Concern for a friend

[Chris-harris]

I have a friend who drinks a considerable amount, bottle of vodka a day typically. He has developed pancreatitis and was hospitalised for roughly a week before discharging himself and going home to resume his drinking. I have spoken to him and asked if he should be drinking with pancreatitis and he said the doctor said it is ok. I have read up and know this is not the case and im worried about what further damage he can do. Hes in a lot of pain and cannot see that its the drink causing that (or doesn't want to), ive been through a lot myself, have cirrhosis and was very unwell, ive managed to stop drinking (4 years now) and just dont want to see him go through any suffering with his condition. I suspect if i tell him to stop drinking he will push me away. What could happen if he keeps drinking to this degree with pancreatitis? I understand every case is different but whatever i read strongly advises against drinking.

Thanks

Chris

[ck101]

He won’t continue to drink for long with Pancreatitis that’s for sure. He’ll soon discover he won’t be able, theres a risk of death due to this also. I’m not talking about a gradual decline, one binge could do it. Dangerous territory.

[Chris-harris in reply to ck101]

Thats my concern, i just don't think he will accept it, not sure how to get it through to him

[Sofia_MC Ambassador]

I'm so sorry about your friend, Chris.

It's really important that he stops drinking alcohol immediately, since drinking will continue to inflame and scar the pancreas which will cause him a lot of pain.

mission-cure.org/topics/alc...

This link is helpful in understanding the connection between alcohol and pancreatitis. It also includes resources if your friend needs help quitting.

[Chris-harris in reply to Sofia_MC]

Thank you for this, i will have a read through

[ribeyesteak]

Hi Chris, It was so very hard to read your post because that was me. My first bout was 14 years ago. It was very hard for me to stop drinking. Even after a dozen hospitalizations and everything else that goes with it. He needs your friendship. Maybe suggesting that he get some help for the drinking will push him away. However, there is a possibility that he could listen to you. That's a possibility you could hang your hat on. I needed help from a lot of people to stop drinking and it was on and off for many years for me. Each bout of pancreatitis carries a risk of death. I did not care. I now have less than half the pancreatitis I used to have, can't digest food and have continual pain, diabetes and other crappy issues. I do look back now and am grateful for all the people who stuck with me and told me the all the stuff I did not want to hear.

[Chris-harris]

I hope that having cirrhosis myself and going through a tough time that he sees my concern as genuine and lets me try and help, i want to at least try rather than him fall very ill and knowing i didnt do anything about it, thanks for your reply, sounds like you've had a tough time and still are,

Chris