Have been going through some things, and some or one of you may understand.
Have been having some pretty serious problems with my gut the past few weeks. It has taken me as far as the Emergency Room in agony, and have had an ultrasound so far. My doctor suspected gall bladder, but the ultrasound showed no problems with that. The other possibility is pancreatitis, per the ER doctor and my own doctor. All I know is that when the attack comes, it is hell on earth, and you just want to die to make the pain stop. I am terrified of eating anything but cereal and a few bland carb-type items.
Thanksgiving night, I cooked dinner for my husband and I, and my Al-Anon aunt, "C". I had only tasted a few things while cooking. Then I had a deviled egg, and a spear of celery with cream cheese. I sat down to a pretty health meal, no gravy.... and after just tasting a forkful of everything on my plate, it struck again. I took a pain pill I had been prescribed when I firststarted going through this several weeks ago, which had stopped the pain a couple of times prior, before it would get "really really bad". But this time it did not work, and I ended up at the ER, my heart rate in the 200's and the pain so unbearable I cried and kicked my feet. A shot and a cup full of stuff including lidocaine, and I went home, told that it is highly likely that since the previous ultrasound showed no blockage or stones in the gallbladder, and based on my recurrent symptoms, I may indeed have pancreatitis. I am to see a gastroenterologist Thursday.
I am worried more than I have been in a long time, about my health. I am wondering if anyone here has, has had, or who has known anyone with pancreatitis. I know that 80% of all cases of this are due to excessive alcohol abuse. I am just grateful that I am no longer abusing my body like that. And I realize that there is possibly damages yet unseen in myself and all of us, due to this disease we share.
For now, I have a medication regimen for any time I am headed for an attack. I hate the medication, combination of painkiller and then an antispazmotic, to stop secretions. Both make me feel like crap, but better than the horrible pain. I also had a guilt trip going wiht myself, over having HAD to use the pain medication here and there. My sponsor has been helping me to trying and put down the baseball bat, because I am not getting high or using the medication wrongly. That my doctor who has always been 100% supportive of my recovery needs, is the one who prescribed it, because he knew I very much needed it with this condition. It is still hard to not feel scared and guilty, even though I was never addicted to pills, and do not particularly feel "good" when forced to take them now.
Siggghhhhhh............ well, that's what's going on with me folks, for almost the past month now. Could sure use some prayers. Starting to be afraid to go out alone by myself, and I worry at work that I will have an attack. My coworkers and boss konw that something is wrong with my intestinal tract, but I think I will tell my boss tomorrow just how severe this is, so that if something should happen, he will know that this is potentially very serious. If this is true pancreatitis, then I am told each attack can be further damaging to the organ.
K..... thanks for listening, friends. Again, anybody have any experience with this, please feel free to PM me, or reply right here, as I sure could use some support right now.
Thanks, Joni
-- Edited by jonijoni1 on Sunday 29th of November 2009 10:35:44 PM
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
I knew a guy with pancreatitis and it was indeed extremely painful. The good news is that he kept it pretty well at bay by staying sober and watching what he ate.
I have liver problems myself and the treatment is largely the same: 1. Don't drink alcohol. 2. Don't drink alcohol. 3. Don't eat a lot of proteins and fats. 4. Don't take acetaminophen (Tylenol) in any form-- watch those pain meds.
Aloha JoniJ...That is a big OUCH!! I've had stuff like that and it came down to ulcers and fried food. Cut out the fried food...switched the diet around abit for a while (lots of bran and colon cleansing fiber) and in time wallah!! But it was painful and it was a lesson in recovery too. Right now the doctor is sending me repeated request to schedule a colonoscopy notices. God they must love to do that!! Must I go looking for trouble? I pray it will be something to keep simple for you. Take care. (((((hugs)))))
Wow, what a major pain! My beloved cat had pancreatitis and nearly died last year. I'm not sure they are the same experience in humans and animals, but I have never seen any animal companion suffer so. He didn't want to eat or even drink water at all and had to take appetite med's and have a feeding tube. I have lived through severe neck pain when my three bulging disks in the neck were accute. My prayers go out to you, this kind of experience often takes up the whole of our existence for periods. It helps remind me not to bother much about petty things and how important compassion is.
Lots o Love, Angela
-- Edited by angelov8 on Monday 30th of November 2009 02:50:37 AM
My husband has suffered with pancreatis in the past . He was in the hospital several diff times with flare ups and not that it has been proven ... but he was quite the heavy boozer in earlier days. ( he doesn't drink now ) He has to be careful what he eats.
Stick with your doctors, stay diligent in finding a diagnosis.
It sounds as tho you are doing everything you possibly can right now to get thru this and I think you are doing a fine job. My prayers for you are that you do not suffer any pain
Hepititus symptoms include abdominal pain, and Hep C is believed to be acquired through heavy drinking. But I'd think you'd have been tested for that already, working in a hospital.
Thanks for all teh love. Yes Dean, I am Hep C negative, and my liver enzymes are perfectly normal. I am vaccinated against hepB (not that it applies to this).
Anyway, I needed a pick-me up on my lunch hour... and you all gave me one and I appreciate it.
Ate cereal and fat-free skim milk for lunch. That is becoming a staple for me. Lucky Charms aren't too bad though. :o)
Thanks all, Love, Joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Hey Joni, Sorry to hear about the problem. Does it stay under control when you stay on the bland diet? When on the bland diet, do you live a normal life other than craving a steak? I hope that is the case so that while the Docs are scratching their heads, at least you can live a happy life. Prayers going out to you! Tom
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Thanks again, all, and to new posters here. Had a good day, in that I only had the inklings of an attack; it did not go full throttle and I was able to keep working. I even had a piece of lean chicken for dinner, and a little vegetable. First time I have sat down and eaten meat in about 3 weeks. I am not big on meat anyway, so that shouldn't be a problem. I have been blessed with a GOOD day though.
Just wanted to mention, Jasper, that I know Tylenol is really bad for the liver. I am sad to hear that you have liver problems. It all just sucks. But my liver is supposedly normal, via labs and ultrasound.. and I myself asked about the acetaminophen, and was told it is not harmful in regard to what they believe to be my condition. But thanks for looking out!! I do indeed want to be careful with everything. And am glad that you are functioning through your problems as well. It is all a big eye-opener, eh?
Big appointment is Thursday, where I will find out what additional testing is next, and when.... just really wanting to fast-forward and get past all this, if it's God's will. Part of the stress is also saying goodbye to some things I am really "addicted to" in the food arena!! Imagine that, we can actually GRIEVE the loss of certain food items!! Wow, what a crazy life. I can no longer put butter or cream cheese on everything that is placed in front of me. :o( Could be worse.....
Thanks, All. Joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
