MCK,
Please understand that I am not a doctor and any advise I offer is purely from what I have learned from personal experience and research, or treatment that my own GI has recommended for my personal situation. As I told you earlier, I have had acute pancreatitis and now have chronic pancreatitis and am under treatment for that, and I am not trying to diagnose you, only offering suggestions that are standard treatment for pancreatic problems.
Try as hard as I might, I can't say anything positive about the behavior of your physician. You should have been given further instructions about the enzyme supplements, dietary restrictions and so forth, and a reason for cancellation of your ERCP would have been helpful. Under most circumstances I would advise a person to follow the instructions of their doctor, yet since he has not given you any, all I can do is recommend things to do that are common for pancreatitis patients. If you are not satisfied with the medical care offered by this physican, I would suggest that you find another specialist who can show a more active interest in your health. If it were my pain and my health, I wouldn't tolerate the indifference shown by this doctor.
A low fat diet is recommended for chronic pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, not to exceed 25 grams of fat daily, and no more than 6-8 grams per meal each day. Small snacks or meals several times a day are easier to tolerate than three large meals. No fried foods and no absolutely no alcohol. I suggested some tips in my earlier post about the nausea, yet understand that you are so nausiated and vomiting so much that you weren't even able to tolerate this. One medication for controlling nausea is Pheneregan (s.p.), but this is a prescription. If you have been staying on clear liquids like Lor and I suggested in earlier posts, and want to try foods, one thing you could try would be baby food. I know of several CP patients who introduce the baby food fruits and desserts when they are just starting back on solids, or soft, bland foods like applesauce, mashed potatos, pudding, jello, dry toast, rice, oatmeal, etc. You would take the Creon (usually 2 tablets, or whatever the doctor recommended) just before you eat. These enzyme supplements allow the pancreas to rest and aid in the digestion of food, thus causing less pain and nausea after eating.
If your nausea, vomiting and diarrhea persist, you should go to the emergency room if you can't get assistance from your doctor. Standard procedure there is to give you nausea and diarrhea medication and permit you to have complete pancreas and bowel rest until your discomfort is relieved.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Post again if you have any more questions. I am very sorry that you are having so much difficulty and discomfort and haven't received the attention you need.
Nanny
MCK,
Please understand that I am not a doctor and any advise I offer is purely from what I have learned from personal experience and research, or treatment that my own GI has recommended for my personal situation. As I told you earlier, I have had acute pancreatitis and now have chronic pancreatitis and am under treatment for that, and I am not trying to diagnose you, only offering suggestions that are standard treatment for pancreatic problems.
Try as hard as I might, I can't say anything positive about the behavior of your physician. You should have been given further instructions about the enzyme supplements, dietary restrictions and so forth, and a reason for cancellation of your ERCP would have been helpful. Under most circumstances I would advise a person to follow the instructions of their doctor, yet since he has not given you any, all I can do is recommend things to do that are common for pancreatitis patients. If you are not satisfied with the medical care offered by this physican, I would suggest that you find another specialist who can show a more active interest in your health. If it were my pain and my health, I wouldn't tolerate the indifference shown by this doctor.
A low fat diet is recommended for chronic pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, not to exceed 25 grams of fat daily, and no more than 6-8 grams per meal each day. Small snacks or meals several times a day are easier to tolerate than three large meals. No fried foods and no absolutely no alcohol. I suggested some tips in my earlier post about the nausea, yet understand that you are so nausiated and vomiting so much that you weren't even able to tolerate this. One medication for controlling nausea is Pheneregan (s.p.), but this is a prescription. If you have been staying on clear liquids like Lor and I suggested in earlier posts, and want to try foods, one thing you could try would be baby food. I know of several CP patients who introduce the baby food fruits and desserts when they are just starting back on solids, or soft, bland foods like applesauce, mashed potatos, pudding, jello, dry toast, rice, oatmeal, etc. You would take the Creon (usually 2 tablets, or whatever the doctor recommended) just before you eat. These enzyme supplements allow the pancreas to rest and aid in the digestion of food, thus causing less pain and nausea after eating.
If your nausea, vomiting and diarrhea persist, you should go to the emergency room if you can't get assistance from your doctor. Standard procedure there is to give you nausea and diarrhea medication and permit you to have complete pancreas and bowel rest until your discomfort is relieved.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Post again if you have any more questions. I am very sorry that you are having so much difficulty and discomfort and haven't received the attention you need.
Nanny
I almost forgot. Make sure you drink LOTS of water each day! It is very important to keep the pancreas well hydrated, especially if you are vomiting or having diarrhea. Drink as much as you can, and then even more!
Nanny