Huge archive

Hello everybody, how are things going. Feeling sick for the second
time in ten days. I had to return from work this afternoon. Vomiting
started but the worst pains don't come through. Hope that tomorrow
this will be changed in the positive way. I will see the doctor
tomorrow morning. I have also the results of the Ct-scan of last
tuesday. It is still in the enveloppe but tomoorrow is early enough
to hear the news. Try to sleep a little bit now. Warm greetings from
Ostend, belgium. Rudy,

Hi
Thank you Kimber about the info on calcium. I saw my Hepatolgist yesterday and
told him of the attack and the one I had two years ago. He said immediately
Pancreatitis. He said "when" I have another one he wants it documented. My
goodness, I don't want another one! I need to find out everything about diet. I
have cut my fat grams to 20 or less a day and it is helping with the discomfort
I always have in my mid-section. I know" not" to drink alcohol . I also know
that the pancreas produces certain enzymes to help break down fat and is
responsible for our insulin. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Warm thoughts.......Pam
Kimber <hominid2@...
Pam,
actually, added calcium would have the opposite effect. One of the
causes of pancreatitis is hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), so you'd
want to avoid added sources of calcium if you can. If you want, do a
search on pancreatitis and hypercalcemia and see what comes up.
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.
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Everyone}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I would like to share with you one member's treatment success story. This
member prefers to remain anonymous, but yet wants to share this success story.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this treatment, please send
them to me and I will forward them to the member.
Hello:
I asked ReeAnn to share my story with you because I am aprehensive about
my privacy with such a wide audience, but since I have been able to get some
relief from pain, I would like to share how I got relief with you.
Basically, I am just another guy with idiopathic pancreatitis that I had
since age 11 (no alcohol was involved). I've lost count of all the trips to the
emergency room, the years of in-hospital time, the under treated, and
untreated bouts of pain, the begging for pain medicine when people say it is in
your
head, and the depression of being so sick that you could not see how your
going to make to the next day.
Several times when I had a bad attack while living on my own, I would be
admitted to the hospital. My kind family would roll in with a moving truck and
pack up my apartment, and put it in storage because it was usually many months
before I was well enough to support myself again. I used to so angry that in
my murky anger translated in my head "idiopathic pancreatitisâ into the
doctors are IDIots and it is PATHETIC they don't know what causes it.
My pancreatitis cloud finally came off about 13 years ago. I have a normal
life now, pretty much without pain, and a family I love. I want to share with
other victims of pancreatitis exactly how I got my life back because it does
not seem to be a very well know path.
Several years ago I was in the hospital with yet another round of pancreatic
pain. I had already had 4 pancreatic surgeries, plus countless endoscopic
procedures, several unsuccessful nerve blocks, and finally ended up with a 100%
total pancreatectomy making me 100% diabetic! But I considered the diabetes
fun, and still do think it is fun compared to the quality-of-life stopping
pancreatitis. But after few years after the pancreatectomy operation, the pain
came back and my life was again turned upside down.
My sister, being a chemical engineer for drug company had access to
Med-Line. Med-Line is a medical abstract search engine. She performed searches
several times over the years looking for treatment for my pancreatitis and
pancreatic pain. She had help me find a path to better surgeons, and during
this
last bout of pain, she search again, and found that there is a relatively new
procedure for pain control that was occasionally use with success to treat
intractable pancreatic pain. We located the doctor in the medical paper and
flew
to Phoenix AZ and had the surgery.
The theory was that even if there is a partial or near-total or total
pancreatectomy that there is nerve damage at the pancreatic bed or neuromas
causing
continued pain regardless of the actual condition of the pancreas.
So how was it done? First off the operation is not very common it is called
a âThoracoscopic Splanchnicectomy for Pancreatic Painâ. I was told I the
62nd patient to have the operation. The procedure is actually two operations
performed on subsequent days. The surgeon drilled through the ribs on both
side of the chest wall, or in my case take out a small section of rib and cut
out a 2" section of nerve that lays against the inner chest wall. The nerves
they cut lead straight to the pancreatic bed thus cutting off my pancreatic
pain sensation. After I recovered, I was finally pain free! Note: Rib healing
took 6 uncomfortable weeks. The literature
_http://www.surgerysymposium.org/abstracts/laws_6-09.html_
(http://www.surgerysymposium.org/abstracts/laws_6-09.html) says this operation
succeeds in relieving pain 85% of the time.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have had the total pancreatectomy
and then the splanchnicectomy operations. It would have saved me years of
pain, grief, lost income, and given me more time living a normal life.
I know only of three surgeons that perform this Thoracoscopic
Splanchnicectomy Surgery for Pancreatic Pain (listed below) operation but I am
sure there
are more.
Gook luck, God speed and remember you do not deserve to be in pain!
Harlan Stone Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix AZ,
Banner Good Samaritan
Medical Center
1111 E. McDowell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 239-2000
_http://www.samaritan.edu/resprog/surgical/surgfacultyandresidents.htm_
(http://www.samaritan.edu/resprog/surgical/surgfacultyandresidents.htm)
Henry L. Laws, MD
Director of Surgical Education
Carraway Methodist Medical Center
1600 North 26th Street
Birmingham AL 35234
(205) 226-6230
William Polito, MD
538 Litchfield St.
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
Torrington, CT
(860)489-9393
_http://www.charlottesweb.hungerford.org/CHH141MDSpecialty.asp?specialty=gener
al%20surgery&specialty2=neurosurgery&LeftImage=SurgeryPic&RightImage=575x100Su
rgeons&SpecialtyTitle=Surgery_
(http://www.charlottesweb.hungerford.org/CHH141MDSpecialty.asp?specialty=general\
%20surgery&specialty2=neurosurgery&LeftImage=
SurgeryPic&RightImage=575x100Surgeons&SpecialtyTitle=Surgery)
Lots of Gentle Hugs,
ReeAnn M. Betts-Morris
434-409-7162
Founder, The Pancreatitis Place
ReeAnn@...
_http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org_ (http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/)

Hi Christine,
My name is Rhonda and my daughter, Amanda, suffers from pancreatitis
too. I know how hard it is to watch your baby go through this
painful disease. Amanda will be 12 next month and has had attacks
since she was 6. Do they know what is causing Michelle to have
pancreatitis? We don't with Amanda. Do you have a good doctor in
Texas? I hope so.
I hope the ERCP test goes ok for Michelle. That is such a hard
test. I'll say a prayer for you both. Welcome to TPP, you'll find
lots of info and many caring people here.
Rhonda
Tulsa, OK

Denise,
Bad news and sickness must be in the air. I am sorry to hear your BP
is still giving you trouble. I sure hope your evening went ok,
please let me know. I hope Robert is doing ok too. Chest pains on
top of everything else, you sometimes wonder how much more you can
handle. But remember, God never gives us more than what He knows we
can handle. I will continue to pray for you both.
You know we have been trying to find another doctor, really just
wanting to get another opinion and desperately wanting better
answers. I had gotten my hopes up that we had found a doctor in
Pittsburgh that might help. Well, he called me yesterday and
basically said after reviewing her files, he felt she has had all the
tests done that he would do, and that he didn't feel he would bring
anything new to her evaluation. He was very kind and we spoke for 30
minutes (which I thought was nice since Amanda is not his patient).
I appreciated his honesty, but made me very depressed. Then when I
got home, found Amanda in pain. She has had a rough evening and
still in pain today. Doesn't seem to be in a full attack, just
hurting. ggrr. I am very afraid this is turning into chronic. She
is pretty down today too.
I am thankful to have a job that is pretty flexable, but I am really
wanting to become a stay at home mom. Right now, we need my paycheck
to survive, however, Jeff is going to school at night to finish his
bachelors degree. We are hoping that once he gets finished, he can
find a better job so that I can stay home.
Sorry, didn't mean to dump on you. Hope the day gets better for both
of us.
Rhonda
Tulsa, OK

Hi Bren,
I am so glad that you are finally getting the pain pump. I know you
have been wanting it for awhile now. Please keep us posted on how
everything goes. Will keep in touch with you during your stay at the
hospital. Give Mario and Ruben a BIG hug from me please!!! As always,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
~*~Denise~*~
Caregivers Moderator
deniseatdiabetes@...
sdhammett@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Okay, this is pretty fun. It's one of those "draw a picture and
we'll tell you how screwed up you are" things, so don't cheat and
scroll
down until you've followed the instructions.
The Pig Test
You only need one minute, a pen and a sheet of paper.
1 Take a clean sheet of paper and draw a pig on it
2 Don't look at the results before you have drawn the pig
3 DON'T PEEK AT RESULTS BEFORE YOU HAVE FINISHED DRAWING THE PIG!
Okay, are you ready? Oink, let's start. Scroll to the bottom for
the results.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
If you have drawn a lot of details you are analytical, patient
and suspicious.
If you have not wasted time on details, you are broad minded,
sentimental, even gullible, not too systematic and take a lot
of risks.
If you drew less than 4 legs you are in an insecure stage of life,
or your entire life is in constant upheaval.
If you drew 4 legs, you are self confident, stubborn and hold on
to your plans.
If you drew more than 4 legs, you are an idiot.
The size of the pigs ears tells about your ability to listen to
other people---the bigger the better...
And finally the pig's tail should tell you something about your
sexuality, once again the bigger and more curled, the........
what???!!!!
forgot the tail?
No, it's absolutely impossible to do the test again.

Hi Diane,
Thanks for sharing Shadow's first birthday with us. I checked out
your website and LOVED it!!!! They are just adorable. I love
doggie's. I only have one at the moment, and also a beautiful kitty
inside. He 'thinks' he is the master of the house:) I hope your
sister is doing well. Please let us know how she is doing as well as
your Dad. And always remember you and your family are in our thoughts
and prayers.
God Bless
~*~Denise~*~
Caregivers Moderator
deniseatdiabetes@...
sdhammett@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Maria, Kimer is right...that helped for me when i was losing weight..got down to
a size 3...but eventually i went the other way just as most did here now a size
16... But i loved Ensure , especially when u have had pain all day and dont
want want to eat nor your stomach isnt up to having food in it...the vanilla is
really good.... take care..
ur TPP friend, Brenda
Welcome to TPP...my 2nd family

Maria,
welcome to the group, though I'm sorry to hear that you have this
disease. Unfortunately, yes, many of us in the group are losing weight,
even when they are eating. One of the side effects of pancreatitis is
malabsorption (ie.you don't absorb enough nutrients from your food).
Have you tried adding a drink supplement like Ensure or something
similar? Sometimes that helps maintain your weight. I lost weight for a
while and I added Ensure to my diet. I had to drink 3 a day to maintain
my weight. Lately I've gone the other way for a while, though, so I no
longer need the supplement. If you haven't already tried the
supplements, you might want to try it and see if it work. Hope to hear
more from you in the future.
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 all,
I am trying to post again. I have had no luck so far getting my
message through, but maybe this time!
My name is Christine and I am caregiver, mom--to my 10 year old
daughter, Michelle.
She has been dealing with pancreatitis for four years. She has been
in the hospital seven times, usually a week at a time. Twice now,
she has spent two weeks at a time. Michelle is my youngest of three
(Wes, 17 and Jessica, 12). Finding you folks has been wonderful. My
own mother thought I might be purposely not staying with the diet
plan. Yeah right, the thought of spending thirty-seven thousand
dollars each time she has an attack is just money we were going to
throw away anyway, not!!!! Sorry, I will be nice now, lol.
Anyway, even my son loves to tease her and tell her she does this
for attention ( I think it's his way of dealing with our absence).
Otherwise, he is good to her.
Now we are making arrrangements for Michelle to go back to the
hospital on July 30th for another ERCP. This is her second one. The
doctor my put a stint (did I spell that right?) in for the week and
if it hasn't released on its own, the doctor will remove it a week
later.
Michelle has been on TPN twice now, each for two weeks at a time.
She looks at her scares and laughs that it looks my Mickey Mouse.
She has a great sense of humor about all of this, and considering her
amount of pain, she is doing better than her mother!
Thank you all for being here, it was a nice welcome home when she got
back from the hospital after her two week stay from April 22- May
6th, to find you all here and read your posts. I am glad your here
to chat to, and as a mom that often cries over her daughter's
illness, it's nice to know, we are not alone!
Blessing to all of you!
Christine and Michelle Collins
Denton, Texas

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat ~ Denise & Robert
Wednesday July 21, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 3 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chatroom
Notes:
This chat is hosted Bye Denise and Robert in AOLs TPP Chatroom. 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 Rhonda,
Glad to see you again. Miss you when you are not here. Also glad that
Amanda is doing well. I trust she is having a ball for the summer.
Tell her we send all our love. As for us...We are having a horrible
no good day!!!! We had a doctor's appt. today for Robert as well as
myself and on the way there we had car trouble and could not make it
all the way...I thank the Lord that we made it home.My BP continues
to rise and I am hoping to stay out of the ER tonight but I cannot
promise anything. Also Robert is having chest pains and is not doing
well also. I am sorry as I did not mean to get on here and tell you
all my problems but when I got on and started typing, it just came
out---as well as the tears. Please pray for us as I know you will.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless
~*~Denise~*~
Caregivers Moderator
deniseatdiabetes@...
sdhammett@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hello Rudy,
Sorry to hear that you have not been feeling so good. Maybe you need
to take a few days off and just rest. You have been busy the past few
months....So....As they say---'Take a little time to smell the
roses!!!' Take Care of yourself and always remember that you are in
our thoughts and prayers.
~*~Denise~*~
Caregivers Moderator
deniseatdiabetes@...
sdhammett@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi Shana, I am Brenda , 31 yrs old..CP since November 2000 i have two small sons
, working also...I have a great boss also..i have my bad days and most alright
days..Know what u mean.. I am glad ur back on ur feet it's must have been really
hard for u. I have a long hair chihuahua (3yrs old)...he's a wonderful dog. any
how..Welcome to TPP this is now my second family ...and glad to see ur
back...Take care and hope to see u on here more...
UR TPP friend...brenda
Shana Snow <k9chaos@...
Hello everyone
My name is Shana Snow, I'm 26 years old and I have chronic pancreatitis due
to having stones in my common bile duct that wre ignored for 2 years (they
told me the pain and vomiting were psychological) I developed Ch. panc
after 6 bouts of acute pancreatitis that began when I was 19, had my gall
bladder removed when I was 20, and have still formed stones after having my
gall bladder removed. I'm currently on Pancrease, Methadone, Duragesic,
Trazadone and Zoloft to deal with the pain and depression that comes from
having this wonderful (NOT) disease.
Some of you may know me as I belonged to Pancreatitis Place before for a
short while, but my life was so chaotic then I never really posted anything.
At that time I was living in a slum, where we had no heat, it was often -10
degrees C. (yes IN the house) in the winter, for the last 2 months there we
had no hot water, drains didn't work...anyhow, we have since moved to a
wonderful house that allows us to have our pets (currently 4 dogs and 13
cats-I run a pregnant cat/orphaned kitten rescue, and am a foster mom for a
couple of dog rescues tho all the dogs I have now are my own.) and the
landlords are wonderful. I'm still on disability due to the pain and
disability from the pancreatitis, but I manage to work part time also at a
doggy day care with a woman who understand my illness and is okay with me
often missing days when I'm not at my best. My life has definitely changed
dramatically for the better.
I just wanted to write in a quick email to say hello-I will write a longer
one with a more detailed intro later today. I just got out of the hospital
for another infected cat bite-I believe last time I joined I had just gotten
home from the hospital from a cat bite as well-its an occupational hazard
here LOL-but I still shouldn't be typing much as its on my index finger.
One thing I wanted to ask tho-2 of my furkids, Sam and Spirit are in a photo
contest and today is the last day. We're neck in neck with another picture
not half as cute as our guys, so if you have some spare time, could you vote
for my kids? If we win this weeks contest we win a photo editing suite, and
if we make the 30 semi finalists and win that we win 1000$ US! My furkids
would b spoiled rotten and I could really get my rescue going!
Anyhow, the link is below if anyone's interested!
VOTE FOR SPIRIT AND SAM @ http://www.bhg.com/photocontest/vote
jhtml?entryId=399500003
I'm glad to be back, thanks for letting me join again!
Shana, Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
known will go to
heaven, and very, very few persons."
Shana J. Snow, & the furkids
'Spirit'-7 year old Siberian Husky,
'Hope'-23 month old Shepherd/Husky/Terrier,
'Myloh'-7 month old wolfhound/lab/beagle/pitbull,
'Sam'-16 year old Samoyed,
& 'Nikki', our Shepherd Border Collie FurAngel, forever 11 1/2 years old
waiting for us all at the bridge
Plus the feline gang - Buster, Marbles, Smudge, Squeek, and the foster cats,
Minuit (& kittens) & Midnyte(& kittens)
Looking for a new family member? Please consider adopting a rescue dog..
every pet deserves a second chance...
check out Maritime Animal Rescue
~*~They are not *just dogs*. They are members of my family, they are my best
friends. They are my heart and soul, and my spirit. And each one of them,
though very different, is very, very treasured. They have brought nothing
but pleasure and joy to my life, they have been my constants in a life that
hasn't had much consistency at all. They have given me reason to get up in
the morning when I had no others. They helped me find my will to live when I
thought mine was lost forever. In short, my dogs, my "furkids", mean more to
me than anything else on earth, and they always will.~*~
--SJS 2001

www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello Karen,
My name is Kelly and I live in Oklahoma. I have had cp for 2 1/2 years now
and I am 35 yrs young. I was an LPN before this ugly disease hit me like a ton
of bricks. Has your Dr. checked your liver function level or checked for
beginnings of jaundice? Or possibility a kidney function test of any kind ?
Just a few Ideas that popped into my head when I read your post. Hope all is
well with you. Good Luck.
Wishes for painfree days and restful nights
Kelly from Oklahoma
karene_wert <karene_wert@...
Hi all. I'm wondering if anyone has any ides what dark,
yellowish/brown eyelids can be a sign of? I posted last week or so
explaining that doctors think I might have early stage chronic
pancreatitis but can't diagnose me yet...I've been sick about a year
and ahalf. So I am not able to eat much and am thinking I might be
developing a deficiency of some sort. Any ideas?
Thanks. Hope you're all having a good one.
Sincerely,
Karen
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Congratulations Rudy--and may your Cat scan have more good news for you! Holly

Hi
Thank you everyone for the welcome. But I really don't want to add pancreatitis
to the list I already have. I don't want to go through any more attacks. This is
my second one in two years. The first attack was worse.
I need some helpful advice as far as diet. I have put myself on a low-fat diet ,
no more than 20 grams of fat a day and drinking plenty of water. No more sips of
wine for me! Someone told me that added calicum helps....Any one heard of this?
I just want to know the best way to help myself.
Thank you
Warm thoughts.......Pam ga

Hello Rudy,
I am so happy when a member of the TPP family finally gets some good news and I
am happy for you. My name is Kelly and I live in Oklahoma U.S.A. in a little
house in the country . I guess I am still a newbie at this but I have had cp for
2 and a half years now. I was in major denial for a long time but am coming to
terms with the hand I have been dealt. My husband of almost 10 years and my
family are still pretty much in big time denial but I pray every day that they
are able to come to terms with it before I am unable to fight anymore.
Sometimes I wonder which is worse this disease or the depression that comes
along with it. I am having a little problem with depression this week but I
know it will go away soon.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that someone in Oklahoma has you in their
prayers as well as everyone else in this wonderful group. I hope that only good
news comes your way more times than not.
Wishing you painfree days and restful nights
Kelly from Oklahoma
rvanleke <dobber481@...
Hello everybody, feeling fine, I sure hope so. This morning I
received the results of the bloodtest. Everything ok. Wauw, isn't
that good news. However tomorrow I still have a CT-scan; but that is
no problem. It was a big relief for me when the doctotr told me the
wonderful news. Feeling not so tired anymore and the appetite
returned. I suppose I have been the victim of a small virus that is
underway here in our regions. Still have to wait for the scan, but I
know one thing, today is a good day for me. Thinking of all of you
and sending warm greetings from Ostend, Belgium. Rudy,
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hi Kelly,,,,
Thank you so much for your welcome,,,,
I am also a stay at home mom,,,,,take care of my grandson full time,,,
& yes,,I would also like to know you better also,,,,
I am from Kansas,,,I guess you could say that we live next to each other,,,
So how old are your children ?,,,,,my grandson will turn 2 in September,,
I tell you he keeps me very busy,,, always on the go,,,,,but now that school is
out my sons help out ,,,,,
Well Kelly,,,,again thanks,,,,,I hope to hear from you soon,,,,
Stay safe, take care & God Bless,,,
Always Maria,,,,
kelly reasor <hotkelly68@...
Hello Maria,
Welcome to a group of wonderful,outstanding people. My name is
Kelly,35 years young, mother,wife,and friend. I am so very glad you found us
and hope you make many good friends here. I have had chronic pancreatitis for 2
and a half years now. I used to be a nurse but this wonderful (not) disease has
put a quick stop to that. Now I get to be a stay at home mom which I enjoy
immensly. Now I get to be the mommy who brings the cool stuff to my youngest
girls holiday parties. I hate it when I have more pain full days than not which
for some reason has been this week. I have a feeling a full blown attack is
just around the corner. Please feel free to email me at any time, I am always
open to new and more friendships. I will be here for you if ever you feel the
need to cry, scream, laugh, or just talk.
I have been married to my best friend for almost 10 years. Together we have 4
children (mine,his&ours).
Hope to hear from you soon
Kelly from Oklahoma
(here is a rose to brighten your day)
Maria <isa_deluna@...
Hi,,,,,my name is Maria,,,I am 40 , married, 3 kids, 1 grandson,,,
my oldest daughter married 1 son,,,,& 2 sons still at home,15 & 12,,
For months I had been getting a sharp pain in my back,,,always
thought I had air,,,,well it just kept getting worst,,,at night the
pain was so bad it would wake me up,,,,it got to the point where I
could not do much,,,,I was in so much pain,,,,
Pain started up high under my ribs down all my right side,& all
across my shoulder blades,,,,
Went to hospital & test got started, & Drs. tell me it is
Pancreatitis,,& tumors on my right overy,& Gallbladder,,,,
I tell you my list just keeps getting longer,,,
back in 97' I was diagnosed with ,
Erythematosus Systemic Lupus,
Raynaud's Disease,
Scleraderma,
Multipale Sclerosis,,,,,
I tell you,,,,just getting longer,,,,,here I am 40, like to be very
active,,,my family doesn't understand,,,sons to young,daughter with
her own family,& my husband telling me it is all in my head,,,,
I have never made time to make any friends,,,I have my parents,,,
but they live in a different state,,,,I was raised by my birthfather
& his wife,,,who is very much my mother,,,they took me in at 4 weeks
old,,,,I am an only child,,,have no sibling,,,,with my parents,,,,
I have been surching for my birthmother Amelia,,,I was told I also
have sibling with her,,,,,but for now no luck,,,,,I have no one,,,
I am very much alone,,,have no family members to call my own,,,,,
my birthfather is also very ill, Bone Cancer,,,he is in & out of the
hospital also,,,,,he & I are all we have,,,,we are very close to
each other,,,,he is not only my birthfather,,but my best friend,,,,
I hope to meet understanding people here,,,
& maybe some caring friends,,,
I am not scared or depressed,,,,I don't ask " why me ",,,,
My faith & God keep me going,,,,,
& when I feel the worst, when pain is unbearable, I still get up &
put some thing nice on,,,,I like for poeple to say to me ,,,
you don't look sick,,,,,
One thing I would like to know,,I used to weigh 165,,when I last
went to Drs.on 7/7/04 Lupus Clinic,I was at 140,,,,now I am at 134,,,
I am eating,,,& meds have helped with pain,,,,I am going back to
hospital on the 24th, of this month,,,,
But my question is,,,is this normal ?,,,is this happening to anyone
else ?,,,,,
I am not in any pain now,,,,I love that I can fit into my old jeans,,
Well,,,I hope to meet everyone & make good friends,,,,
Take care & God Bless you ,,
Always Maria,,,,,
I Hope to hear from you soon,,,,,,
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello everybody, feeling fine, I sure hope so. This morning I
received the results of the bloodtest. Everything ok. Wauw, isn't
that good news. However tomorrow I still have a CT-scan; but that is
no problem. It was a big relief for me when the doctotr told me the
wonderful news. Feeling not so tired anymore and the appetite
returned. I suppose I have been the victim of a small virus that is
underway here in our regions. Still have to wait for the scan, but I
know one thing, today is a good day for me. Thinking of all of you
and sending warm greetings from Ostend, Belgium. Rudy,

Hi all. I'm wondering if anyone has any ides what dark,
yellowish/brown eyelids can be a sign of? I posted last week or so
explaining that doctors think I might have early stage chronic
pancreatitis but can't diagnose me yet...I've been sick about a year
and ahalf. So I am not able to eat much and am thinking I might be
developing a deficiency of some sort. Any ideas?
Thanks. Hope you're all having a good one.
Sincerely,
Karen

Hello Maria,
Welcome to a group of wonderful,outstanding people. My name is
Kelly,35 years young, mother,wife,and friend. I am so very glad you found us
and hope you make many good friends here. I have had chronic pancreatitis for 2
and a half years now. I used to be a nurse but this wonderful (not) disease has
put a quick stop to that. Now I get to be a stay at home mom which I enjoy
immensly. Now I get to be the mommy who brings the cool stuff to my youngest
girls holiday parties. I hate it when I have more pain full days than not which
for some reason has been this week. I have a feeling a full blown attack is
just around the corner. Please feel free to email me at any time, I am always
open to new and more friendships. I will be here for you if ever you feel the
need to cry, scream, laugh, or just talk.
I have been married to my best friend for almost 10 years. Together we have 4
children (mine,his&ours).
Hope to hear from you soon
Kelly from Oklahoma
(here is a rose to brighten your day)
Maria <isa_deluna@...
Hi,,,,,my name is Maria,,,I am 40 , married, 3 kids, 1 grandson,,,
my oldest daughter married 1 son,,,,& 2 sons still at home,15 & 12,,
For months I had been getting a sharp pain in my back,,,always
thought I had air,,,,well it just kept getting worst,,,at night the
pain was so bad it would wake me up,,,,it got to the point where I
could not do much,,,,I was in so much pain,,,,
Pain started up high under my ribs down all my right side,& all
across my shoulder blades,,,,
Went to hospital & test got started, & Drs. tell me it is
Pancreatitis,,& tumors on my right overy,& Gallbladder,,,,
I tell you my list just keeps getting longer,,,
back in 97' I was diagnosed with ,
Erythematosus Systemic Lupus,
Raynaud's Disease,
Scleraderma,
Multipale Sclerosis,,,,,
I tell you,,,,just getting longer,,,,,here I am 40, like to be very
active,,,my family doesn't understand,,,sons to young,daughter with
her own family,& my husband telling me it is all in my head,,,,
I have never made time to make any friends,,,I have my parents,,,
but they live in a different state,,,,I was raised by my birthfather
& his wife,,,who is very much my mother,,,they took me in at 4 weeks
old,,,,I am an only child,,,have no sibling,,,,with my parents,,,,
I have been surching for my birthmother Amelia,,,I was told I also
have sibling with her,,,,,but for now no luck,,,,,I have no one,,,
I am very much alone,,,have no family members to call my own,,,,,
my birthfather is also very ill, Bone Cancer,,,he is in & out of the
hospital also,,,,,he & I are all we have,,,,we are very close to
each other,,,,he is not only my birthfather,,but my best friend,,,,
I hope to meet understanding people here,,,
& maybe some caring friends,,,
I am not scared or depressed,,,,I don't ask " why me ",,,,
My faith & God keep me going,,,,,
& when I feel the worst, when pain is unbearable, I still get up &
put some thing nice on,,,,I like for poeple to say to me ,,,
you don't look sick,,,,,
One thing I would like to know,,I used to weigh 165,,when I last
went to Drs.on 7/7/04 Lupus Clinic,I was at 140,,,,now I am at 134,,,
I am eating,,,& meds have helped with pain,,,,I am going back to
hospital on the 24th, of this month,,,,
But my question is,,,is this normal ?,,,is this happening to anyone
else ?,,,,,
I am not in any pain now,,,,I love that I can fit into my old jeans,,
Well,,,I hope to meet everyone & make good friends,,,,
Take care & God Bless you ,,
Always Maria,,,,,
I Hope to hear from you soon,,,,,,
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello Pam,
My name is Kelly and I live in southeastern Oklahoma. I am 35 years
young and I am a wife a mother and thankfully I have lots of very good friends.
In that light I am a very wealthy person in these times. I have had chronic
pancreatitis for 2 and a half years now and my attacks usually start this
way::::: get very tired, achy and have an unsettling feeling in the left upper
quad of my abdomen. Then as the next couple of days progress the pain starts
making itself known with worsening sharp and dull pain steadily growing
worse with every minute.Sometime the pain pills work other times not. Then the
vomiting starts and pain is so bad that I can't stand it and go to the ER and
they look at my history, give me demerol and phenergan IM and send me home to
sleep for a day or two which means I take more of pain meds at home before
relief is any where close to a reality. The pain feels like a very hot knife
going thru my abdomen and going into my back and someone
twisting the blade as hard as possible. I usually have a high tolerance for
pain but not with this stuff. My thinking on it is this:::::::: I would rather
have 12 natural childbirths with no pain meds at all in a steady row than to
ever experience that pancreatic pain ever again. My childhood dream had always
been to be a nurse and I got that dream for 8 years before this started and now
I can't work at all and have filed for disability. It took me a real long time
to apply because I was in deep denial ,,,I have worked full time since I was 15
and thought disability was for SICK people not me. I finally gave in and
applied. My family is my rock especially my husband of almost 10 years.
Well, I guess I have at least bored you to sleep by now but feel free to email
me at any time. This is a wonderful group of people and I am so happy you have
found us. Please feel free to ask anything, vent about anything, or just need a
sounding board we will be here for you. Our loved ones are wonderful but they
don't really know what we go thru with attacks or without.
hoping for pain free days for you
Kelly from Oklahoma
dixiewings2 <dixiewings2@...
Hi Everyone
My name is Pam and I live in Georgia. I believe I just went through
an attack. I had a small glass of wine on Thursday night. I had
horrible pains in my abdomen that night and the next morning the pain
bored straight through to my back. The pain took about 2 hours to
subside, then I would eat and within 30 minutes was right back to the
extreme pain. This went on all day Friday until Saturday morning it
hit me.........DON'T EAT! By Saturday evening my pain was
diminishing so I had a cup of low-fat, low-sodium soup and I'm happy
to say that this morning , although I feel wiped out, the pain is
about 80% gone.
I had a worse attack two years ago, same pain , but with extreme
vomiting. I went to emergency and they took an exay and sent me home.
I don't know how I ever made it home. My husband was driving and I
was in agony.
So this time I stayed home.
Please tell me what your attacks feel like?.......Minor one and major
ones? I see my Gastro on Wednesday and would like to know something
about pancreatitis. I also suffer with liver problems and a blood
condition. My gallbladder was removed years ago.
Thank you
Warm thoughts........Pam ga
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello Pam, my name is Rudy and I live in Europe, Belgium. I am
suffering from chronic pancreatitis, now for about some 9 or 10
years. I had a whipple being done an d I must say that it gave
result. For the moment I am not feeling as well but the extreme pain
doesn't occur, if it is at this moment my pancreas. That is
something I will know tomorrow with the bloodsample result. The
attacks I had were always very painfull. They start with loosing
appetite, feeling unrest region abdomen. A little bit later I cannot
stand anymore music or people around me. When it finally strikes, it
is very painfull. There are moments I think there is someone in the
abdomenregion who is trying to move all things. I also have pain in
the back and have to vomit a lot. You don't have to ask me to eat
something at those moments. The only thing I can do is sit bended
over. I cannot be on my back or cannot stand up. This goes on for
two days and after that it takes me at least a few days to become of
all of that. When I retake eating it goes with nonfat yoghurt and
some raw vegetables. If the pain is really to severe I am
transported to hospital, and there after 10 minutes all the pain is
over. It must be a very strong painmedicine, I think it is
Dolantine. Then I have to stay four or five days over there. But as
time passes by the attacks occur lesser and lesser. Doctor told me
that I had to give my body the necessary time. And it is chronic so
it always stays in me. On this site I really found help Pam, because
when you are feeling good it is so important that you can help
someone else in a more bad position. When you help someone you help
yourself. Thank you for listening Pam, and I hope you'll have a pain
free day. With the warmest greetings from Ostend, Belgium, Rudy

Hi Everyone
My name is Pam and I live in Georgia. I believe I just went through
an attack. I had a small glass of wine on Thursday night. I had
horrible pains in my abdomen that night and the next morning the pain
bored straight through to my back. The pain took about 2 hours to
subside, then I would eat and within 30 minutes was right back to the
extreme pain. This went on all day Friday until Saturday morning it
hit me.........DON'T EAT! By Saturday evening my pain was
diminishing so I had a cup of low-fat, low-sodium soup and I'm happy
to say that this morning , although I feel wiped out, the pain is
about 80% gone.
I had a worse attack two years ago, same pain , but with extreme
vomiting. I went to emergency and they took an exay and sent me home.
I don't know how I ever made it home. My husband was driving and I
was in agony.
So this time I stayed home.
Please tell me what your attacks feel like?.......Minor one and major
ones? I see my Gastro on Wednesday and would like to know something
about pancreatitis. I also suffer with liver problems and a blood
condition. My gallbladder was removed years ago.
Thank you
Warm thoughts........Pam ga

Hello everyone
My name is Shana Snow, I'm 26 years old and I have chronic pancreatitis due
to having stones in my common bile duct that wre ignored for 2 years (they
told me the pain and vomiting were psychological) I developed Ch. panc
after 6 bouts of acute pancreatitis that began when I was 19, had my gall
bladder removed when I was 20, and have still formed stones after having my
gall bladder removed. I'm currently on Pancrease, Methadone, Duragesic,
Trazadone and Zoloft to deal with the pain and depression that comes from
having this wonderful (NOT) disease.
Some of you may know me as I belonged to Pancreatitis Place before for a
short while, but my life was so chaotic then I never really posted anything.
At that time I was living in a slum, where we had no heat, it was often -10
degrees C. (yes IN the house) in the winter, for the last 2 months there we
had no hot water, drains didn't work...anyhow, we have since moved to a
wonderful house that allows us to have our pets (currently 4 dogs and 13
cats-I run a pregnant cat/orphaned kitten rescue, and am a foster mom for a
couple of dog rescues tho all the dogs I have now are my own.) and the
landlords are wonderful. I'm still on disability due to the pain and
disability from the pancreatitis, but I manage to work part time also at a
doggy day care with a woman who understand my illness and is okay with me
often missing days when I'm not at my best. My life has definitely changed
dramatically for the better.
I just wanted to write in a quick email to say hello-I will write a longer
one with a more detailed intro later today. I just got out of the hospital
for another infected cat bite-I believe last time I joined I had just gotten
home from the hospital from a cat bite as well-its an occupational hazard
here LOL-but I still shouldn't be typing much as its on my index finger.
One thing I wanted to ask tho-2 of my furkids, Sam and Spirit are in a photo
contest and today is the last day. We're neck in neck with another picture
not half as cute as our guys, so if you have some spare time, could you vote
for my kids? If we win this weeks contest we win a photo editing suite, and
if we make the 30 semi finalists and win that we win 1000$ US! My furkids
would b spoiled rotten and I could really get my rescue going!
Anyhow, the link is below if anyone's interested!
VOTE FOR SPIRIT AND SAM @ http://www.bhg.com/photocontest/vote
jhtml?entryId=399500003
I'm glad to be back, thanks for letting me join again!
Shana, Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have
known will go to
heaven, and very, very few persons."
Shana J. Snow, & the furkids
'Spirit'-7 year old Siberian Husky,
'Hope'-23 month old Shepherd/Husky/Terrier,
'Myloh'-7 month old wolfhound/lab/beagle/pitbull,
'Sam'-16 year old Samoyed,
& 'Nikki', our Shepherd Border Collie FurAngel, forever 11 1/2 years old
waiting for us all at the bridge
Plus the feline gang - Buster, Marbles, Smudge, Squeek, and the foster cats,
Minuit (& kittens) & Midnyte(& kittens)
Looking for a new family member? Please consider adopting a rescue dog..
every pet deserves a second chance...
check out Maritime Animal Rescue
~*~They are not *just dogs*. They are members of my family, they are my best
friends. They are my heart and soul, and my spirit. And each one of them,
though very different, is very, very treasured. They have brought nothing
but pleasure and joy to my life, they have been my constants in a life that
hasn't had much consistency at all. They have given me reason to get up in
the morning when I had no others. They helped me find my will to live when I
thought mine was lost forever. In short, my dogs, my "furkids", mean more to
me than anything else on earth, and they always will.~*~
--SJS 2001

Hi Brenda
I just read your post, I am glad that things are starting to work in
you favor. You will have to keep us posted to let us know how you are
doing. Just do what the Drs tell you do and get all the needed rest.
I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery.
Wishing you well
Bruce
Long Island NY

Hello Brenda
My name is Michael and I have the same problem. With my first Big Attack of
Pancreatitis my blood levels were through the roof. but for the last 16 years
and many many attacks my blood tests have come back normal or at the most
slightly elevated. and all the doctors have done for me is to tell me not to eat
and take pain meds.
God Bless Michael
brenda green <bkstars2000@...
Hi Ron, i am a 31 year old with chronic pancreatitis have had it for almost 4
yrs now. My first four flare ups (attacks), my bloodwork shows up very very
high. but since then i it's come back normal...so have my endoscopys and cat
scans...nothing absolutely nothing shows up....but i do have flare ups and the
everyday pain...the doctors can do nothing for me , they only control the pain..
hope ur friend's son...feels better...my thoughts are with him ..i have no
answers for u only what i am going through..
take care, brenda

Hi Ron, i am a 31 year old with chronic pancreatitis have had it for almost 4
yrs now. My first four flare ups (attacks), my bloodwork shows up very very
high. but since then i it's come back normal...so have my endoscopys and cat
scans...nothing absolutely nothing shows up....but i do have flare ups and the
everyday pain...the doctors can do nothing for me , they only control the pain..
hope ur friend's son...feels better...my thoughts are with him ..i have no
answers for u only what i am going through..
take care, brenda

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat - ReeAnn
Sunday July 18, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 3 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chat room
Notes:
ReeAnn ~ Owner 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@...

Hi,,,,,my name is Maria,,,I am 40 , married, 3 kids, 1 grandson,,,
my oldest daughter married 1 son,,,,& 2 sons still at home,15 & 12,,
For months I had been getting a sharp pain in my back,,,always
thought I had air,,,,well it just kept getting worst,,,at night the
pain was so bad it would wake me up,,,,it got to the point where I
could not do much,,,,I was in so much pain,,,,
Pain started up high under my ribs down all my right side,& all
across my shoulder blades,,,,
Went to hospital & test got started, & Drs. tell me it is
Pancreatitis,,& tumors on my right overy,& Gallbladder,,,,
I tell you my list just keeps getting longer,,,
back in 97' I was diagnosed with ,
Erythematosus Systemic Lupus,
Raynaud's Disease,
Scleraderma,
Multipale Sclerosis,,,,,
I tell you,,,,just getting longer,,,,,here I am 40, like to be very
active,,,my family doesn't understand,,,sons to young,daughter with
her own family,& my husband telling me it is all in my head,,,,
I have never made time to make any friends,,,I have my parents,,,
but they live in a different state,,,,I was raised by my birthfather
& his wife,,,who is very much my mother,,,they took me in at 4 weeks
old,,,,I am an only child,,,have no sibling,,,,with my parents,,,,
I have been surching for my birthmother Amelia,,,I was told I also
have sibling with her,,,,,but for now no luck,,,,,I have no one,,,
I am very much alone,,,have no family members to call my own,,,,,
my birthfather is also very ill, Bone Cancer,,,he is in & out of the
hospital also,,,,,he & I are all we have,,,,we are very close to
each other,,,,he is not only my birthfather,,but my best friend,,,,
I hope to meet understanding people here,,,
& maybe some caring friends,,,
I am not scared or depressed,,,,I don't ask " why me ",,,,
My faith & God keep me going,,,,,
& when I feel the worst, when pain is unbearable, I still get up &
put some thing nice on,,,,I like for poeple to say to me ,,,
you don't look sick,,,,,
One thing I would like to know,,I used to weigh 165,,when I last
went to Drs.on 7/7/04 Lupus Clinic,I was at 140,,,,now I am at 134,,,
I am eating,,,& meds have helped with pain,,,,I am going back to
hospital on the 24th, of this month,,,,
But my question is,,,is this normal ?,,,is this happening to anyone
else ?,,,,,
I am not in any pain now,,,,I love that I can fit into my old jeans,,
Well,,,I hope to meet everyone & make good friends,,,,
Take care & God Bless you ,,
Always Maria,,,,,
I Hope to hear from you soon,,,,,,

Hi Bruce
Read your post on chat,yu hit the nail on the head on that one.We
do all have lives besides being sick and our children and grandkids
come first.I have a granddaughter that will be 3 in nov.I`m sorry to
say i don`t get to see her that often but shes always on my mind.When
i hear others talk about thier grandchildern i feel bad, but, its my
own fault.I think today i`m going to call my daughter and try to make
amends so i can see my grand daughter more often.As a matter of fact
i think i`ll send her a copy of this e-mail.
Everybody keep talking about your grand kids it woke me up to what
i`m missing.
Thanks Bruce
Your Friend
Dave

Hi everyone.
I hope someone here can help solve this mystery. My friends 7yr old
son got Hand Foot and Mouth last year and the virus was in the
pancreas. Since then he is been not able to eat because he is sick
all the time. Some foods even make his numbers go up to 2500, it
looks as if the pancreas is not working but every test and scan
shows that every thing is ok.
Has anyone here heard of this because the Doctors back here in
Montreal don't know what to say, just that it is the first time they
have seen this.
Thanks
Ron

Dave,
Guess what? I got it yesterday, Yee Haw! ! I haven't opened it
yet. I going to wait until this evening and open it while we on the
phone together. I want to share the moment with you Dave. So have a
good cold soda handy and we will toast to your success and
achievement Sir. I am so very happy for you and wish you the very
best of luck on you new invention. Talk to you soon......
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hey Bruce,
Ree did call AM-Track like you suggested and they will be more then
happy to help us out and store her med's while she on the train. She
found a real tidy small cool that will work while she on the
layover. Kimber came up with a cool idle too, a small portable
fridge. This will solve another problem I had. Now I don't have to
worry how I going to keep her Med's cool while we are at the
racetrack. Thanks Bruce and hope you doing well my friend.
P.S. the trash did finally made it to the door. I getting there
LOL
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Gary,
no problem. I hope you and ReeAnn are having a lot of fun with your
visitors.
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.

Gary,
you can buy small portable fridges, about the size of a large shoe box
at different stores. I bought mine at walmart I think. I also bought a
portable battery source/generator (has to be charge for 3 days ), that
the refridgerator can be plugged into to keep cold. You can buy the
portable battery at most camping stores or in the camping section of
either target or walmart, which is where I bought mine. You can also
find the small refridgerator at camping stores too I think. I don't
remember the model names. I'd have to check mine to see.
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 Gary
I just read your post, like I have told you once before you are a
staraight shooter it comes from you heart. I know we kid each other
alot, but besides the sickness our familys have there is the other
side of the coin,The grand children I have been telling you how much
my Makayla means to me. Now that your grandaughter is spending time
with you and ReeAnn you can see were I was coming from. it is true
the chat room is to talk about our sickness but there are times like
last night that our children and grand children took over the chat.
We all can tell storys about our kids but it is great to be able to
say that when you came home from work a little voice says grandpa is
home from work. This kind of makes you melt sick or not sick. we all
need a break from what bothers us and to share the good things we
still have in life is great.
Be well, Your Buddy
Bruce
Long island NY
PS. If you need any fishing tips call me I won't tell anybody

Hello Kimber,
So happy you had a grand vacation girl, sorry for not getting
back to you sooner but ReeAnn daughter and granddaughter or down form
Denver. It is so cool every time I turn around I hear Grand-Pa can I
this or can I that. Don't get me wrong, I love it. I feel like I am
in hog haven it is so new to me. Take care Kimber will catch up with
you soon.
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

For Andre,
I just read you post and let me say I am so very sorry that your dad
has to deal with so many issues. I do understand because I am losing
my sight as well Andre. I am visual impaired and getter worst each
year. You may want to read Post 12494 which I just did today. I
fine this very helpful to me and may make a big deferent's to your
dad. Also know that most states have a programs to help people who
are losing their sight are already have to help do thinks around
house for them self and even put some fun back into their lives and
it free in most cases. This will be hard for your Dad to adjust to
but if I can be of service of any kind please just let me know I will
be very happy to help your you and your dad in anyway I can Sir.
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

To All,
Transportation may become a concern down the road for some of you, if
it hasn't already. I know my wife ReeAnn does not drive because of
all the meds she is on. You may have more option then you know about
and I like to share what I have learned. The government offers grant
programs to most cities, small towns and even surrounding counties
for those with disabilities.
To qualify in different locals is as different as night and day.
Some communities make is as easy as a phone call, while others
require you to have paperwork fill out by your PCP. In most cases,
it can take up to a month to get it approved. The services are not
all alike and the costs aren't the same ether. Some are free and
others are at a reduced rate. Even the names are different, which
make it almost imposable for me to tell you the names of the service
in your community. But they are out there, just have to find them.
Here are some of the name I have found that or here in Virginia: Blue
Stay, C.A.T., Van to Go and the one I use is called Jaunt.
You can call the your local hospital, cab companies, city transit
service and maybe even your doctor's office to get information about
your local service. Or keep an eye out for those vans that have ramp
on them to see if they have a telephone number or the name of the
company.
Don't think of this as a welfare program. You paid taxes over the
years and no one ask for this disease. So we do what we have to in
order to served in this world today.
This is how it works where I live, riding with Jaunt. They provide
me with transportation to and from work, to the doctors office,
groceries shopping, movies, gym, and even out on the town on a
Saturday if I like. Whatever I may need to do or just for fun, all I
have to do is give them 48 hours notices. My fare is $1.50 each
way. A lot cheaper then taken a cab. I have to be ready 15 minutes
before my pickup time. The pickup is at my door and they take me
straight to the place I need to go. "Door to Door Service" - just
like a cab. If I have an appointment and do not know when I be
finished I, I use their "will call" service. This means I have to
call them when I ready to be pick up. This can take up to ½ hour
sometimes but that's ok, the ride is cheap. Our local service also
allows me to ride the city buses for free. In Washington DC it is at
a reduced rate. Every place varies.
We do not want to lost our independence so I strongly recommend each
and every one look into the services in your community. If you are
traveling, call ahead to the transit service in your destination (or
look it up on the web). Often times they will provide their handicap
services while you are there on a recipical basis.
The advantages are it is cheaper then driving your own car and you
don't have to fight for parking. Best of all for me, it has given me
my independence back. I don't have to depend on family or friends to
give me a ride. If I want to do some for myself, I can.
The disadvantages are you are using a public transporation service,
so you have to wait on them. You have a lot of down time sometimes
just sitting waiting on your ride.
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

I would like to think everyone who was in chat and share a
little about chat last night. Normal we discuss controlling pain,
diet or other issues dealing with this disease, but last night Chat
took a different twist. We spent most of the time talking about our
kids and grandkids, sharing some goods stores. It was so nice to put
this awful disease on the back burner even if it was just for a few
hours. Time really went by fast and the fellowship we shared was so
awesome and of course Bruce and I where at each other heels as
always. For the those who don't know Bruce well, he the king of one
liners comebacks and we are always picking on each other and last
night was no different except I think I held my own with the help of
a special friend in the chat room last night. Again thanks to
everyone for the good time and the break form this awful disease last
night.
With Warmest Regards & God Bless
Gary Morris ~ Virginia
Customer Service Rep moderator.
Phone 434-490-7191
gary@...
http://www.thepancreatitisplace.org/

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that I have
not been able to follow the posts over thepast several weeks as I
ahve been out of town. My Dad once more took a turn for the worse
and had to be hospitalized. He has been diagnosed with having
Congestive Heart Faliure as well as Pneumonia. Once they treated the
Pneumonia successfully, he has been sent home from the hospital on
medication, which should help. I also learned, during this visit
with him, that he is almost totally blind! He has had several
surgeries on his eyes due to problems with his retina (detached) as
well as cataracts in both eyes. After several surgeries he has been
told by his physician that there isn't anymore thay can do for him
due to his age (82 yrs old-but still strong as an ox)so he is blind
now, for all intents and purposes. Whenever I see him, all he can
ask is "why is all of this happeneing to me?" It breaks my heart
whenever he asks this of me since no good answer is ever available.
Please remember my Dad and the rest of the family during these trying
times. As for the past posts, I may never be able to catch up to
everything that has been written since last I visited this site, but
I will try and make an attempt at reading them all. However, sleep
is currently on my agenda as I am in need of a lot of rest.
I hope this finds everyone well and without pain.
Andre'

Shadow's first birthday was June 20, but I've been so busy, I didn't get his web
page posted. I've had pictures of our new house to show you for weeks, but
haven't gotten those on the web either. Boogie's 7th birthday will be Saturday,
June 17, and his web page is ready early - guess one out of 3 isn't too bad!
Anyway, please click here to go to the dogs' home page:
http://BootsScoochnBoogie.home.att.net/ , then click on the links to Boogie's
7th Birthday page and Shadow's 1st Birthday page from there. The page with the
pictures of the new house is linked from the bottom of each of the boys'
birthday pages. Turn on your sound and enjoy :-)
Diane & Bill
Scooch, Boogie & Shadow
Colorado Springs, CO
E-mail: BootsScoochnBoogie@...
Personal Web Pages: http://Tennchief.home.att.net
Business Web Site: http://SayItMyWay.home.att.net

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat ~ Denise & Robert
Wednesday July 14, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 3 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chatroom
Notes:
This chat is hosted Bye Denise and Robert in AOLs TPP Chatroom. 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@...

Hi all.
well, I'm back and I had a wonderful holiday. I spent the last couple of
days sleeping to renew my energy levels. I saw The Terminal. Good
movie. I hope all of you are feeling relatively pain free - at least as
painfree as we can ever get. Now I'm going to try and catch up on my email.
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.

ReeAnn,
Here is a list of my dx.
Cebrovascular Cavernous Malformation
Seizures
Mirgranes
Acute Bronchitis
Nurogenic Bladder
After dx of CP
Chronic Pancreatitis
Brittle Diabetes
GERD
Gastroparesis
Steatorrhea
Fat Malabsoption
Nausea
Chronic Yeast Infection due to high blood sugars
Nuropathy Left leg and foot
Fibromialigia
I hope this helps.
Loretta in Oklahoma

Reminder Reminder from the Calendar of ThePancreatitisPlace
Hosted Chat - ReeAnn
Sunday July 11, 2004
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
This event repeats every week.
The next reminder for this event will be sent in 23 hours, 3 minutes.
Event Location: AOL's TPP Chat room
Notes:
ReeAnn ~ Owner 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@...

07/09/04,
Hi Louie
I haven't been on line in awhile, but saw your post tonight
about the shortage of the Morphine given to paitients with the
pumps. As of the 21st of this month, the Pain Clinic is going to
change my Morphine to Dulidid. They are hoping I will recieve better
pain relief then I have been getting.
They are hoping that I stay out of the hospital a little more
too with this Med. Dulidid. It sounds like it helps your pain level,
maybe that's what I need to hear and it will help mine too!
Thank You for you concern and I hope you have a pain free rest
of the summer.
GOD BLESS YOU!
LAURA laura_kerste@...
TOLEDO, OHIO
P.S.THIS IS WHERE I HAVE MY PUMP FILLED AND RENEWED. THEY HAVE A
VERY GOOD PAIN CLINIC AT A HOSPITAL NAMED ST.VICENT'S OF TOLEDO.

Hi Bruce, how are u. i hope ur doing well. I agree with you so much...but
situation had almost the same theme but different situation... I grew up with a
father that was an alcoholic, he was a hard working man and a very good father
loved his girls to death and would do anything in the world for us. But
getting to the point. He drank every day his hard liquid and everyday we would
see him kill himself very slowly..Knowing that one daythat it would become very
bad . I would ask him to please stop drinking but he would say "dont worry it
doesnt bother you , i'm doing it to myself".. But he was giving my mom a
nervous breakdown, my older sister was a run away didnt want to stay home, and i
well try to keep everyone sane. in those days i could work in mcdonalds til 1:00
am ...so i did i would go home and see my dady kill himself. Give him is
everyday kiss on the cheek and tell him i love him. I got pregnant with my
first child Ruben and i wanted to have him before he past
away...by my 8th month he was under Hospice at home...unfortunately he past
away. the day i got out of the hospital which was 11:00 am he had past away at
6:00 am....
Any ways if you see someone in need plz dont hesitate to help , they might not
want it...but it doesnt hurt to offer ;)
Take care every one,
Brenda (FL)

Fruit Salad
1-1/2 cups cubed canteloupe
1-1/2 cups cubed honeydew melon
2 medium peaches, peeled and sliced
1 cup cubed, fresh pineapple
1 cup grapes, halved
1 medium orange, peeled, seeded and sliced
1 cup unsweetened Mandarin oranges
1 medium banana, sliced
16 oz fat-free sour cream
1/4 cup brown sugar
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tbsps pineapple juice
1 tsp cinnamon
Combine fruit, except banana, in large bowl and refrigerate. Combine
remaining ingredients in small bowl and mix well. Refrigerate. To
serve,
add bananas to fruit. Toss with dressing and spoon in individual
dishes.
Serves 12
103 Calories, 0g Fat, 0mg Chol, 48mg Sodium, 24g Carbs, 2g Fiber, 2g
Protein
The New Soul Food Cookbook for People With Diabetes

Hi Denise
I just read your post about the mouse. it was very good we need more
storys like that to give us a chuckle once in a while. I hope all is
well with Robert, tell him carol and I said hello.
Have A Good day
Bruce
long Island NY

ABOUT BANANAS

The Mouse Trap
A mouse looked through a crack in the wall to see the farmer and his
wife
opening a package. What food might it contain? He was aghast to
discover
that it was a mouse trap. Retreating to the farmyard the mouse
proclaimed
the warning: "There is a mouse trap in the house, a mousetrap in the
house!"
The chicken clucked and scratched, raised her head and said, "Excuse
me,
Mr. Mouse, I can tell this is a grave concern to you, but it is of no
consequence to me. I cannot be bothered by it."
The mouse turned to the pig and told him, "There is a mouse trap in
the
house, a mouse trap in the house!"
"I am so very sorry Mr. Mouse," sympathized the pig, "but there is
nothing I can do about it but pray. Be assured that you are in my
prayers."
The mouse turned to the cow.
She said, "Like wow, Mr. Mouse. A mouse trap. Like I am in grave
danger.
Duh..NOT!"
So the mouse returned to the house, head down and dejected, to face
the
farmer's mouse trap alone. That very night a sound was heard
throughout
the house, like the sound of a mouse trap catching its prey.
The farmer's wife rushed to see what was caught. In the darkness, she
did
not see that it was a venomous snake whose tail the trap had caught.
The
snake bit the farmer's wife. The farmer rushed her to the hospital.
She
returned home with a fever.
Now everyone knows you treat a fever with fresh chicken soup, so the
farmer took his hatchet to the farmyard for the soup's main
ingredient.
His wife's sickness continued so that friends and neighbors came to
sit
with her around the clock. To feed them, the farmer butchered the pig.
The farmer's wife did not get well and a few days later she passed
away.
So many people came for her funeral, that the farmer had the
cow slaughtered, to provide meat for all of them to eat.
So the next time you hear that someone is facing a problem and think
that
it does not concern you, remember that when there is a mouse trap in
the
house, the whole farmyard is at risk.

Hello Monique, thanks for writing. The galbladder, yes that's it. It
was the first thing they removed. The doctor says that they always
take that away in a whipple procedure. In fact Monique I am
suffering always from pancreatitis, because in my case it is
chronical. But however the attacks are another thing. Last attack
dated from 8th of May. I was 8O km from home and was with the car,
alone. It took me four, yes four hours to get home. First year after
whipple has been the thoughest. I was in hospital then 4 or 5 times.
Doctor told me alsothat the periodes between the attacks would
enlarge. And so they did. I know one thing Monique, pancreatitis is
a horrible disease, but there are so many other people who have more
and bigger problems than I. And as I am now in that case I should be
gratefull that I can live a normal, between ( ), life. Pancreatitis
is one thing and a good life another. It is my job try to make the
good combination. Thank youMonique for listening to me Monique and
be sure that you are in my thoughts and prayers just as everybody
else here on TPP, Rudy, Ostend, Belgium

chocolate cupcakes
servings 24
estimated POINTS per serving 2
Ingredients
1 package pudding-type chocolate cake dry mix
12 fl oz Coca-Cola Diet Coke
1 1/2 cup Cool Whip Lite Whipped Topping
3 Tbsp Hershey's Chocolate Syrup
Instructions
Pour diet coke into dry cake mix. Wait 3 minutes and mix well. Divide
into 24
cupcakes. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes. When cool, mix cool
whip with
hershey's syrup and use to frost cupcakes. YUM!
Special Notes
Points calculated with recipe builder.

Do you find yourself eating the same old meals over and over because
you can't figure out what else to make â" quickly? Or ordering
takeout more often that you (or your wallet) would like? Shopping
for the right foods can get you out of this rut. Check out our list
of pantry staples, then try the 13 quick meal ideas that follow. The
most you'll have to do is boil water!
Smart Shopping List
Whole-grain breads and whole-wheat pita; whole grains (including
whole-wheat couscous), whole-wheat tortillas; prepared pizza crust
(e.g., Boboli).
Canned beans and chickpeas.
Canned tomatoes; jarred tomato sauce.
Vegetables (fresh, canned, jarred): red and green lettuce, tomatoes,
celery, bell peppers, watercress, red onion, garlic, shredded
coleslaw mix, jarred beets, roasted red peppers, pickled jalapeños
and canned water chestnuts.
Fruit (fresh or frozen/canned in its own juice), including lemons
and limes.
Pre-cooked chicken, turkey breast, roast beef and pork tenderloin.
Canned salmon and tuna.
Reduced-fat or fat-free cheese, including Parmesan, Swiss and blue
cheese, and fat-free sour cream.
Dried fruit.
Nuts, including almonds and walnuts.
Fresh herbs, including cilantro.
Dried herbs/spices: oregano, thyme, curry, chili powder, cumin.
Fat-free mayonnaise.
Mango chutney.
Prepared salsa.
Gourmet mustard.
Barbecue sauce.
Hoisin sauce.
Tahini (sesame-seed paste)
Light coconut milk.
Baked corn chips (e.g., Baked Tostitos).
13 Quick Dishes
Now that you have your pantry stocked, here are just a few of the
delicious dishes you can toss together â" no recipe required!
Chicken Salad: Combine pre-cooked chicken breast, diced roasted red
peppers, fat-free mayonnaise and gourmet mustard; spoon mixture into
whole-wheat pita.
Hummus: Purée together chickpeas, tahini, garlic and lemon juice;
serve with baked corn chips or whole-wheat pita wedges.
Tomato Pie: Top prepared pizza crust with garden-style pasta sauce,
reduced-fat Parmesan cheese and oregano.
Royal Rueben: Make coleslaw (combine shredded cabbage/carrot mix and
fat-free mayo); place slaw on whole-grain bread; top with lean roast
beef and reduced-fat Swiss cheese.
Spicy Salmon: Combine canned salmon, diced pickled jalapeños,
gourmet mustard and fat-free mayo.
Asian Chicken: Coat cubed, pre-cooked chicken breast with hoisin
sauce; toss with water chestnuts and chopped celery.
Chicken Fajitas: Top whole-wheat tortillas with slices of pre-cooked
chicken breast, green bell peppers and red onion; serve with fat-
free sour cream and salsa.
Moroccan Couscous: Add boiling water to whole-wheat couscous; let
stand 5 minutes. Add chopped mixed dried fruit, ground cumin and
sliced almonds.
Turkey Wrap: Spread gourmet mustard on a whole-wheat tortilla; top
with smoked turkey breast, reduced-fat cheese, shredded lettuce and
sliced tomato; roll up.
Mexican Beans: Combine three-bean varieties (black, white, pink),
canned tomatoes, diced yellow bell pepper, chopped fresh cilantro
and chili powder.
Chicken-Chutney Sandwich: Spread chutney on whole-grain bread; top
with slices of pre-cooked chicken breast and red lettuce.
Thai Fruit: Combine fresh and/or canned fruit (such as pineapple,
mango, melon, grapes, papaya), sliced almonds and light coconut milk.
Barbecued Pulled Pork: Combine shredded, cooked pork and barbecue
sauce; serve on whole-grain bread.

Dear Rudy, I thought about you all day yesterday and hope you are feeling a day
without pain . Holly in Oregon

Hello Everyone,
The TPP Chatroom is now open, so pull up a chair and come on in and
join us in Chat.
Thanks
Denise

Hello Rudy....Ive been reading up on this,because Ive had Chronic
Pancreantitis,for 5 months straight,awhile back,and also,2 surgeries,on my
Pancreas,due to Psuedocysts,which caused me to have Diabeters. Anyway,I was
wondering,do you wake up with pain,unable to eat instantly,and start
vomitting,even water? Thats almost usually how Pancreantitis starts,at least
with me. Then the pain was overwhelming,including my lower back. I would get
chills,and fevers,and my pancreas would inflame up,somwetimes so big,you could
actually see my stomach bulging because of it. And usually,the pain is very
intense,on your left side,since thats where the pancreas is located. And not to
sound gross,but even if I did not eat anything,Id vomit up Bile(like a
greenish-soury taste). I would get IV's,and hospitalized,sometimes up to,2
weeks,not able to eat anything. They would take blood,and diagnosis it was
Pancreantitis,because my Lipace(sp?) numbers were increasingly high. I hope and
pray,this is NOT what
you are expieriencing(sp?). Because if you are,you know how incredible the pain
is,and what its like going thru this.
Please,if you have further questions,e-mail cute_steel_city_babe03@....
I'd be more than happy,to answer and help,as best I can!!
Best Wishes to you always,
Monique.......Pittsburgh,Pa......USA
rvanleke <dobber481@...
Hello Robert, how are you. I have been reading your message on pain
in chronical pancreatitis. I must say that it is similar as I feel.
My way of pain goes as follows. First few days I feel some unrest
down there. You know, you feel that something is wrong but it
doesn't come through 100 %. A little bit later I lose appetite, and
I have to Throw over. Then pain comes up in a very severe way. It
strikes you with heavy attacks. After an attack it is a relief
although the pain is still there but in a lesser tensity. That goes
along for two or three days. Normally after four days it is gone. I
must not say to you how you are feeling then. A few times I have
been to hospital because I couldn't stand it anymore at home. There
they put in a pain killer intravenous, Dolantine I think. Four or
five days no food or drinking. That's it. See you and I am thinking
of you all, Rudy, Ostend, Belgium
www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hello Holly, thanks for your writing. Look Holly, when I said the
pancreatitis was caused by alcohol, I mean that I drunk too much of
that stuff. The result is that I am now an alcoholic and I will
always stay one. However I quit drinking in 1995 and in 1997 all the
misery begun. After two years "my friend the alcohol" was there to
collect the biggest parts of his interests, my health. Look I know
that's it my own fault, but I also know another thing Holly. I
stopped drinking and today I am a normal person. I can't say that
you have a drinking problem because I can only speak out of my own
experience. But Holly, you must know that I didn't had anymore the
freedom of choice. I had to drink otherweiss I couldn't go to work,
I wasnt able to write, to do anything in fact. I am not proud to be
an alcoholic, surely not, but I have littlebit of proudness that I
hadn't any more drinks till today Holly. That was a little bit the
things I wanted to tell you. I hope you may spent painfree days and
my thoughts are with you Holly, Rudy, Ostend, Belgium

Dear Gary, Thank you for your lovely letter. I am having a hard time realizing
that there basically isn't anything that can be done to cure this awful disease.
I am also wondering how terminal this dieseas is. I am counting fat grams , and
of course,no alcohol, taking pancreatic enzymes, and pain relief with
nsaids--although I have a back up of narcotics if the pain gets too bad. The
abdominal ultrasound that I had in March was "normal", except the tail of the
pancreas couldn't be visualized. A total body scan that I had lst October
showed numerous calcium deposits in what appears to be the flexure area between
the head of the pancreas and the body. This conflict of tests makes me wonder
how many poor soulds with pancreatitis are not being diagnosed. I don't know why
they just can't be removed so that the good part of my pancreas (assuming there
is a good area) won't be destroyed by the bad guys. I am in the process of
getting a referral to a GI guy that specializeds in pancreatitis, in fact will
call today to set up an appointment. I am so glad to find this support group as
my dear husband turns pale and beats a hasty retreat at the sight of illness,
which means that I never receive what we ( I am a registered nurse), call in the
medical field "secondary gain". This might be a good thing as I then would be
tempted to spend my days lying on the couch with a little crystal bell on the
table next to me to ring for chocolates and another old classic movie video.
Hope all is well at your house and that Reeann is pain free today. Sincerely,
Holly Drake

http://tinyurl.com/40sw
Pain in chronic pancreatitis:
Pain is the most common reason for presentation of a patient to a
physician with chronic pancreatitis and is the major reason for
surgery in chronic pancreatitis. The cause for pain in chronic
pancreatitis is complex and the exact reason for pain is not known.
It is thought that two major reasons contribute to pain in chronic
pancreatitis:
Increased pressure in the pancreatic duct: The inflammation and
scarring in chronic pancreatitis causes multiple areas of narrowing
of the main pancreatic duct and the small branches of the pancreatic
duct. Blockage of pancreatic secretion causes build up of these
secretions that are thought to give rise to pain.
Inflammation of the pancreatic nerve: The pancreas is richly supplied
with pancreatic nerves and inflammation in the pancreas may damage
these nerves causing pain. Furthermore, chronic inflammation in the
pancreas can release various substances that stimulate these nerves.
The head of the pancreas appears to be most affected in chronic
pancreatitis. Operations that remove that head of the pancreas
provide excellent relief from severe pain associated with chronic
pancreatitis.
Treatment of pain from chronic pancreatitis
A patient who presents with pain from chronic pancreatitis requires
careful evaluation prior to any form of surgery. These patients have
complex psychosocial problems associated with long usage of narcotic
type of pain medications over many years for relief of their pain.
In many patients chemical dependency on alcohol and narcotic pain
medication are difficult to distinguish from true pain originating
from the pancreas. A careful evaluation of the patient for chemical
dependency is critical for good outcome from surgery since patients
who have chemical dependency would continue to be dependant on
narcotic pain medication leading to poor results from the surgery.
Furthermore, alcohol addiction is crucial to recognize prior to
surgery since the results of the surgery for pain is not good if the
pain continues to abuse alcohol. Removal of parts of the pancreas in
a patient who continues to abuse alcohol may produce dangerous side
effects associated with low blood sugar.
In many patients a careful psychiatric evaluation may be required to
distinguish between a chemical dependency and severe pain chronic
pancreatitis. Furthermore many patients may have both severe pain
from chronic pancreatitis and a chemical dependency that is difficult
to resolve until the patient has undergone surgery. In these patients
post-operative treatment for chemical dependency is critical for good
long-term results.
Surgical treatment for pain in chronic pancreatitis is described
elsewhere on this web site. It is important to note that at USC
patients under go a comprehensive evaluation for the severity of
their disease, psychosocial factors, and chemical dependency prior to
any form of surgical treatment. Surgery is offered in selected
patients only.

Thanks Brenda! I am glad that I found this group also. In retrospect, I have
had pancreatitis symptoms for about 5 years, but wasn't diagnosed until my last
acute attack last March. (I really shocked my doctor when I diagnosed
myself--she didn't think I had it and was just humoring me by ordering the
pancreatic enzyme tests) All of that time I would be feeling great and then
for several days I would be "laid up" feeling very sick ,I likened it to being
poisoned, and in pain, I just turned 58 a couple of weeks ago, but I
still down hill ski, play the harp, and love to ride on the back of my husband's
new KTM motorocycle. I also enjoy being the camp gourmet cook on our river
rafting trips. At the age of 61,husband really hasn't grown up yet--as we speak
he is riding his motorcycle in the wilds of the North West Territory. We have 4
grown children, and 4 grandchildren, and except for this darned pancreatitis, we
are very blessed. I am in pain almost constantly, but for now, but I can
control almost all of the time with nsaids. I can't imagine having al lof this
pain and taking care of little children---you are very brave! Holly

Kelly
I sure can relate with you. At my highest my trygliceride level was 6,800 and
rising. I had 3 cardiac arrests on the emergency room table the day I was
diagnosed with pancreatitis and diabetes. I have been on morphine for years. 3,
100mg tablets twice a day. I am now on Methadone 60mg three times a day. I have
been doing a little better lately. Until I started using the Internet and found
groups like this one I felt so alone. I thought that I was the only one with
this problem. I sure hate taking the pain meds but I can not get along without
them. Well thank you Kelly for allowing me to share my story with you and God
bless you and I will pray for you and yours.
In Christ,
Kelly reasor <hotkelly68@...
Hey Kiddo,
Just a few words to ya on a hot and steamy day in Oklahoma. I have figured
out a few "triggers" that get mine going....one is different foods such as fast
foods I have them just never very often not worth the pain but sometimes a
quarter pounder overrides my common sense so i eat about half and then I am
happy....spicy foods are another...any "jarring" or bouncing will trigger one
real quick.... sometimes just eating in general will do it....other times i have
no idea what gets it going.Greasy food is a BIG trigger. wish all I had to take
was ibuprofen to relieve the daily pain. Currently I take morphine 3 times a
day ( 30 mg each and I take 2 each time)...Darvon 2 three times a day...and
Percosets 2 two times a day...24 hour coverage with occasional trip to er for
shot of demerol and phenergan and get sent home. also have two forms of
phenergan at home to take as well. This is a very nasty disease. But there are
some fantastic people in this group who understand exactly
what we are going thru...don't get me wrong our loved ones try their very best
to understand and support us but they really have no clue to how much pain we
are actually go thru. At the beginning of this nightmare I had to be put on
life support for 3 days because my pancrease had completely shut down. your
trygliceride level is 200 or below normally but at onset my level was 7010!!!! 3
days on life support and 2 weeks in hospital was my introduction. So far have
aquired deep depression as well partly due to i had finally reached my childhood
dream of being a nurse but only got to work as one for 8 years before this
terrible disease shook my whole life upside down. But I am very grateful for
those 8 years...didn't last long enough but i at least got to do it for a little
while. My main trigger for my depression is that i have held down a full time
job since I was 15 years old and now all of a sudden i can't work at all and it
is killing me. but i am very grateful for this
group and the friends i have made here. they are all blessed and i am blessed
for having them there for me too. Plz Holly if you ever just need to
talk,scream,cry,rant and rave I will be here for you. tell me about yourself if
you would like. noone can ever have enough friends in this ole world. I
collect porcelian native indian dolls and recipes and any book written by
stephen king, dean koontz, mary higgins clark, anne rice, or peter or paul
straub. I am also crazy about quilts and anything about the old south like my
fave movie is gone with the wind. I am in the process of making my own quilt
designs. feel free to write anytime. Once again welcome to the group and
here's to having more painfree days than not.
wishes for painfree days
Kelly from Oklahoma
holly drake <HollyDrake@...
Thank you so much Kelly. I am so sorry that you are hurting so much---has it
been this severe since the beginning? Although I hurt all of the time, it so
far is bearable with ibuprofen. My doctor said that I was never to travel
without narcotics, so I do have a recourse if the pain gets worse. I am having
a hard time telling what it is that I am doing that makes the pain worse, are
you aware of your "triggers"? That was a very sweet letter that you sent, and
again, thank you. Holly in Oregon

www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hey Kiddo,
Just a few words to ya on a hot and steamy day in Oklahoma. I have figured
out a few "triggers" that get mine going....one is different foods such as fast
foods I have them just never very often not worth the pain but sometimes a
quarter pounder overrides my common sense so i eat about half and then I am
happy....spicy foods are another...any "jarring" or bouncing will trigger one
real quick.... sometimes just eating in general will do it....other times i have
no idea what gets it going.Greasy food is a BIG trigger. wish all I had to take
was ibuprofen to relieve the daily pain. Currently I take morphine 3 times a
day ( 30 mg each and I take 2 each time)...Darvon 2 three times a day...and
Percosets 2 two times a day...24 hour coverage with occasional trip to er for
shot of demerol and phenergan and get sent home. also have two forms of
phenergan at home to take as well. This is a very nasty disease. But there are
some fantastic people in this group who understand exactly
what we are going thru...don't get me wrong our loved ones try their very best
to understand and support us but they really have no clue to how much pain we
are actually go thru. At the beginning of this nightmare I had to be put on
life support for 3 days because my pancrease had completely shut down. your
trygliceride level is 200 or below normally but at onset my level was 7010!!!! 3
days on life support and 2 weeks in hospital was my introduction. So far have
aquired deep depression as well partly due to i had finally reached my childhood
dream of being a nurse but only got to work as one for 8 years before this
terrible disease shook my whole life upside down. But I am very grateful for
those 8 years...didn't last long enough but i at least got to do it for a little
while. My main trigger for my depression is that i have held down a full time
job since I was 15 years old and now all of a sudden i can't work at all and it
is killing me. but i am very grateful for this
group and the friends i have made here. they are all blessed and i am blessed
for having them there for me too. Plz Holly if you ever just need to
talk,scream,cry,rant and rave I will be here for you. tell me about yourself if
you would like. noone can ever have enough friends in this ole world. I
collect porcelian native indian dolls and recipes and any book written by
stephen king, dean koontz, mary higgins clark, anne rice, or peter or paul
straub. I am also crazy about quilts and anything about the old south like my
fave movie is gone with the wind. I am in the process of making my own quilt
designs. feel free to write anytime. Once again welcome to the group and
here's to having more painfree days than not.
wishes for painfree days
Kelly from Oklahoma
holly drake <HollyDrake@...
Thank you so much Kelly. I am so sorry that you are hurting so much---has it
been this severe since the beginning? Although I hurt all of the time, it so
far is bearable with ibuprofen. My doctor said that I was never to travel
without narcotics, so I do have a recourse if the pain gets worse. I am having
a hard time telling what it is that I am doing that makes the pain worse, are
you aware of your "triggers"? That was a very sweet letter that you sent, and
again, thank you. Holly in Oregon

www.thepancreatitisplace.org

Hi Holly,
I am so very sorry that we had to meet this way do to this
disease Holly, but we are very happy you have joined our family here
at Tpp. We will all try to answer any question you may have and give
you the best support we can offer. That's is how we learn by
sharing our stores and concerns. You have already met some of our
lovely members and will meet more as time goes by. So let me take a
moment to introduce myself and also welcome you to our family. My
name is Gary and I am a caregiver of my lovely wife ReeAnn. Like you
I am still leaning myself about this horrible disease. So feel free
to ask any question you like and we'll try to help you fine the
answers.
I have not read a good book on pancreatites, the ones I have
read so far where outdated, but if I come across one I will pass it
on to you. Group like this can be one if not the best place to learn
about Pancreatitis. Do keep in mine what works for one may not be
best for you. Each person is different and always checked with your
PCP to Holly.
Holly you also ask what trigger some people with there
attacks. Dist and Depression or two things you have to be concern
about. You will learn as time goes what you can and can't eat. As
for your diet I sure you know to eat a low fat diet 20 grams per
day. No fry foods at all and I'm sorry to say no grease and no fat =
NO TASTE. But a lot of companies are none putting out a lot of no
fat food product. So hopefully you can find some foods you can
enjoy.
Depression is something all of us have to work on. People who
have an illness like this and their love ones who are effect by it
can easily for in a depressing trap. So I will share one idle with
you, when you feel down just take a nice long relaxing bubble bath.
Cut the light off and light a few candles and lay back, close your
eyes and dream about something wonderful in your