another sphicterotomy?

[TiaLove]

I have had chronic pancreatits going on 4 yrs, and was diagnosed with SOD a couple yrs ago. My pancreatic duct is strictured and I had a sphicterotomy in Dec. Unfortunantly I am having all of the symptoms again, pain, dehydration, loose stools, nausea etc. My gastro doc said the duct may have strictured again. They also want to do another pic line or port. I was on TPN before the surgery in Dec and really don't want that to happen again. At this point I am very frustrated and hope that there is another alternative than that surgery. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do. Thanks

[doubleaaaron]

Surgery maybe scary but if you had a tpict I bet you would feel a lot better. All the other treatments are a waste and they just delay your sickness for little amounts of time.

[CalGal]

There is unfortunately little else that can be done, but you might want to make sure that the ERCP is done with manometry - just to double-check that the pressures are high. If they're not then the sphincter should not be cut.

Also, please make sure that they stent you. I know that's a miserable thought, but it might prevent another bout of pancreatitis.

Have the docs tested to make sure you're not experiencing autoimmune pancreatitis?

Has your doc considered the use of specific calcium channel blockers? There are risks with their use, but in some they can be effective.