📣 Discussion Topic: Do you share your pancreatitis diagnosis with others?

[Skye_MC]

Dealing with pancreatitis is a personal journey, and you get to decide how much you want to share with others! What do you think about telling your friends, family, and even acquaintances about your diagnosis? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💙

[Readingagatha]

My friends & family know I have it but obviously only my husband sees me when I am in a lot of pain. I don't tell others all the details cos I think it would soon become boring for them

[prime_monkfish]

I used to be quite discrete about it, especially at work, but I got tired of coming up with various excuses for not drinking at work functions. Once I got prescribed Creon and had to change my diet it actually became easier. Nowadays I couldn't care less what others think.

[longingtrustingHIM]

Sharing about my chronic pancreatitis diagnosis is not a topic I freely talk about, except with close friends, and normally only once, to explain why I am “nursing” my own health after years of testing with no diagnosis. However, after “telling my story” once, I rarely ever mention my symptoms again -u less someone asks me -“how are you doing”? I dislike talking about myself, and especially dislike the thought of being known as one of those ppl who tells endless tales of woe. I would much rather be known as an easy person to be with (despite my pain) and not focus on “poor me”. Quite honestly, I have so many reasons to be GRATEFUL. After reading the stories of some others who have had a much worse journey with not o ly chronic pancreatitis but have other health concerns also, I realize Iam truly blessed.

Marcy S (longingtrusting Him) 😊

[Jackie1947]

My family and close friends know about it but I don't like to talk about it in depth. It's the same with other health conditions I live with.

[deniseinmilden]

I am open and honest about it in a brief way if someone asks about it or it's appropriate to mention it but I don't dwell on it. I think it's good to increase awareness of it but don't want to bore people with it.I have 4 close friends who I do usually tell if I have a flare and am not eating, but even then I prefer to say when I'm better, rather than moaning at the time.

"It's a bit of a challenge today" or "I'll try to be brave and eat again tomorrow" or something like that is all I'll say normally: they know!