple
weeks ago and it lasted about 4-5 days. Her doctor told her she had it bad. It
kind of like the pains she was having. but mine is a little different because
the worse is where I usually get my pancreastitis pain when I have flare-ups
lately, but the strange part is I have never had this much area hurt when I
having a flare up and I usually don't have the Hot spell with a flare up either.
It a aching pain and a sharp pain and a knawing pain all at the same time.
Really strange for this to happen all at the same time.
I was wondering , if any of you have had this happen to you when your having a
flare-up of CP. Well, I think I going to go to bed as the pain is getting much
worse. I only hope I'll be able to get some more sleep tonight, than I did last
night. I couldn't get comfortable ,no matter how I laid in the bed. I really
hope it clears up by tomorrow. I hate to hurt this much and really not know
what it from. I hope you all are having a better day than I'm having.
Take Care,
Louie in WV

Everybody----The Chat Room is Now Open!!!
HiDenise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

ReeAnn, my prayers are with you..hope you will have a full recovery. and we
really do miss you so much..take care of yourself..hope to have you back very
very soon...
ur friend, brenda and kids

Hi Ros..Im a 30 yr old w/ cp. also. diagnosed 3 yrs ago, by the way my name is
Brenda. Just joined this family a few weeks ago...they are wonderful..any time
you have a question, concern, or just want a friend to talk to, we are all
here...
Take care and have a pain free day..
Brenda

Hello Ruthie,
How are you doing since you have been home? I hope everything is O.K.
with you. Its a beautiful day here, have been enjoying the sunshine.
Thought I would come in and catch up on some post and find out how
everybody is doing. Hope this finds you well and enjoying the
weekend. Our prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Gary,
Well I have been wondering where you could be!!! Well, right now, you
could be watching the race on T.V. If you didn't , you missed it.
Tell ya about it later, it was about Tony and Jeff. Now enough about
the race---How are you doing? Hope you are doing O.K. Sorry that Ree
is sick. I know you are taking good care of her. Let us know how she
is doing, please, as we are all concerned.Our prayers are with you
both.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hello Everyone at TPP,
Just wanted to let everybody know that ReeAnn is not feeling good at
all. She had a tooth pulled and was recovering from that when she
started having an attack. She has not been able to sit at the
computer since friday night. She can't sleep, just hurt. She NEEDS
our prayers. Lets pull together and show her just what a GREAT family
she has here at TPP.ReeAnn you are in our prayers. Hurry up and get
better. Take care of yourself.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Laura,
How you doing today? I hope you are having a good day. How is the
weather in Ohio? It is so beautiful day here in S.C. I got the front
door open and have been sitting on the front porch enjoying the
sunshine. I just love days like this. I am glad that the information
I posted was helpful. If you need additional information, just post
and ask me and I will do my best to get it for you. Hope you are
having a pain free weekend. Our prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Michelle,
I how are you doing tonight? We are doing OK here. Thanks for telling
me about the portrait of your family. Its under 'THE Carlisle family'
I looked under the C's and couldn't find it, but I kept looking and
found it. That is a very good picture. I like it. You have 2 good
looking sons.
I know you are waiting on pins and needles for Darricks test results
to come back. I hate the waiting. I have never liked to wait--I want
answers then!!!!!But sometimes, we have to wait----Please kept us
informed on the test. We are keeping Darrick in our prayers. You
whole family is in our prayers. Hoping you are having a good weekend.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Reeann posted a family portrait of me, Darrick, Michael and Rick a
lil while back. It's under "Carlisle family".
Hope all is well with everyone. Darrick still hasn't heard from the
doc and won't until this next Friday. He's got an appointment with
the Digestive Disease Associates here in Gainesville, FL, and they
will let him know then whether or not he has cancer. I wish they
would've just told him over the phone...that waiting period kills
all joys until then. He's also got his social security hearing on
Monday and we're both pretty restless about it.
Well, to answer your question Denise, from the last post, he has
good and bad days, it is just the bad days always seem to come much
more than the good, and more often too. Just hope that those tests
come back negative. Until I find out, I'm going to go crazy!!!!
I'm gonna go for now, but will be back soon...
Take great care,
Michelle C.

Hello all,
I first need to apologize for being absent from my groups so much lately.
First, it was things were so busy and hectic between wedding preparations for
Nikki's wedding (may 29th), going to Nikki's bridal showers (3 so far on Feb
7th, Mar 6th, Mar 13th). There is actually a 'dinner' tonight. It was supposed
to be a co-ed 'Tool and Gadget' shower. Nikki's future mother-in-law (MIL) told
Nikki that her sister/sisters-in-law would like to do a shower for Nikki in
Montgomery, AL. That's where Jonathan's mom, stepdad, grandparents, and some
aunts and uncles live. It's not that far from Montevallo, AL, where Nikki and
Jonathan currently live - about 1 1/2 hours. However, it is about 4 hours from
where we live (along with most of Nikki's family). I'm getting off track.
Anyway, the MIL told Nikki that Jonathan's aunts would like to have a shower for
her. We (Nikki, MIL, and I) were sitting at my dining room table when the MIL
told her that. Nikki, being her VERY sweet, gracious. and polite self, said,
"Oh, that is so sweet that they want to do that for me. I really appreciate it.
I would kind of like for Jonathan to be included in one of the showers and maybe
do a co-ed 'Tool and Gadget' shower or something along those lines. Since it's
Jonathan's aunts hosting the shower in Montgomery, it might be nice to have that
one as a co-ed shower so Jonathan and some of his friends could be included."
That was almost word for word exactly what Nikki said. A couple of days later I
get an e-mail from the MIL saying that she DOES NOT want Nikki DICTATING to her
sister/sister-in-laws about how the shower is done. She tried to soften the
blow by saying, 'she just wants it to be a suprise for Nikki and it won't be a
suprise if Nikki tells them how to do everything at the shower'. Well, the MIL
once again blew her 'oh, so sweet - Nikki is my daughter, I love her just like I
love my boys' routine! First, she obviously doesn't know Nikki very well, even
though Nikki and Jonathan have been engaged for 2 1/2 years and dating each
other exclusively for over 3 years. Nikki is VERY big on etiquette and doing
what is polite and socially correct. She would NEVER 'dictate' to anyone kind
enough to throw a shower or anything else in her honor! But, Nikki is the
bride and I do think that asking her what she might like, what day/time might
work best for her Jonathan and the people they'd like to invite, might actually
be a good idea since Nikki is the bride and Jonathan is the groom! However,
Nikki handled it all with the true grace that she handles most everything. She
is a young woman with class and I am so very proud of her! Nikki and Jonathan
did nothing other than provide a list of who they would like to invite to the
Montgomery co-ed 'shower'. The only friends they invited were Jonathan's
groomsmen (and their wives or girlfriends) and a couple other guy friends since
all of Nikki's girlfriends were invited to the previous shower in Montevallo.
Back to the Montgomery shower, Nikki and Jonathan were never even consulted on
the date/time. They were just told that the 'shower' would be at 5 p.m on Sat,
Mar 20th. Nikki said it was a good thing they neither she or Jonathan had
sorority/fraternity events on that day because there are many events that if you
miss, you have to pay a hefty fine (typically $50 to $100!). The MIL said they
chose to have the 'shower' from 5-7:30 p.m. because she figured that would not
be too late for family from the Huntsville/Athens, AL area to drive home. I
don't know what planet she's on, but Bud and I, nor do my other family members
have any desire to start a four hour drive home around 8 p.m. Anyway, that
wasn't such a big deal, we decided we'd just stay in a motel overnight, have
b'fast with Nikki and Jonathan the next morning and then head home. The main
thing was just that we all felt it was in very poor taste to not bother to
consult Nikki or Jonathan on the date/time. Then, we got the invitations in the
mail and the invitation said,
'Hacienda and Jardin
Mexican Fiesta Dinner
honoring
Nikki Jones and Jonathan Colwell'
It gave the time and place, listed all 8 of Jonathan's aunts, uncles, and his
grandmother/grandfather as host/hostess. Nowhere on the invitation did it
indicate in any way that it was a shower. Maybe my family and I are socially
retarded, but everyone that looked at the invitation as said, "Oh, so it's a
dinner and not a shower? We're not supposed to bring a gift?" With my family,
I told them that it was still supposed to be a shower and that any gifts would
be greatly appreciated but they certainly didn't need to feel obligated. Nikki
was pretty upset at first, not at the thought of not getting gifts, but at the
thought that some of Jonathan's friends may think the same thing my family (and
Nikki's room mate/bridesmaid) thought and not know to bring a gift and then end
up embarrassed when they see that some people did bring gifts. I told Nikki she
had no control over that and that if that did happen, she was just to tell the
friend, "Oh, no, gifts were not expected and you shouldn't feel the least bit
bad about not bringing a gift. They only gift expected was your presence and
we're so thankful you took time to help us celebrate." Once I helped her find a
way to gracefully alleviate any potential embarrassment for her friends, she was
fine. However, none of us were very happy about the whole event! Oh, I know
that it is improper etiquette to ask for specific gifts when sending out
invitations for showers, b'day parties, etc. However, with both baby and bridal
showers, it is now considered perfectly acceptable to list where the couple is
registered at for gifts. This is NOT okay with the wedding invitations, though!
Anyway, no mention was made at all as to where Nikki and Jonathan are registered
at. Okay, enough of that. Nikki is now doing wonderfully in dealing with her
future in-laws, but we do have to have bitch sessions on a regular basis.
However, Nikki has enough grace, class, and love for Jonathan to do what is
right. She knows it is best for Jonathan to be able to have a relationship with
his family, so for the most part Nikki just gripes to me or my sis when she gets
frustrated!
Nikki has one more shower after the one tonight. It will be on Apr 4th at our
church and will be hosted by two of my mom's friends, plus one of the teens at
the church. My stepdad works with the youth and they have all adopted my mom
and stepdad as surrogate grandparents.
After Nikki's last shower, I'm hosting a shower on Apr 17th for my friend's
daughter who is getting married on June 19th, 3 weeks after Nikki and Jonathan's
wedding (May 29th). I'll also be hosting the bridesmaid's tea on Saturday, May
22nd.
Anyway, as you can imagine, things have been quite busy for me lately. When you
add in doctor's appts, time in the hospital, and just days of not feeling like
doing anything, there is just not a lot of time left for the computer.
Just to make things even more interesting, I decided I'd throw in a little TIA
on Wednesday morning! As some of you may know, I was recently diagnosed with an
Immunoglobulin deficiency, IgG deficiency to be exact. My sis has it and has to
get monthly IV supplements. They tested me simply because my sis has it and we
have a lot in common! Anyway, don't know if my IgG deficiency is caused by a
genetic problem (as my sister's is) but I was supposed to see the hematologist
for the first time on Wednesday. My sis and I were to go together because she
doesn't feel well after the treatments and gets a really bad headache. The doc
is in B'ham, which is 100 miles south.
My sis got here right at 7 a.m. and I was at the computer, just reading e-mails,
not typing. Time had gotten away from me, so when I realized she was here, I
jumped up from the computer to grab my shoes, etc, so we could hit the road.
When I got up, I realized my left arm and hand was totally numb. I tried moving
my arm, rubbing it, everything I could think of and nothing would help. Then my
left hand begun pulling inward and I had to really fight to keep it from doing
that. My left hand was totally useless as far as trying to do anything with it.
My husband was sitting on the edge of the bed (I'd just woken him up) and I'm
standing there almost yelling at him for him to do something to make my arm and
hand quit 'doing this'! He said something about that I needed to tell my sister
that I was having trouble and it'd be a few minutes before I could be ready to
go. I yelled at Bud and told him to get his a** out of the bed, put on some
pants and go get my sister and tell her I could not use my friggin' arm! He got
up then and got her. About that same time, I was all of a sudden absolutely
freezing. My sis got me in the bed covered up and then immediately picked up
the phone and called my internal med doc, Dr. Wyatt. He called back within
minutes and Bud told him what was happening. He told Bud to get me to the ER
immediately. I then insisted that my sis go ahead and head to B'ham so she
didn't miss her appt for the supplements. She promised if she didn't feel like
driving home by herself she'd call Nikki (who is only30 miles south of B'ham).
Shortly after she left, it became almost impossible to keep my hand from drawing
inward and I just began feeling more weird. I told my husband I had to go to
the hospital in Huntsville (45 minutes away) because there is not even a
neurologist in Athens (the town we live in) or one that comes to our local
hospital. I also told Bud that I really thought we needed to call an ambulance
because I felt like everything was getting worse. He just kept insisting that
we didn't need to call an ambulance and that he would take me to the hospital.
Typically, I prefer Crestwood Hospital in Huntsville. It is a smaller, private
hospital and I always received excellent care. However, I knew that if I was
having a stroke that action needed to be taken quickly. I called Bud's sister,
who was a nurse many years ago, and who also has major heart problems. She
doesn't like Huntsville Hospital, but she knows that when she's having heart
problems, it is the best place for her to be. She said with a possible stroke,
I needed to be at Hsv Hospital, so that's where we went. While we were on the
way, I got really ticked at Bud for refusing to call an ambulance. My vision
got cloudy for a minute or so and then I had trouble getting my words out and I
couldn't remember a very simple common word on a few occasions. Thankfully,
those symptoms didn't last long. We finally got to Hsv Hospital. I honestly
thought I was in the waiting room for at least an hour before they got me to a
treatment room. Bud swears it was 15 minutes max and that he couldn't
understand why I was getting so aggitated and saying that I wanted to leave and
go to Crestwood because it was ridiculous to have to wait so long. He swears
that from the time he walked in (just a few minutes after me since he had to
park the car) to the time they had me in a treatment room was just a matter of
minutes. It honestly felt like at least an hour to me!
They did all the standard tests and my internal med doc came by the ER around
lunch time to check on me. The labs and ct scan were normal, but the ER doc and
my doc said they felt sure I'd had a TIA. My doc said he was just going to
admit me for 24 hour observation and call in a neurologist. That afternoon the
neurologist came by. I had already improved greatly by then, but still had a
major difference in my right and left hand/arm. Also, there was a pretty big
difference in my right leg/foot vs left leg/foot, which I didn't even notice
until the doctor and nurses checked. The neurologist also said there was a very
slight drooping on the left side of my face. He said he wanted to do several
tests.
Thursday morning, Dr. Wyatt came in and said he was converting me to a 'regular
admission', which I took to mean that I would not be going home on Thursday! On
Thursday, they did an echocardiogram of my heart, doppler ultrasound of my
carotid arteries, x-rays of my neck just to make sure there wasn't something
going on to cause a pinched nerve, an MRI and MRA of my brain. On Friday
morning, Dr. Wyatt came in and said that all the tests were fine, but they were
sure I'd had a TIA. My INR was 2.3 and he first said that was okay, then said,
on second thought, he really wanted it up to about 3.0. I was on 7 mg of
coumadin on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and then 7.5 mg of coumadin on
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Dr. Wyatt told me to increase the
coumadin to 7.5 mg every day and to see him in a week. The nurse on the neuro
unit told me that she felt sure they would want me to be followed by the
neurologist from now on and they would want him to manage my coumadin level.
However, I never even saw the neurologist after all my test results were back
and when I was discharged Friday, there was no mention of seeing the neuro doc
again.
My husband said, so basically all they are doing different is upping your
coumadin .5 mg 3 times a week? He said he didn't know if he was happy with
that. I told him I didn't know if I was happy with it or not. I told him I
intend to totally educate myself on strokes and TIAs prior to my appt with Dr.
Wyatt on Friday. I will also probably request to have a followup appt with the
neuro. I know that a TIA is not a stroke, although, it's often called a min
stroke. However, I also know that a TIA can be a major warning sign, especially
with someone who has a known clotting disorder and is already a pretty decent
dose of blood thinners!
I got home from the hospital around 4 p.m. on Friday. We were supposed to leave
around noon today to go to the 'dinner' in Montgomery. I wrapped all the gifts,
packed my close, and all the other stuff you have to do prior to going out of
town. At this point, I had not even told Nikki about the TIA or even about me
being in the hospital. I just prayed she would not call while I was in the
hospital. Thankfully, she did not. She is sooo busy with school. She gets her
BA degree in English on May 8th. However, she's getting a masters in Education
and English and has already begun taking master's level education classes. She
is spending 2-4 full days a week in the middle school classroom and is already
having to do actual teaching. I'm glad she's having so much exposure to the
real world classroom. She'll be much better prepared to be a teacher when she
does get her master's in Aug 05. However, in addition to all the classroom
time, she still has her other classes and she's working part time at the
university writing lab. She worries so much about me and I just feel like she
has enough stress on her right now. I was going to tell her about it all on
Sunday on the way home. She's on spring break next week, so she was going to
ride home with us on Sunday. Jonathan will come up Monday evening and stay til
Thursday, so she can ride home with him instead of having to have two cars here.
We have two cars and a truck, so she can use one of our cars if she needs to.
After finally getting everything together Friday evening, so we wouldn't have
too much to do today prior to leaving for the dinner, I sat at the computer and
just sent a couple of short e-mails. I immediately realized my left hand still
doesn't work 100%. The numbness got worse with just a few minutes on the
computer. I also realize how utterly exhausted I am. So, I called Nikki, told
her everything that was going on and told her that I just wasn't going to be
able to come to the dinner. She immediately fussed at me for not telling her
what was going on. She told me that she can handle it and that I need to quit
trying to shield her from the truth. She told me that I absolutely was NOT to
come to the dinner because I mattered a whole lot more than a stupid dinner.
She is such an awesome young woman. She made me promise that I would keep
trying to hide things from her. That will be hard, but I'll do my best. I just
feel like she should not have to worry about her mom at this point in her life.
I did make her promise that she will still come home for spring break. My sis
and hubby are going to the dinner. They are spending the night in a motel and
my nephew, Michael - 7, is spending the night with Nikki. He was really jazzed
as he adores Nikki and has never gotten to spend the night with her because she
is 130 miles south of here. So, Nikki said she will ride home with my sis and
brother-in-law tomorrow. I promised her that I would let her take care of most
of the wedding things that need to be done next week and that I will mostly just
rest. I told her I might do a couple of things with her just to get out of the
house, but other than that, I will rest.
Well, didn't intend to write a book, but then I never do. I know many of you
have experience with strokes and TIA's. Any good sites or info would be greatly
appreciated. One question I have right now is that my left forearm is really
sore. It almost feels like when you've overused muscles, such as maybe painting
when you're not used to it. I haven't over used my arm but the nurses and
doctors did tell me to make myself use it as much as possible because that was
the best way to get back my strength and motor skills. I'm just wondering if
making myself use it, when the arm/hand really didn't want to be used could
cause some muscle strain. If so, would moist heat be helpful?
Any info anyone can share would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I had to
just delete all the e-mails from my groups because I had so many it was too
overwhelming to even look at. Please know that even though I've had to miss
many e-mails over the last few weeks, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen

Laura,
Over medicating is very bad. You are so right on this. You can miss
years off your life, I am sure you know this. There is also something
worse. Coming off this medication. The withdrawls after years will
effect you for 6 months or longer. When the time comes that you can
function without the pain pump, there has to be a slow step down on
your daily dose. You may not think you are addicted but your body
will retain the need of this medicine. There is no cold turkey
stopping the pump. I know this fact so well, I lived it.
Robert
A Founding Member of TPP,
roberthammett@...

Hi Lisa,
How are you doing today? How is your pump working for you? We have a
couple people here that wants to know more about it. I posted that
post about it, but if you could tell them a little about it, I would
appreciate it. Hoping you have a pain free day and having a good
weekend. It's beautiful day here in SC.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

I also have an intrathecal pump that contains morphine. I have
had it since August, I will only have to have a battery change in
about 5 years. The pump is filled every 6 months.
Lisa Atwell LPN

Hi Rita,
I sure am glad to hear from you. I have had so many people to ask me
how Beauford was doing. Been so worried about the two of you. I know
Beauford is so tired of hurting. I am sure the surgery is going to be
just fine. Did you get the chance to read the post about the surgery?
Is that indeed the kind of surgery that he is having? Do you know how
much longer he has to be in the hospital? Please , let us know , when
you have a chance that is!!! Now , how are you doing? How is your
back holding out? Are you staying all the time in the hospital? If
you are, take a heating pad to the hospital room with you for your
back. That always helps me.
Tell Beauford that we are all praying for him. We are keeping both of
you in our prayers Rita. You are a part of out TPP family.
Wishing Beauford and you a pain free night today .
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hey Brenda,
This morning, I went to photos to try and get your picture uploaded
again, and was suprised to see you had already gotten them..Way to go
Brenda!!!! I get so mad at that little button some time...heeheee
Hope you are having a very good day. Our prayers are with you and
your family.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

03/18/04
Robert, Im so glad to see the over medicated part in your
post. This plays a Really Big Role on Your Life. I have been over
medicated now for most of my life. Now I don't have a life , unless
you call sleeping all day, being depressed,crying over nothing,and
not being able to work, a LIFE!
After all these years I am going to see a DR, Phy. who deals
with medication. They are going to try and get me off some of the
meds. that don't help my pain anyway. I hope it's sucessful, because
I have a beautiful family I want to see and have FUN with again.
AS for a Pancreatic Transplant, I talked to two surgeons and
they said it was unecessary because the bad gene I have from my H.P.
would just end up attacking the new pancreas. And as far as just
removing the pancreas, they told me that , that would be bad too
because I would become a Brittle Diabectic and still have the pain.
I just found your post interesting, and to all the others out
there that this BAD experience is new to them,Just watch out for all
the meds. they put you on. That ruins your life oh much as the
disease it's self does.
GOD BLESS,
Laura Kerste

Hey Brenda,
Well I have managed to get you a folder set up in photos. I just
havent gotten the picture uploaded. I really don't know what the

Hey Kimber,
Sorry to hear about the post. Glad to hear from you though. How have
you been since getting out of the hospital
You only have 1 cat? I love cats, but in my house--the majority likes
dogs. I admit--I do love dogs too. but I just love cats too!!! I am
hunting for a small dog. I want one that is simlier to the one I lost
a couple of years ago. A Lap dog!!! I sit on the heating pad alot and
want a lap dog. I hope this fines you well and as pain free as you
can be. Our prayers are with you today and always.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Dear Robert,
Do you still have alot of pain? Is is worse or
better?
Are you still on pain meds? Have you ever had to
return to the hospital because of the pain?
I have an appointment with the pain specialist in May
and am scared that they will try to convince me that I
am alright!
Any input would help me alot!
Thank YOu,
Donna Goodine
Hermon, Maine

HI,nice to meet you thanks for thinking of me and letting me know
that i am not alone in this world without my Dad because that is the
way you feel at first and then you feel it in your heart.I am sure it
has been a long 15 years for you.Thanks again for sharing that with
me it really meant alot to me.I hope things are going good for
you,and you are not having alot of pain.I know i was glad to get out
of that hosptial,i agree with you about getting better at home
sometimes.This stay in the hosptial this time was not to pleasant,not
to any of them are but it was bad.My Doctor was out of the
country,and i did not care for the one that was there for him.They
dont seem to know what to do for you,I have had the same Doctor for
10 years its just not the same.Well you take care,you will be in my
thoughts and prayers.
Your New Friend,
Ruthie

I am sorry if anyone has sent me messages on the board since yesterday.
Somehow my preferences were changed from individual emails to no emails
without my knowledge and I find it very difficult to actually go on the

03/17/04
Hi Denise,
I have had a pain pump now for four years. The doctors are going
to have to replace it next year. They use morphine in mine and also
a numbing med. It does help but there are days where I have to go
and have them up the med so I can get through a rough part of the
day.
Your information you posted is wonderful and right to the point.
I'm going to make a copie of it to show my family as well as my
friends so they know exactly what I have and go through.
Thanks for posting this wonderful information!.
Your TTP Friend,
Laura Kerste Toledo,Ohio

Hi, 03/17/04
I'm not sure if you have heard of me, my name is
Laura Kerste and I am a TTP member. I'm sorry to hear
of your DAD'S passing. Mine died 15 yrs. ago, but I
still think of him day and nite. I think it's him that
help's me sometimes when I'm in so much pain or
depression, and so on.
I 'm sorry to hear you ended up in the hospital
again, but glad it was only for four days. Sometimes I
think you can recover faster at home. Less stressful.
My prayer's will be with you and your family
everyday through this difficult time.
Your TTP Friend, Laura
laura_kerste@...

Rita,
I am so glad that you posted about Beauford. We have been so worried
about him. I am glad that his fever has gone down. I have some
information for you on that kind of surgery that you described. Ask
the doctor if the surgery is called Pancreatic Debridement -- removal
of dead pancreatic tissue or dead tissue around the pancreas. I will
get some more info for you. I am putting some of the info in this
post and putting the link on here for you also. If you need anything
in addition, please feel free to ask me and I will get that for you.
I am sure there is somebody else that can give you some additional
info on this when they read the post also. Also, I am worried about
you my friend. I know this is hard on you, and I pray that you have
the strenght. And you will. This I know. You are a strong woman and
you will get thru it. I just wish I could be there to be with you, if
nothing else , just to give you a hug to let you know that everything
is going to be alright. Now, how is your back holding up? Please
don't 'outdo it" right now. Beauford and the children need you. So
please take care of yourself. OK? I will continue to pray for
Beauford and you. I met Sarah the other night. She is a sweet girl. I
have a daughter almost the same age--13. Tell her I said hello, and
that her Daddy is going to be alright. Your family is in our prayers
tonight Rita, and always.
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat
Wednesday March 17, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 4 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chatroom
Notes:
This is a hosted 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.
ReeAnn@...

Hey Dave,
I sure enjoyed talking to you this morning. Very uplifting!!! I am
glad that you are here with us on TPP. I know that you don't have
anybody around you to help you thru this disease. We will be that
family for you Dave. You can come here and talk to us, tell us your
good times as well as your bad times. You can vent all you want to. I
am sure there will be somebody out here that will understand what you
are going thru and will post back to you. It sure helps to talk to
someone that has the same kind of pain that you have. Your next door
neighbor or the person closest to you may not know the pain you feel,
but the people at TPP does. So come on and let everybody meet Dave!!!
And let them know the wonderful man you truly are. I hope your doctor
visit goes well today. Oh, about the medtronic pain pump, will get
some information up on the board about that also for you. Have a pain
free day and remember-- we are here for you!!!Our prayers are with
you today and always.
FAITH....is DARING the SOUL to go BEYOND what the EYES can SEE!!!!!
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Dave,
As I promised , here is some information on the Medtronic Pain Pump
that I was telling you about. Robert has one in him. Read this and
there is the website at the bottom of the post that you can go to and
find out everything you want to know. I hope this has helped some.
Thanks
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Donna,
I Had a Whipple in 94 due to my pancreatitis be so bad and the duct was very
enlarged and the head of the pancreas wasn't functioning at all and the
took out about half of my pancreas.. It was not due to Cancer or anything
like that. I did remain fairly pain-free with only flare-up ever so often.
Not chronic or daily like now. Well, for me the Whipple results lasted for
2 years until I had a gastric outlet obstruction at the site where the put
me back together from the Whipple and needed surgery to correct it. The
doctor who did my Whipple also did the second surgery, so they felt after
they got the problem corrected with surgery the pain and everything would
settle down again. WRONG ANSWER!!!!! Well, very since that happen I have
had Chronic Pancreatitis and even had a pain pump put in for the pain 98 and
it had to be replaced in Sept 2002, due to the battery starting to die,which
would knew when the first put it in it would last 4-5 years before having to
be replaced. The newer ones last 5-7 years, so the time spam is getting
better all the time. The pump has helped, but I still have to take daily
pain meds and then Breakthru pain meds for the really bad spells. So with
everyone that has a Whipple the results will vary. I do feel if it would
not have been for the obstruction, my result from the Whipple would of been
much longer. I do know of people who have had much longer results from
there Whipple than I have. So don't get discouraged. Like I said before
Everyone reacts differently and I'm just not a very lucky person, when it
comes to results. I guess maybe, that's why my body chooses not to Test
like a normal person does. I do have 2 daughter and one is like me with
test results and the other one is like her dad and test normally, thank
heavens for her sake, it's easier to get doctor to take you serious when you
do test normal..
When you test results don't show up the way doctor think they should, It is
sometimes hard to get a doctor to take you seriously. I have had my Whipple
almost 10 years ago now and I'm still around kicking and still have the old
fighting spirit in me. I hope this helps a little and if I had the opinion
to do the Whipple all over again, I would choose to do it, even though
recover is long and hard from it. That's how good I felt after the Whipple.

HI Jeannine
So you work in a medical center too, that's so cool. I have been
here for 21 years myself, two long timers, I wonder how we made this
long Girl. LOL I have lots of friend in OR, a good place to have a
friend if I may say so. Before coming to the medical center, I was a
Quality Control Tec for an electrical manufacturing company for 10
years and Volunteer Fireman during that time to. I have so much fun
working sometimes I thing I should pay them, let that be our little
secret.
Thanks again for all the info and I will be looking it over this
week. Can't wait until April more then ever now. I'll be in touch
soon and thanks for the advice too, glad some one watching my back.
Warmest Regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Laura,
I have seen in your post that you and all lot of your family members have
Hereditary Pancreatitis and I do know that they have been doing all lot of
research in this field at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. I
believe the Wed site is www.upmc.com and a Dr David Whitcomb, MD< PHD, is
the one who has been doing most of the research in this field. There were doing
a program a few years back and looking for volunteers, who had more than one
member of a family who had pancreatitis. I don't know if they are still looking
for volunteers for this program, or not. But you might want to check it out.
I'm going to try and send some info to this site, so if you see anything from
UPMC, please check it out. I know that you from Ohio, so I thought you might be
interested in this program going on in Pittsburgh, Pa.
I hope this helps.
Take Care,
Louie in WV

Gary,
thank you. I'm slowly getting better and most of the problems in the
hospital have been resolved (except for the back). I've been able to sit
up and walk around a bit more each day, so the back is slowly getting
better, though it may never be as it was before the accident. I'll find
out more on what to do with that when I see my PCP doctor in my follow
up visit sometime in the next two weeks.
Thanks for you story and it's right, no one can know what we go through
unless he actually has the disease as well.
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.

Denise,
thanks and tell Robert thanks too.. Yikes 4? I have just one and it's
not fun at all. I have 3 kitties. I'm afraid I'm not a dog person
though.They are okay as long as they are someone else's dog. I hope
Ashley is doing well. Thanks for the prayers.
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.

Hi Katie,
I'm glad to hear from you and happy that you joined our
group. I'm Laura Kerste from Toledo, Ohio and I have Heriditary
Pancreatitis. I have two sons with it,22 and 15. My other ywo do not
show signs of it yet. I do want them tested to see if they do have
the gene.
This disease acts differently in most of my family members.
I also have three brothers with it and cousins,neices,nephews,2nd
cousins too. So it is very wide spread in my family. Mine and a
cousin of me have it the worse as far as we know.
Were happy to have you with us and would like to hear from
you. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Your New Friend, Laura

I do believe you are NOT supposed to wear the magnets if you have a
pump inserted. I can clarify this next time I meet with the lady who
is training me.
Jeannine

I have a surgical inserted morphine pump. Does anyone know if I
were to use the pads on my body parts would they affect the
performance of my pump or make it dangerous?
I will ask the pain clinic the next time I go for a morphine
refill also.
Thank You

Dear Rita,
I'm so sorry to hear that Beauford (fairly new to site, is
this your husband)is in the hospital. I hope and PRAY that
everything will go the way you want it to go.
GOD will be looking down on you and Beauford to make sure he
gets well very soon. So sorry!
Your Friend,
Laura Kerste
Toledo,Ohio

Kimber,
Glad that you home and I hope your feeling better. Take it easy and don't
over due it. You certainly had a rough time of it this time in the
hospital. I sure you must be glad to be home.
Take Care,
Louie in WV

I work in the medical field Gary...30 years now...and am currently
in the position of office manager for the Operating Room,,,,10 plus
years now so I am *well* aware of the crash carts. Cool you have
had good succes...
You can contact me back channel if you want more information about
the magnet therapy. I love the product myself. I have known about
it for almost 10 years which is a little less than the entire time
it has been in the US but the three people who talked to me about it
NEVER told me it only costs $49 to sign up...and then you can get
the products at wholesale...and maybe make a few bucks if you sell a
few pieces...
The one thing I have noticed since using the mattress pad is that I
am not as hungry nor craving carbs like I was even a week ago (I
started using the pad only 8 days ago. I have lost three and a half
punds since I started using this...not a reaction I was expecting at
all ! I also have less pain from my fibromyalgia! I am happy to
have both reactions....I need to buy the smaller magnets so I can
place them in the various achey spots.....
Jeannine

Rita,
I got on the board just a little while ago, just to wish Beauford
a 'Happy Birthday' and to see how the birthday party went and saw
this message. Man, I am so sorry to hear this. Yes, please do keep us
informed as we are worried about him and YOU. Both of you are in our
prayers. God Bless both of you. We love you. Again, I am sorry this
had to happen on his birthday. With much love and many prayers.
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Just wanted to thank you all for wishing Beauford aHappy
Birthday .Sorry to say he his back in the hospital early on Sunday
morning. Not sure what exact problem is, but do know he has an
infection in upper stomach.Still waiting for test results. Got to
run, came home for a quick shower and to get things we need.Will
update as soon as possible. Please keep him in your
prayers . THanks Rita

Hi Jeannine,
I just read you post and looked at NIKKEN WELLNESS home page. You
have given me some new ideas. I am a big believer in prevented
medicine since ReeAnn has introduced me to a low fat diet. My
cholesterol and blood sugar have dropped from high normals to mid
normals. This is good news because over 80% of my father's side of
the family became diabetic in their later years. I am in a constant
fight not to go completely blind from the Marfans. I visit my PCP
every 3 months now and my weight is back to normal again.
I have been told by ReeAnn's Pain Clinic that magnet therapy does
improve circulation, but they would not commit to any claims that it
would be helpful for panc pain. Like you I have to wonder why not. I
need to spend more time and research on this matter and would like
your help.
I am almost ready to finish up a project at work on recall medical
items. Though the project that I am most proud of, is the
distribution design work on code carts, also known as crash carts in
some hospitals. Every one here has hear the announcement over the
overhead paging system such as code 12, code blue, code red or some
of the other terms use in hospitals today. This is when they send a
specially train team of medical staff to assists the patient in need.
One major hospital told me it improved their system 2000%. It is
always a good feeling to know that I played a small part in this set
up. Maybe some thing good can come out of this as well. You be
hearing from me soon if that ok with you.
May you have a pain free day.
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hello Everyone,
The purpose of this Special Notice is to inform you about a very
special Poll on TPP. Many of our members live alone, without a
caregiver. As all of us realize, that is a scary situation to be
in. What if something happens, like a bad attack or a severe blood
sugar drop for those who are diabetics and we are unable to help
ourselves? It certainly would be reassuring to have a "Buddy" to
check on you on a regular basis.
Dave (ClarkStumpy@...) has kindly offered to head up a committee
for developing a Buddy System. In order to locate members willing to
participate, I have created a new Poll on TPP. Please take a moment
of your time to participate in this Poll. It will conclude on April
15th and shortly there after the committee will be formed. The poll
is located at:

Hi Katie
I also had one acute attack over 2 years, but that landed me in the hosp for
22 days.. None to speak of since other than a few "flareups" Had my
gallbladder removed this past December and so far so good. You hang in there
and keep
in touch here, lots of information to be found.
Pam in Santa Clarita , CA

It is very real ! I am a Wellness Consultant for NIKKEN and I love
the magnets. I had not thought to use them for the pancreas, but
now you have given me a good idea to check it out.
They sell mini magnets that you can place just about anywhere on
your body and work just one area at a time so I don't see why it
wouldn't help with the panc pain. It may not make it all go away,
but it certainly could help reduce the pain. Things don't happen
instantly, though you might feel the tingling from the magnets right
away....
I have used them for my leg and back pain and my neck and shoulder
pain with good results....
Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.
The neat thing about NIKKEN is you can become a Consultant for just
$49 and then get the product at wholesale instead of retail. They
have 4-5 products on buy one get one free this month too.
Jeannine

Welcome Katie,
We are very glad you and your husband have joined Tpp as well. A
big hardy welcome to you and yours from all of us here at Tpp. We
are always excited when new couples join our group. Family support
is so very important for those who suffer with this illness may it be
a spouse, parent or other family members.
For give my manners Katie, I am Gary, ReeAnn betterhalf. If you
have any question or concerns please feel free to post any time We
have a lot of great people here who suffer with this illness and are
more then happy to help you throw this, you're not alone here any
more. If you feel you need to write a book well that's ok to I love
to read
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hay!! You learn something new every day...thanks Denise...have this wonderful
low fat recipes..will get them together and post them tomorrow
bren
Denise <Denise@...
Hi Brenda,
Worried about brown sugar? Well, my dear...Stop the
worring...Sweetnlow has a brown sugar!!!Cool Huh? here is the link.
http://www.sweetnlow.com/
God Bless
Denise~S.C.
Caregivers Moderator
denise@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat - ReeAnn
Sunday March 14, 2004
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 4 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chat room
Notes:
ReeAnn ~ CoOwner will host a chat in AOLs TPP Chat room. You will need AOL or free AIM (www.aim.com) to access this Chat room. Please email us for the link.
DeniseHallock@...
MsReeAnnBetts@...

Hello Rita and Beauford,
We like to wish Beauford a must wonderful Birthday. Wish we
could be there sounds like one heck of a party coming up. Enjoy and
our thoughts and prayers are with you
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Thank you Gary...for the thoughts and prayers..step daughter is only 18 yrs ol
she will need it ...:)
Gary Morris <gwmorris@...
Congratulation, on the newest arrival in your family.
Our thoughts and prays are with you
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Brenda,
Congratulation, on the newest arrival in your family.
Our thoughts and prays are with you
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Very good point Denise, a question we didn't even think to ask. The
question was raise about pacemaker and we where told depending on the
pacemaker make and model, the newer ones won't have this problem. I
even have great concerns over this one still. The claim is that the
magnet mattress pads increase circulation in the body. This would
seem to be beneficial to diabetes, I haven't seen any thing on
helping with pain as of yet cause by Pancreatitis. So if any one has
try this or knows of anyone who has I would love to hear form you. Is
this therapy real or fake?
Warmest regards
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

yesterday at 5:30 pm 8 lbs. and 21 inches. a healthy baby girl...

Hello {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Everyone}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
We had a very successfull Focus Chat Thursday evening. By popular request, I am
posting a transcript of it and tomorrow will get it into the file section here
on TPP. I want to thank everyone that participated and made it such a success!!
Sure am looking forward to our future Focus Chats.
Anyway, here's what happened:
ReeAnn: Hello Everyone
ReeAnn: Did another Invite so might have a few more joining us... going to
give it a couple of minutes before starting.
ReeAnn: Well I guess we might as well get started... First off I would
like to know if anyone has any questions about Nutrition or counting fat grams?
Denise & Robert: Yes, I have a question. When Robert was in the
hospital the last time---one doctor told him to drink diet soda's and the other
doctor got all over his case and told him that diet soda was bad for him. Is
it?
ReeAnn: If it is, then I am in big trouble!!
Denise & Robert: Us too
Bruce: I think they worry about the carbonation can cause bloating,
that is what my doctor told me.
Denise & Robert: I didn't know that Bruce.
Denise & Robert: maybe that was what he was talking about---cause
Robert is swelling
ReeAnn: For years, occasionally a rumor will come up about the saccharine,
but I would think if it was as bad as they make it out to be, the FDA would pull
it from the market.
ReeAnn: I do prefer my sodas to be partially flat.
Denise & Robert: I do try and get Robert to drink more water but...
Bruce: I just started to drink ginger ale and I let it sit out until it
almost gets flat have had no bloating.
ReeAnn: Anything with caffeine will not count towards the recommended
water intake, but if it is caffeine free then it counts towards that total.
Bruce: Ginger ale is caffeine free.
ReeAnn: Recommendation is 8 - 8oz glasses of water per day.
ReeAnn: So is the diet root beer I drink caffeine free.
ReeAnn: I have heard some brands of root beer do have caffeine in them, so
always best to check the label.
Denise & Robert: Has anybody heard of stevia?
Bruce: No, what is that?
ReeAnn: I haven't ... what is it?
Denise & Robert: It is a natural sweetener--found a web site about it
ReeAnn: Must be relatively new.
Denise & Robert: Stevia sweetens with almost zero calories, does not
encourage cavities, is non-glycemic, and may even strengthen the pancreas
Denise & Robert: That sentence was on the front page.
Denise & Robert: It caught my eye about it strengthening the pancreas.
ReeAnn: That is an interesting statement.
Denise & Robert: Thats what I thought.
ReeAnn: Can you share the website with us Denise?
Denise & Robert: Sure.
Denise & Robert: http://www.homestead.com/stevia/recipes.html.
ReeAnn: I am looking at the research page. Would like to explore that
more at another time. One study was done at Duke, a little vague on the other
studies at first glance.
Denise & Robert: Yes there was more, but I just wanted to share that
with the group.
ReeAnn: Thanks for sharing Denise - a very interesting website. Might
write to them and ask about their statement of strengthening the pancreas.
Denise & Robert: Good idea ReeAnn.
ReeAnn: How many here eat out on a regular basis?
Evelyn: I do
Denise & Robert: We do once in a while.
ReeAnn: Denise shared a VERY useful website with me the other day.
Denise & Robert: Hate to take the credit away from my hubby--but he
found it ReeAnn.
ReeAnn: http://www.dietfacts.com/fastfood.asp. This site gives all the
nutritional counts for all of the major chain restaurants.
ReeAnn: Okay then our thanks go out to Robert!!
Denise & Robert: He is back, by the way, and sitting right here said to
tell everyone hello.
Evelyn: I will have to check that out.
ReeAnn: Many restaurants are now offering a low carb meal because of the
popularity of the Atkins diet. This is good for the diabetics here. But have
still watch for the fat content because most times they substitute fat for the
carbs.
Bruce: The fat is our biggest problem.
ReeAnn: Is everyone here aware that the Atkins diet is a very HIGH fat
diet?
Evelyn: I didn't know.
Bruce: Neither did I.
Denise & Robert: My sister-in-law has been on it for a year. She lost
100 pounds.
ReeAnn: It is. So please give it careful consideration before starting on
it.
ReeAnn: Atkins theory is we don't get fat from fat - but rather from the
carbs. I agree that the carbs are what puts weight on us, but we really can't
have the fat.
Bruce: That is a lot of weight to loose. I have lost 55 lbs since I
got CP.
Denise & Robert: I lost that much alone with pancreatitis.
ReeAnn: I would like to recommend a book to everyone... I call it my
"Bible" in the kitchen. It is The Nutribook Complete Book of Food Counts by Dr.
Art Ulene. This book has nutritional counts for thousands of foods, including
many brand names.
ReeAnn: When looking in a book like this or at a Nutritional label on a
package... there are two things you should be checking. Serving size and TOTAL
fat grams.
Denise & Robert: Also the sugar content for the diabetics.
ReeAnn: You are right Denise... But more importantly for diabetics is
looking at the TOTAL Carbohydrates.
Denise & Robert: Robert has the keyboard.
ReeAnn: I pulled out a box of Reduced Fat Triscuit crackers to use as an
example for Nutritional Labels. One of the first things listed is Serving Size:
7 crackers (29g). Then it tells how many servings per container. In this case
about 8. That means the following information is based on 7 crackers. Eat more
or less than 7 crackers and you need to adjust the counts. It then gives
Calories and Calories from Fat. I usually don't bother looking at this at
all... probably should though. In this case it is 120 calories with about 25
coming from fat. Next thing it lists is TOTAL FAT, which is 3 grams. In my
opinion I consider this to be a reasonable fat count for a snack... 3 grams.
Denise & Robert: I need all those I can get now.
Brenda: The weight gain and losing is that normal? I came late, you need
what Denise??
Denise & Robert: Yes Brenda, this is so true.
Brenda: 150 lbs this week and in 3 weeks I could weigh 135.
Denise & Robert: I am Robert, Brenda... My name did not change over.
Brenda: Never has Robert?
Denise & Robert: I need to gain weight.
Brenda: Oh I see.
Brenda: Will it get to that point for me?
Denise & Robert: Yes, probably.
ReeAnn: Some people look at the Saturated Fat, this is not important. We
need to look at TOTAL fat with the pancreatitis.
Brenda: No more than 3 grams ReeAnn?
ReeAnn: That is what I like to keep snacks and side dishes to ... no more
than 3 grams. I really try to keep my total fat per day under 20 grams.
Brenda: Ok, I got it now. Does the smell of food can sometimes trigger a
flare up?
Brenda: Oh ok ReeAnn..
Denise & Robert: Yes, Brenda.
ReeAnn: YES!! There is a reason for this.
ReeAnn: The pancreas is activated 10% by smell, 20% by thinking about food
and the rest comes from actually eating.
ReeAnn: I may have the smell and thinking about it numbers reversed.
Brenda: When my 1st attack came, I stayed in the hospital for 4 days and
shut the door to my room, so I wouldnt smell the food. But even thinking about
food, made it flare up. I thought I was going nuts. Doctors never explain
that to you.
ReeAnn: It is NOT all in your head Brenda, food smells will trigger the
pancreas to work.
ReeAnn: Unfortunately most docs really don't know a lot about
pancreatitis. I am willing to bet anyone of us here tonight has more knowledge
than the average doctor.
Denise & Robert: Stuff like cabbage really does harm.
Brenda: Oh boy, and I love cabbage
Evelyn: Food smells bothered me about 3 months before my first attack.
I thought I was going crazy too.
Denise & Robert: Me too.
Brenda: How about raw vegetables?
Denise & Robert: Not the smell of those?
ReeAnn: I have a problem with raw veggies.
Brenda: Eating it?
ReeAnn: Eating them.
Brenda: Or just certain ones?
ReeAnn: I can't digest them at all. I have pretty severe malabsorption
though.
Denise & Robert: That has always been my problem.
Brenda: And how about fruits?
ReeAnn: I do pretty good with fruits, that though is just my personal
experiences.
Brenda: okay
Denise & Robert: I find the sugar content does me harm. But I love
them.
ReeAnn: So do I.
Brenda: Dairy?
Denise & Robert: Only with lactose problems.
Denise & Robert: Yeah, I am missing something.
Brenda: okay
ReeAnn: People with lactose problems usually have problems with dairy
products. Unfortunately most panc people also have lactose problems. Know I
do... but not enough to mention it to the docs or give up dairy products.
Speaking of dairy products... Best to use skim milk... even 1% milk will still
have 4-5 grams of fat in it.
Denise & Robert: Skim tastes like useless white water.
Brenda: I am still trying to figure out what bothers me.
Brenda: Wow..
ReeAnn: I also will use only FAT FREE cheeses. And eggbeaters, which is
egg whites with a little yellow food coloring. All the fat in eggs is in the
yolk.
Denise & Robert: I love my eggs over easy.
Brenda: I have a good recipe for pineapple up side down cake, really low
in fat.
Denise & Robert: I have no cholesterol problems, got that checked last
month.
Denise & Robert: Will you please post on the board?
Evelyn: Would you send it to me.
Brenda: Will post it tomorrow.
Denise & Robert: Great.
Brenda: Definitely will.
Denise & Robert: I will add it to our files
ReeAnn: There is one dairy product that gives me trouble every time, but I
refuse to give up... that is because I spent part of my
childhood on a
farm and used to fresh butter. Never did like margarine and
after
seeing what one of the fat free substitutes did to popcorn, I
can't use them.
Brenda: And did u know Angel Food cake is fat free?
ReeAnn: Yes it is Brenda, naturally fat free.
Brenda: With fat free cool whip and strawberries, it makes an excellent
dessert.
ReeAnn: For cookies a good choice is Fig Newtons, they are either fat free
or very low in fat depending on which kind. Ginger Snaps are also low in fat,
and the ginger helps the digestive system.
Denise & Robert: You make the best cookies, ReeAnn. You should post
yours, unless it is a family secret.
ReeAnn: I used real butter in them, that is why they came with a warning
not to eat more than one at a time. No family secret, recipe on back of package
of chips. The recipes that use puddings are the best!! I will use a
sugar and fat free pudding mix in my cookies.
ReeAnn: I don't know if any of you have a Kroger Food Store near you.
Denise & Robert: Not here. They left many years ago.
ReeAnn: Many of the products (carrying the Kroger name) have fat free or
low fat versions. This helps with the costs.... usually a lot cheaper than the
name brands.
Evelyn: My son works for Kroger.
ReeAnn: Another good grocery store is the Whole Food markets but they are
more expensive than the average grocery store. But can find fat free things
there that can't be found elsewhere.
ReeAnn: Any other questions so far?
ReeAnn: Another point to remember when looking at nutritional labels...
the counts are for what is in the package and not what the finished prepared
product is. For example I use a lot of the noodle and rice side dishes and make
them with skim milk and eliminate the butter or margarine that is called for.
They come out just fine without the butter/margarine and with the skim milk... I
am not adding any fat to the contents.
ReeAnn: There are a few tricks for baking..... Have tried them with
cookies and wasn't too happy with the results... but for quick breads (fruit
breads) and cakes it does work great. Instead of butter/margarine use
applesauce. You will have to decrease the water or liquid that you add, but it
works great. And is best to bake at a lower temperature than what the recipe
calls for. Apple butter is another good fat free substitute for baking. Prune
puree also works - but haven't tried this one.
Brenda: Yes, that's what u have to do w/ the pineapple upside down
cake...substitute and it comes out great.
ReeAnn: I am not trying to push any particular brand or store... Just
trying to let you know what I have found that works. Healthy Choice makes
a sausage that only have 2 or 3 grams of fat per serving with 7 servings per
package. I will use this with a rice mix for a New Orleans type dinner.
ReeAnn: They also make a Low Fat hot dog that is pretty good. I tried
some soy hot dogs and they were SO BAD that even Crystal (my dog) would not eat
them. I forget the brand name, but there is one kind of FAT FREE sausage, like
an Italian style sausage in the tube. That is good in spaghetti
Brenda: Is the fat from peanut butter bad for panc also?
ReeAnn: Any FAT regardless of source is bad for the pancreas.
Brenda: okay
Denise & Robert: Fried food bothered me.
ReeAnn: I do nothing fried!!!
ReeAnn: I have managed to eat a relatively normal diet, but must prepare
the food myself so I can control the fat that goes into it. Like I still manage
to have french fries... Frozen ones that I bake and they only have 3 grams per
serving. Have to watch the frozen french fires though. Do