[ECHOES]

Does anyone have issues with chronic pancreatitis?

What helps? I know not eating solid food.
But what about with the fatigue? Have you found something to help with that?

[lynn P.]

I wish I could give more specific info., plus I think it depends on what's the cause of the pancreatitis. Here's a very good link:

http://www.pancreatitis-info.com/200...icpancreatitis

[ECHOES]

Thank you Lynn.

I should have mentioned that I don't drink alcohol and that isn't a cause or issue.
I previously had the pancraticduodenectomy, removal of the head of the pancreas due to blocked pancreatic duct. I am left with the remainder of the pancreas and still subject to pancreatitis.

So, I am familiar with it and the treatment being no solid foods.
But the fatigue is really great this time around. Thank goodness for good books, huh?

[Perna]

When a normal diet is resumed, the doctor may prescribe synthetic pancreatic enzymes if the pancreas does not secrete enough of its own. The enzymes should be taken with every meal to help the person digest food and regain some weight. The next step is to plan a nutritious diet that is low in fat and includes small, frequent meals. A dietitian can assist in developing a meal plan. Drinking plenty of fluids and limiting caffeinated beverages is also important.

from: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddise.../pancreatitis/

[ECHOES]

You have no idea how much those enzymes cost, but thanks.

[Perna]

I didn't know about the enzymes, how much do they cost? Your insurance doesn't cover enough of the cost? Do you have to take the enzymes all the time or just with certain meals or when you're having a "flair" of symptoms?

Yes. Abbott Laboratories offers a Patient Assistance Program (PAP) through which certain patients can obtain CREON® at no cost if they meet financial eligibility criteria. Physicians apply for the PAP program on the patient's behalf by submitting a completed application.

Just thought the small meals and liquids, no coffee, etc. ideas might help.

I know I have to take Lactaid for my lactose intolerance, buy their special milk, etc. and hate when I am out and forget to eat a pill and get the nasty pains and my thyroid pill pisses me off too, being tied to that or not able to stay awake/feel exhausted :-) Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.

[ECHOES]

Originally Posted by Perna

I didn't know about the enzymes, how much do they cost? Your insurance doesn't cover enough of the cost? Do you have to take the enzymes all the time or just with certain meals or when you're having a "flair" of symptoms?


Just thought the small meals and liquids, no coffee, etc. ideas might help.

I know I have to take Lactaid for my lactose intolerance, buy their special milk, etc. and hate when I am out and forget to eat a pill and get the nasty pains and my thyroid pill pisses me off too, being tied to that or not able to stay awake/feel exhausted :-) Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you
Yep the small meals, etc helps prevent but when it has arrived, then no food is the treatment. But thank you for the reminder so I can prevent as much as possible. I had forgotten about the coffee...

About the assistance program, I don't qualify for assistance and my insurance is high deductible so I would be paying for them.

I don't mind being grounded by fatigue too much when I'm off work, but I go back Tuesday after some (coincidentally good timed) vacation days. It is such a looonnggg 9 hours when I feel this way.

Thank you for searching for answers!