Gall Bladder Removed in August .. Developed pancreatis

[KimNY777]

Hi there . I had my gall bladder removed in August 2001. Five days after the surgery I was admitted back into the hospital with the same pain that I was having before the surgery. Spent the next 3 weeks there only to find out that I now have chronic pancreatitis. (talk about pain) On top of all the pain I have lost 20 lbs, have no appetite, hot & cold flashes, clammy skin and  VERY depressed. I have 1 good day (meaning .. no real pain- just discomfort) and then I have 3 bad days where I can't even get out of bed. Most foods that I craved, I have no taste for anymore, in fact sometimes just the smell of food cooking or coffee brewing makes me sick to my stomach. I'm on pain patches daily and am currently taking pain pills for break through pain. I feel as though my life has been turned upside down and I'll never be the real me again. I was referred to a Dr out of town to have a stent placed in my pancreas... I'm just waiting for the OK with our Insurance Co. Any imformation from someone that has already been through this would be greatly appreciated.
                      God Bless

[sarbc]

Wow, every story sounds exactly like mine.  My problems started in December, 2000 and I have been in the hospital eight times since.  December 1, I had an ERCP with stent implant.  In February, 2001 I was in the hospital for five days with a severe pancreatic attack.  In March I was back in for a second ERCP and exactly a month later I had another bad attack resulting in another five days in the hospital.  Again in April I was back in for a complete evaluation and a team of doctors recommended gallbladder surgery.  The first of May I had my gallbladder removed and felt wonderful for the first time in months.  Sadly it only lasted two weeks and I was back in with another attack.  After six months of good health I had my last attack in November. I have a really great team of doctors and feel my medical treatment is excellent.  I am now on a very low fat diet of approximately 25 grams daily.  I also try to eat smaller meals and eat more often.  I walk two miles a day and avoid other types of exercise. I have never drank so excluding alcohol is no problem.  I know the constant worry we all have with this condition.  My first attack was while we were on vacation and over 3,000 miles from home and my doctors.  The attacks are so sudden and severe that I keep a suitcase packed as our hospital is over 45 minutes from our home.  I wish I could offer more advise but I can't.  I can only say that I will remember you in my prayers and ask you to put your concerns in the hands of the Master Doctor, our Lord.  God Bless You.  

[Dyanne]

I TOO HAD MY GALLBLADDER REMOVED IN MAY, 2001 AND CONTINUED TO HAVE PAINS.  I WAS DIAGNOISED AS HAVING ACUTE PANCREASTIS JUST LAST THURSDAY AFTER A NIGHTMERE MORNING OF PAIN AND A PANIC ATTACK.  I COMPLAINED TO MY SURGEON OFF AND ON SINCE MAY BUT I ALWAYS FELT HE NEVER BELIEVED ME.  I WENT TO A NEW, CARING AND COMPASSIONATE GP WHO FINALLY UNDERSTOOD HOW I WAS FEELING.  I AM ON MEDICATION, A LOW LOW FAT DIET AND A EXERCISE PROGRAM OF WALKING TWICE A DAY.  I ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THERE ARE DOCTORS OUT THERE THAT DO CARE ABOUT HOW A PERSON WANTS TO FEEL.  I STILL HAVE THE BRUISING IN MY ABDOMANIAL AREA AND THE BURNING BUT I KNOW WHAT IT IS AND CAN UNDERSTAND IT.  I AM ALSO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT OTHERS HAVE THE SAME THING.  I WAS BEGINNING TO THINK I WAS CRAZY AND SHOULD JUST LEARN TO LIVE WITH MY PAIN.
IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH ME, PLEASE FEEL FREE.
DYANNE

[TazLady]

Hi,
I too developed Chronic Pancreatitis after I had my gallbladder removed.  No one could understand why I was in so much pain after the operation.  It was said that I was milking the situation.
Then, 2 1/2 years later I was FINALLY diagnosed and started being treated.  We now believe that pancreatitis attacks were mimicing my gallbladder attacks.  My GB was bad and was removed.
I am just writing to say I know how you are feeling.  Everyday I live with pain or discomfort.  A feeling of being bruised.  Sometime it lasts for hours, other times it comes and goes.  I had an ERCP done with a Sphincter of Oddi monometry.  It should that the Oddi sphicter was having problems, along with other things.  Since July 2001, I must admit that the pains are not as severe when they happen as before the surgery.  But none the less, they are ever present.  If the Doctors place a stent in you, it will only stay for a maximum of 5 months and then will have to be removed.
The way they do this is not a bad proceedure, BUT it caused me to have a BAD pancreatitic attack.  My amylasy was 5000 and Lipase was 1999, and the stupid dumb surgeon sent me home from the hopital anyway.  I ended up back in my hospital for 8 days after that.  If no one else tells you, it is a real possibility that you too can have a bad attack after this proceedure.
My advice follows:  Eat a low fat diet.  The lower the fat the better.  NO alcohol.  I try to eat most things fat free.  I stay within a 20-25 grams of fat a day.  I still go to Burger King on occasion and have a grilled chicken sandwich.  No cheese, no mayo, no butter.  I also eat about 1/3-1/2 of the fries.  Can't help that!!  :-)
Stay away from fried foods, oil and butter.  I didn't think I could live this way, but it is fine.  You get used to it.  And it helps with the pain.  Excersize in moderation. I have found that 40 minutes on the treadmill is MUCH more than my pancreas can handle.  And sit ups are a no-no.  But walking is good, also bike riding.
Do what you feel you can and pay strict attention to what helps your pain and what causes it.  May I also caution you that the specialist that diagnosed me also said I can not even take liquid Nyquil (10% alcohol) or have an O'dools (.5% alcohol).  Even that little much can help to induce an attack.
Take care of yourself.
TazLady

[Nanny]

Dear Kim,

I'm sorry to hear of your condition.  I have chronic pancreatitis, though not as a result of gallbladder removal, yet I know of several people who developed it after gallbladder surgery.  It is VERY important that you stick to a strict low fat diet and avoid any alcohol as your pancreas is not capable of digesting and processing fats or alcohol. They will only irritate the inflamation and cause more pain.

Has your doctor recommended enzyme supplements to help you eat, to mimimize the pain and nausea and promote weight gain?  With habitual weight loss,  (which many of us have with CP) it's important to keep your body nourished.  Your doctor should prescribe a nausea medication for you also, so you can eat.  Try to drink a lot of water to keep from getting dehydrated, and try Ensure or Boost to keep up your nourishment of vitamins.  There are a other things you can do to help, but right now you need to get to the point where you can eat properly and minimize your pain.

Post again if you have any questions, and I'll try to help.  Take care and have a pain-free day.
Nanny