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Prevention Of Recurring Acute Pancreatitis

Last November I was hospitalized with Severe Acute Pancreatitis. It was a harrowing experience, and the doctors tell me that I'm lucky to have survived it. They say the attack was most likely triggered by excessive alcohol consumption at a wedding I attended 2 days before.

I got out of the hospital in the beginning of March. For a time after my release, I couldn't eat anything - it would not "stay down." Gradually, my appetite returned, and by the end of April and the beginning of May I had resumed a pretty normal diet.

Earlier this week (6/24) I started to develop the pains I experienced back in November, though not nearly as severe. Sure enough a trip to the doctor confirmed that I was having a minor recurrence.

I do not want to go through this again any time in the near future, and am wondering if I can "prevent" recurrence by changing my diet? If so - what should my diet look like now?

Just some facts to help:

I'm a 28 year old male.

No - I am not an alcoholic. I drank very infrequently, and have not had even a sip of alcohol since November.

No - I am not a drug (of any kind) user.

Before the episode in November, I had a weight/cholesterol/tri-glyceride problem. But I lost about 90 lbs. in the hospital and have not been eating a "cholesterol heavy" diet.


Any help here is appreciated - my poor wife and kids are worried to death that I might wind up back in the hospital (or worse).

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
After suffering through my first acute pancreatitis episode a few months ago and the discovery of multiple pseudocysts in my pancreas, with later diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis also, I do have some suggestions.  A very strict low-fat diet and complete abstinance of any alcohol are most important. Gallbladder problems and alcohol cause 60-75% of the cases of people diagnosed with pancreatitis.  Other causes can be from drugs used to treat other medical conditions, hereditary conditions, or post-ERCP testing.  You didn't say whether your doctor discussed this with you.  I would also suggest that if you are not seeing a gastroenterologist already, that you do so, as there are many diagnostic tests they can do, and various treatments recommended per your individual condition.

I hope you feel better, and don't want your family to worry, that's why I urge you to see a specialist if you aren't already.  Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.
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