What is pancreatitis and how can I make the paon stop?

[swtest1]

Hello,

I am an overweight type II diabetic totally insulin dependent. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes in April, 1999 along with the beginnings of "fatty liver". As the years went by, my fatty liver turned into non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver (this was discovered via a liver biopsy done on 7/08). I was in much pain, but over a 4 month period, the pain lessened and I was able to continue to work and put up with it.My gall bladder was removed sometime in the early 1990's.

A few months ago, I lost my appetite to eat totally and began having extreme pain in my upper abdomen from left to right, but more specifically in the area of my sternum. My gastroenterologist performed some blood tests and found that my pancreas tests were quite elevated and she diagnosed me with pancreatitis. I was put on a total liquid diet, no fats especially, but unfortunately that did not work. The pain in my upper abdomen (and middle to lower back was excruciating) so I went back to my gastroenterologist and she had me meet with one of her partners that is well known for his work performing ERCPs. I agreed to having the ERCP done and understood that he was going from an empirical mindset and might need to cut the Sphincter of Oddi and place a stent or two wherever it was needed. I came  out of surgery and finally out from the anesthia and was in more pain than I had ever felt in my entire life! It seemed the opperation caused more pancreatitis than what I had when I went in! I was doped up on a large quantity of morphine later that evening as I sought help from the emergency (the doctor who performed the ERCP said I would not need pain medicine because he didn't anticipate any pain!!!!) I called my gastroenterologist two days after the procedure and begged for pain medicine which she thankfully agreed with (I believe it was Darvocet with some Acetaminophen). It took at least 2 weeks for the pain to calm down and finally get back to a level I could tolerate without pain medicine.

I tell you all this to provide you the background of my history. What I would like to know is: 1) where did this pancreatitis come from, 2) is there any way to tell if it is acute or chronic, 3) what causes it and can it be triggered by things like my uncontrolled diabetes or the cirrhosis of the liver I have, and 4) what diet should I follow? The diet strategies have changed so quickly during this pancreatitis episode I am very confused as to what I need to be doing. First I could not eat anything but liquids (no fats, fiber, wheat,anything hard to digest) to now which includes lots of fiber, wheat, low to no fat, eat basically fruit and vegetables. I was also told to stay away from milk products and eat lean protein - preferably legumes.

Any help, Doctor, that you can suggest so that I can get into control this pancreatitis would make me extremely grateful.

Thank you!


This discussion is related to Gastric Endoscopy Results.