Nanny, thanks for all of your advice!

Nanny, I have learned more about pancreatitus (pancreatitis) from reading your advice to others than I have from any Doc. in 2 years.  I have felt like I been going in circles with Doctors.  I have seen so many different doctors and they have all diagnosed me with different things.  I have seen so many doctors and feel that my files are so incomplete from all the various clinics I have been in.  No one has the entire history of my 2 year ordeal with severe pain.  I did try taking creon, but I did not react to the meds well.  I do have high tryglicerides, but I have been able to control them with diet  just as well as the meds. were controlling them.  I begged to see a dietician in the hospital to tell me exactly how many fats I should be eating.  This was a joke the two times I was able to speak to someone.  I knew more than they did!  I have learned by trial and error about what I can eat.  I decided to stay under 30 grams of fat (this was from a diabetic diet).  The dietician told me this was way too low!! I am so glad to know that 25 grams of fat and no more than 6-8 per meal is recommended.  I have not taken any meds for 1 month and lived on Slimfast for 2 meals each day.  I eat a well balanced dinner and have felt good finally with no flare ups. Thank you again so much for all of your suggestions.  I don't feel as crazy when I can read that so many of us are having similar problems.

[Nanny]

You mentioned that you tried taking Creon, but did not react to them well.  I know a lot of people who have not done well with Creon, but have had success with other brands, like pancrelipase (generic), Ultrace, Lipram, or Viokase.  There are differences with the enzymes.  If the enzymes are not enteric coated (which means they come in a gel-like capsule with small pellets inside) you have to take an antiacid prior to taking the enzymes.  If you don't, they don't work as well.  I can't remember if Creon has an enteric coating, but I know that Ultrace, Pancrelipase and Lipram do.  Viokase doesn't, and needs to be accompanied with an antiacid.  You might speak to your GI about this, and see if you could switch brands.  I currently take Lipram or Ultrase.

I'm glad I could help with suggestions.  The diet you are on sounds sensible and seems as though it's working well for you.  I have a lot of menu ideas and cooking suggestions that you might be interested in, too.  Something a bit more exciting than Slimfast twice a day.  But that does work, too!  You can email me personally if you have any more questions.

Thanks for your kind words.
Nanny
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