chronic pancreastitis

[A-bear]

My mother was diagnosed with chronic pancreastitis, she has had 3 ERCP"s, A Bile duct rupture,and has stents inserted and taken out and replaced several times, she is 73 years old and is down from 170lbs to 105lbs. I don't understand her condition and her doctor does not explain fully what is her going on with her, where can I turn and where can I get help on the best course of treatment for her. My mother does not understand what she has and is very depressed due to this. Please help!

[Nanny]

You don't say where you are located.  There are several excellent facilities, mainly along the east coast, that have gastroenterology departments that could help your mother.  With that severe a weight loss it may be necessary for her to be on a TPN and under medical supervision.  When at home, it is essential that she follows a low-fat diet and recieves essential nourishment, it sounds as though she may not have been able to do that.  Does she live alone, is she currently in the hospital?  Perhaps if you gave us some more background information someone might be able to offer further suggestions.

There are some surgical options, yet due to your mother's age, I question whether they would be considered, also it would depend on the causes of her chronic pancreatitis.  You are obviously very concerned for her health and well being.  I hope you will be able to find some help for her.  Please let us know a little more about her personal situation.  This disease can be very challenging.

You have my prayers,
Nanny

[Baseball_Mom]

Just in case you want to investigate Pancreatitis a little bit better on your own, here are two EXCELLENT websites you can go to:

http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/pancreas/pancreas.htm

http://www.gastro.org/public/pancreatitis.html

Best of luck to your mother.  I recently got over a bout with Acute Pancreatitis and it certainly is not much fun.  I got alot of good information from the websites listed above.  Hope you and yours have a Happy Holiday Season.

[Kelly L]

As your a sufferer yourself i would like to know if you have suffered diabetes due to your pancreatitis, as my son of six years old suffers from chronic pancreatitis and they have said that he will most certainly become diabetic.My son also suffers alot of pain after eating, i have tried changing his diet but this is difficult due to his age and being very fussy, have you any ideas?
Has yellow jundice any thing to do with pancreatits or is it a symtom along with pain to it reacurring again?
Hope you can help me all the best and good luck
                                               Kelly L