Pancreatitis and still tapering!!: I've been... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

21,317 members40,425 posts

Pancreatitis and still tapering!!

Grammy80 profile image
42 Replies

I've been dealing with Pancreatitis for about a month and just wanted to explain my absence. I've not been at my computer much, but I check the posts. I haven't mastered the art of keeping my body running smoothly and eating the right amount...a learning process.

Whenever I read the posts I'm amazed at all the courage and positive attitudes.x

The good news: despite the January hospitalization and this new devil, my taper continues. Next week I will be down to three mg per day. I'm thankful that is going well. 💞💞💞

Written by
Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
42 Replies
alvertta profile image
alvertta

congratulations. Pancreatitis is annoying. I had a drug induced one @bout 20 years ago. 5 days in hospital on iv. Nooo food. Hope you continue to heal.

kyoom profile image
kyoom in reply toalvertta

Hi Alvertta,

I am curious to learn which drug (s) caused your acute pancreatitis?

I also had 2 acute bouts of pancreatitis due to my diabetic meds as well.

alvertta profile image
alvertta in reply tokyoom

I was mis diagnosed with crohn’s disease. The drug was for that. I made the mistake of taking one more pill after I started to have side effects. Had contacted my specialist office and they never called back. Spent 5 days in emerg in a corner on iv. Fired that specialist. He was awful. I did not have crohns.

montebello profile image
montebello

ALWAYS good to hear from you, but sorry for this new "devil." Your attitude is such an uplifting thing to hear. Best to you.

calicojoy41 profile image
calicojoy41

Bless your heart, it is hard work for us elders. Sending you love.

Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease

Wow! Grammy, what a ‘devil’ that pancreatitis is 😴 Not fun at all….

Glad to hear from you and pleased you’re on the up (I hope). Sending hugs 🤗xx

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Hello Grammy80, we missed you! I am glad the tapering is going well. I am sorry that you have another dragon to slay. How does Pancreatitis make you feel ? What happened? Which drug triggered it? Gentle hugs! 💖🌸

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toSheffieldJane

The last time I had pain similar.....I had a baby when I was done!💞

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toGrammy80

Well you can rule that scenario out! 😳😂🤣

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toDorsetLady

😂🤣 Yes, I can...don't have the 'parts' and I'm the perfect age for grandbabies, not the baby you actually take home and raise. xo

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toGrammy80

Me -No parts either! 🤣😂

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toDorsetLady

No parts...no complaints~! Do two people with no parts make one whole or one hole?🤪

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toGrammy80

🤔…

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply toGrammy80

That was partly why I am asking. I have severe lower abdominal pain ( definitely as strong a labour pains) and my colonoscopy and capsule camera investigations showed only diverticula disease - normal for my age. It seems to be worsening and nothing much helps. I can’t eat much at all, bloating, diahorrea and constipation is also present. Occasional vomiting and I feel ill, it dates from Actemra. My gynaecology exams were clear. I am stumped. It was so awful the other night, I thought I would pass out. I wondered if your symptoms were similar at all?

I have all my parts which they are welcome too. Any ideas?

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada in reply toSheffieldJane

Sorry to hear that all of your tests/procedures have not resulted in a diagnosis SJ. Worrisome that the pain is worsening!

It wasn’t until I had a contrast CT scan with suspected diverticulitis that my surgeon discovered both a phlegmon in my sigmoid colon and confirmed my first bout of diverticulitis. While doing that scan they actually also found IPMNs on my pancreas (a form of pre-cancerous cyst) that I now get a contrast MRI of yearly to monitor any changes. The results of this test is documented and VERY thorough (usually 2 pages long). I too have had a colonoscopy that only reported diverticulosis.

All this to say I’m wondering if they have done a contrast MRI of your abdomen. Given that you are nauseas and occasionally vomiting, along with the other symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, etc, it sounds like something is certainly causing it all. I feel so bad that you don’t have a diagnosis despite all of your/their efforts. In the meantime your quality of life is negatively impacted. I imagine it is so frustrating for you.

Sending you hugs and wishes for a diagnosis sooner than later!

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toSheffieldJane

Funny, Jane...spare parts, heh? My pain started between my ribs, but before it was done radiated to my back. I'm doing so much better and have to chalk most of it up to two things; diet and cleaning off my Google calendar. I also listen to my body...if it is tired, I rest it and get a good night's sleep which wasn't always my strong suit. I eat fish, organic chicken breasts, vegetables, rice, and NO fat. 🥹🥹bye bye, ice cream! OH, low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, low-fat cheddar, apples...I can have wheat pasta, but I'm playing it safe now....try that to get things moving. There is also a totally natural product called Swiss Kriss, an herbal laxative for what ails you. The Mom of a paraplegic recommended it years ago...reliable and gentle. Hope this helps some.💞

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply toGrammy80

Goodbye icecream - hello granita! Martha Stewart does good instructions

marthastewart.com/336837/or...

is so simple even I can be bothered! And she has a whole range of other flavours. I don't mess with oranges - I buy really good quality fresh orange juice. And I have just seen a version that uses maple syrup instead of sugar so not even heating to dissolve the sugar!

marthastewart.com/1051600/m...

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toPMRpro

Forever in your debt~~~nothing new there~!!!💞

potterylady profile image
potterylady

Dear Grammy80, that is horrible news that you're suffering with pancreatitis. That is a big dragon to slay. I'll be praying for you, for sure. You are always so generous with your positive attitude and support for others. Happy you are able to taper down. Bless you Grammy

Hunter134 profile image
Hunter134

I really hope you get it all sorted out.Hugs that you do real soon.You are a very strong and positive person ❤️

Merryfield profile image
Merryfield

Way to go, Grammy!

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Hi Grammy80,

Good to see you back on the forum but so sorry you're fighting yet another battle!

You're a resilient lady who I've no doubt will overcome this, and coupled with your positivity, there's every hope for a satisfactory outcome.

You're an inspiration to us all Grammy.

Sending you much love ❤

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

look after yourself Grammy

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Goof to hear from you, not so good on the news about pancreatic problem.🌸

EdithWales profile image
EdithWales

Well done Grammy. I have put myself on hold until I can get my back better, have learned to pace myself 🥂

great positivity! I’m just being investigated for chronic pancreatitis or cancer of at the moment. I do wonder if I have Autoimmune Hepatitis or Autoimmune Pancreatitis given my other AI conditions but the telephone only Dr isn’t listening to me. Glad to hear you’re getting on with it all 😃

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to

The symptoms sent me to the ER (AE) and again in a few days. Each time I got a few IVs and medication for nausea...but don't eat until your stomach is quiet as a sleeping kitten. I'm slowly discovering that small meals 4-5 times a day...I don't let myself get hungry but eat very little. I also enjoy Jello and popsicles..yum. I'm also sleeping tons. I haven't had a drink in years, 🥹🥹so the cause is unknown unless it is autoimmune related. At my age...I want the pancreas to sleep and don't need to know 'why', at the moment.

I'll keep you in my prayers...💞

Ridge profile image
Ridge

I’m so sorry! But you are a star to be so positive. It encourages us all.

Pixix profile image
Pixix

Take care, sorry you’ve got something additional to deal with, but keep fighting those ‘dragons’! S x

Macas profile image
Macas

Grammy thinking of you and sending get well wishes. You are an inspiration.

Maryx

perceptual63 profile image
perceptual63

Grammy, wishing you a speedy recovery!

Did they say was is causing your pancreatitis?

Gilmor profile image
Gilmor

So sorry to hear, take care and hoping for a quick recovery

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed

So sorry to hear about your recent illness but glad to hear you are getting on the mend.As a sufferer of Chronic pancreatitis I feel your pain it's a hard thing to keep under control and can pop up without warning.

Even my careful diet regime often isn't enough if something else is going on that can effect it.

Hope your situation was an acute one and make sure you take things slowly while you recover , take care , Bee

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toBlearyeyed

So true Bee~! Came on like thunder February 19 but now is sort of quiet....but keeps reminding me it is there. I like fish and vegetables and right now I'm limiting choices to 15 foods. I'm sleeping tons, do you? How long did it take to get back to normal. xo 💞 or close.

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toGrammy80

My condition is chronic so I've worked in a system for it. They aren't sure if it is leftover as post gall bladder removal biliary issues flaring it , or it could be autoimmune, they are going to check it in my genetic screening panel.I've got a routine now , I can often catch it before it flares when I get an increase in pain and heaviness in the area with a few days of fasting and water and green tea . When it strikes I have tramadol for that pain , its usually the only time I need to run for the loo because of sudden diarrhea but need the pain relief to physically move , as you will know just moving is extremely painful. Basically going to the toilet , reducing the temperature with paracetamol, and plenty of bed rest in a comfy position is all that can be done. I do get a skin cream as it causes me very itchy skin and hives. Often , I have a two week cause of two antibiotics and an antifungal if it is severe , it's to either clear the infection if there is one , or used as prophylactic treatment.I often need to use lactose solution to help clear the pancreas and liver toxins during pancreatitis and a lower dose for a week afterwards.

I also use 48 hours fast and just water and the yoghurt with manuka honey for medication when it strikes. After that , I continue the tramadol until about three to five days after the pain and symptoms have subsided.

I either eat sharp green apples or have their juice once a day this helps the liver to detox which helps the liver help detox the pancreas , I can take garlic and turmeric daily . I drink Pukka three ginger tea each day to reduce digestive symptoms in general.

Proper hydration every day and gentle exercise can reduce the system getting sluggish the building up the toxins or getting the inflammation.

Then it is maintaining a diet with controlled amounts healthy fats including olive oil each day , rare saturates , no artificial sweeteners, occasional treats with processed sugars.

Lots of green leafy vegetables, soluble fibre and 5 smaller portion meals a day instead of three big ones helps, especially after an episode as the pancreas just can't cope with big portions and while it's recovering post food pain needs managing.

Since being diligent with my vitamin supplements, starting probiotics and getting my B12 injections the amount of bouts per year have reduced.

If it's a bad bout it can take a couple of weeks to feel my type of " normal" and it does flare up my IBS and cause fatigue. If it's a mild case I can be back to "normal" in a week , but when it first began it could take me a month before I was back to normal again and a trip to A and E.

Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease in reply toBlearyeyed

Oh Bee, this is painful to read, let alone experience! You have so much to think about and concentrate on!

I have a friend who has what sound like similar symptoms, she had a gall bladder op and I’ve been with her when she’s literally collapsed in pain. A&E has been the only option.

Sorry I can’t offer help but I did want to send you hugs 🤗xx

Blearyeyed profile image
Blearyeyed in reply toNextoneplease

Thank you , a hug us often the best medicine. Hugs back too you and have a lovely day , Bee

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toBlearyeyed

Thanks a million. That is so much great information I'm printing it out!! Such a big help, if you read my answer to Shefield Jane, you'll see what I'm eating. I also found small meals made a huge difference. I got some Kombucha and a helper made me a huge soup of veggies, lemon grass and ginger. Thanks for all the tips. xo💞

kyoom profile image
kyoom

THank you for your reply.

I also landed up in the ER x2 due to drug induced pancreatitis.

My endocrinologist did not believe my symptoms were caused by my diabetic drug.

In the ER they confirmed my diagnosis.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply tokyoom

So sorry....take your time and heal.💞

Bcol profile image
Bcol

Morning Grammy, can't help with any medical info and you've had lots of that anyway, but just to send hugs for yet another problem sent your way. Your positivity throughout is an inspiration to us all.

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply toBcol

A hug is the best medicine when patience is called for~!💞

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Still problems with tapering

Hi all, hav'nt written for a few weeks but just wanted to fill you in on what's been happening...
Poppylop profile image

Tapering

I was diagnosed with PMR in 2019. I then moved house twice. My new doctors practice is very...

Still tapering but.....

So I started tapering in Sept. from 15 mg 1 mg at a time until I hit 10 mg. It went well and I took...
Dydee profile image

Difficulty tapering and questions~!

I'm about to spit nails since I have been unable to get my rheumy to return my call. I feel I'm in...
Grammy80 profile image

PMR and difficulty tapering prednisone.

Sorry, I haven't been on in a while. I was diagnosed dec 2017 PMR . Put on 15 mg prednisone. Now, 8...

Moderation team

SophieMB profile image
SophieMBPartner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.