Intro/hello

[KevMc65]

Hi all. I’m Kev. Diagnosed with CP in December, after years of abdominal pain and all the tests under the sun. I’m also a recovering alcoholic of 20+ years, which is likely to have caused my CP. I feel very alone with my condition and whilst the primary symptoms -pain and discomfort - are hard enough to deal with, I find the secondary symptoms - anxiety, depression, no appetite - even more distressing. Teally need and want to connect with you all.

[KevMc65]

REALLY INTERESTED IN SEEING IF THERE ARE OTHERS IN LONDON WHO SUFFER WITH CP SO WE CAN SET UP A PHYSICAL SUPPORT GROUP WITH WEEKLY MEETINGS

[tory2d]

hi kev, im from the U.S. and aslo wish there was a group here to go to, i used to be out going and now its like ive isolated myself from people cause i dont know when my pancreas will act up, i also feel very lonely, and now deal with depression. i cant stand the pain of this and wonder if it will ever go away, but ive heard it doesnt, something we have to live with. thank fully my Doctor has precribed me pain meds but still ruins my day when it flares up, with my pancreas they say i have a cyst in the head of the pancreas, i have lost over 30 some lbs. and cant seem to eat very much, no meats nothing fatty, but still have flare ups.

[KevMc65 in reply to tory2d]

Hi Tory

Thanks for reaching out and I totally identify with everything you said, not only the pain but also the isolation and depression that accompanies it. You are not alone.

Kev

[madonbrew Pioneer]

Hi Kev, and welcome 😊Sorry you have found yourself with pancreatitis! There are definitely people here who will understand your pain and distress!

It’s really understandable that having a chronic illness…especially one that causes so much physical pain too , will trigger off anxiety and depression too!

I have had CP for 23 years now…diagnosed aged 19. Mine is caused by a rare autoimmune disease called IgG4 disease. Fortunately or unfortunately…whichever way you choose to look at it, my pancreas is basically a dead organ now so I don’t really get the physical pain much these days.

But I really understand the anxiety and depression! In my early 20s…actually most of my 20s I really struggled with depression and severe anxiety. I would hardly leave my house and just wanted to sleep all the time to avoid life.

I’m sure you will find some good support here! It’s a relatively new forum but growing well so others will be along soon too!

Dee 😊

[KevMc65 in reply to madonbrew]

Hi Dee

Thanks so much for reaching out, appreciate it. Totally identify with just wanting to sleep all day and avoiding life, God that’s me, and I so don’t want it to be. But if I do nothing and don’t eat = less pain. Not a workable solution though ! Looking forward to mutual support with you and others.

Kev

[madonbrew Pioneer in reply to KevMc65]

Hi Kev, sorry for taking ages to reply. Life’s been a bit tricky recently and I’m just getting my head above water again. I’ll message you properly soon. Dee 😊

[madonbrew Pioneer in reply to KevMc65]

Hey Kev, How are you doing this week? Is it still feeling a bit tough? I hope you are managing to somehow find something positive to keep you going, to wake up for and to manage the pain and stuff!

Hang in there!

Dee

[Hidden]

Hi Kevin, I'm in the UK too, but I'm up in Lincolnshire, sadly a bit too far for a regular meet up - but there is zoom! I also am finding it tough at the mo as I am awaiting further surgery. I started taking anti-depressants recently but also find CBD helps. If I hear of any other Londoners, I shall let you know. Take care, Blue

[madonbrew Pioneer in reply to Hidden]

Hi Blue,How are you doing? Do you have any more news on your surgery yet? It’s horrible when you are waiting…it’s the thing I really struggle with…waiting for tests, waiting for results, waiting for the consultants letters to reach your GP, waiting, waiting, waiting!

Do you find your anti-depressants are helping? I really hope they are! I really find talking therapy helps too…at least to deal with the thoughts and feelings that go with everything!

Take care Blue and please keep us updated!

Dee x

[Hidden in reply to madonbrew]

Hi Dee, I have another appointment in a few weeks, fingers crossed. The anti-depressants seem to help, they help me sleep, which is always a bonus. I'm pleased to hear you are finding talking therapies useful, I must get me someone haha. Take care, speak soon 💜

[Tisch2]

hi Kev. Good to connect with you. What clinical signs diagnosed you with CP?