How do you deal with the stress and fear of having chronic pancreatitis?

[Rgee]

I cant seem to stop stressing and living in fear which i know is also not good for the body so its a vicious cycle😪, how do you guys cope ? any advice would go a long way.P.S. antidepressants are not working for me

[Buttsy]

Morning Rgee,

I know how you feel I worry and get stressed about my health and conditions,but I find the worst bit ,about it is the lack of control over things. I have tried CBT therapy and relaxation, obviously this isn’t a cure, but it gave me some perspective, It advocates not to worry about things you cant do anything about and focus on things with in your control.it also advised to do some relaxation or something that you enjoy each day. I did a group therapy for CBT and a one to one therapy ,for worry management.

The group was good as you realise you are not alone , I was worried about going there at first too .

Your Doctor could probably sign post you to some therapy,if you want to try it.

I know in England we can also self refer.

Wishing you all the best.

[Rgee in reply to Buttsy]

Hi Buttsy, Thanks, ill definitely look into that CBT

[Rgee in reply to Buttsy]

Hey Buttsy me again, extremely quick update. I didn't know what CBT stood for. After looking it up funny enough I actually have been referred to a program here in Ontario by my doctor that starts in a couple weeks that deals with that but I didn't realize that what it was exactly. So, your advice was extremely great! because now i know what to look forward to and hopefully it helps me a bit too. Thanks again

[Buttsy in reply to Rgee]

Hi Rgee,

Well I hope it helps, the one I attended offered coping strategies and explained fears and worries and that these are all normal feelings and everyone has them but hopefully give you some helpful advice and a different approach so you are less anxious . There are some really good relaxation videos on line , that you may like to try .

Good 👍 luck Rgee

[Rgee]

Thanks Buttsy

[Lena5]

Hi Rgee, where in Ontario are you? I am in Niagara region.

I am currently on lorazepam as I could not deal with the anxiety about my condition on my own anymore.

Can you please share the info about the CBT program that starts sometime soon? Much appreciated.

[nanagizer in reply to Lena5]

Hi Lena5,

I haven't posted here in a while as I have been trying to avoid the reality that I have CP. My specialist ran all the tests available for it and could not find anything to confirm but I still have the terrible symptoms that seem to get worse every month. It has been over 3 years of trying to figure this out and he finally gave me lorazepam as well a few years ago. I actually think it was a lifesaver for me as my anxiety was through the roof. I still can't go a day without thinking about what is going on inside my body that they have not found yet. I know eventually it will show up. How much of the ativan do you take for relief? It is kind of scary how it works well at a certain dosage for a while then I have to take more. I hate being dependent on this so much, but don't know what else to do. My doc is a pancreatic specialist at Cedars Sinai in LA and didn't even hesitate to prescribe this for me. I think he knows I have CP but just can't give me a formal diagnosis until it all shows up in testing. idk??

[Rgee]

Hi Lena5, Im in Acton. Yes i try taking a pill as well but it doesn't do too much for me. The program is called the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program

[longingtrustingHIM]

For me keeping busy-doing what I enjoy, and avoiding what I know stresses me, when possible -helps. My default response normally to things that are out of my control, is to refuse to “dwell” on the “what ifs” of future flare-ups and the disease progressing. Sometimes that can be helpful, but of course aving my “head in the sand” isn’t always the correct response. We do need to pay attention to our bodies. And got help from others. Professionals and a community support group such as this one. It DOES help to know others share our concerns so we can learn from one another. 😉

My greatest aid, however, is my faith in a God who CARES and walks with me though the pain, uncertainties. It iisshaesof course, to trust His love while in a “pain event”. Lying down, or at least sitting down to “ride it out” has been helpful.

I empathize with you, Rgee. We can certainly pray for one another in our group. I will pray for you. 😊

[Jackie1947]

I have chronic pancreatitis. Don't have any symptoms and it was discovered during a CT Scan for something else. It freaked me out as two people known to me had died of pancreatic cancer. My god save was/is a councillor at the hospital I can either have a telephone or face to face appointment . I can talk about anything I wouldn't discuss with anyone else. If this is available to you I'd thoroughly recommend it. All the best.