Follow Up Appointment For Pancreatitis

[POPTOP]

Went to the GI doctor yesterday. Bottom line, there is a small area of scarring in the pancreas with a few calcifications so chronic pancreatitis is part of my life now. NOT what I wanted to hear. Fat free, or less than 5% fat, diet is driving my crazy. I've lost so much weight, over 20 pounds, but had managed to show that I gained 3 back yesterday.

Have to take a pancreatic enzyme with every meal (2 each time) and one with snacks which tricks the pancreas into thinking it is working because the enzyme is already there, thus the pancreas rests. That's 8 capsules a day! Went to get a refill because after 16 days I was running low. Asked the pharmacist why I did not get a month's worth. Turns out it is so expensive my insurance will only refill for half a month. How expensive, with insurance I pay $24 or $48 a month. Without insurance, $2400 or $4800 a month. WHAT!!! Thank goodness for good insurance.

Doctor said that I was doing extremely well in adjusting, keeping to proper eating, etc. I've joined two forums with pancreatitis folks and from what I'm hearing, I am extremely lucky. Some of them are on heavy pain meds just to help control the pain. On one site there is even a subgroup where those having an extremely difficult time can actually call other members for support. Apparently the long term pain, no relief, several members have committed suicide.

So life goes on with needed adjustments. Doctor wrote a prescription for a visit to a dietitian for help with meal planning, shopping aids, etc. He also gave me 400 Creon pills (the enzyme) free from salesman samples.

Oh, veggie burgers are horrible!

[smartrock]

Wow, I had no idea creon is so expensive! I see kids in schools on pancreatic enzymes who take 4-5 pills per meal. Those kids are the best pill swallowers! A handful gone in an instant.

I'm sorry this is not what you wanted to hear. Five percent fat in a diet seems like cruel and unusual punishment. I think even Dr Ornish's cardiac diet is more like 10% and really tough for people to adhere to. You, lady, have a lot of fortitude.

[BogeyBaby]

And I kind of like veggie burgers--but are they that low in fat? Not really sure. I remember when my DS wanted to go vegetarian and I was trying to knock that out of his head so I bought some Morning Star Farms "corn" dogs thinking they'd be horrible. Guess what? We ALL loved them (and I abhor hotdogs). I like all the Morning Star Farms stuff. So sorry you're having to go through this! It was sure nice to get all the free pills!

[Snowshoe]

Do you have to do that low fat diet forever? Because, the OH lost 1/3 of his pancreas in the Whipple surgery and he takes a Creon equivalent. EVen so, he was told to eat a full fat diet in order to gain weight and has, and now has no dietary restrictions. I know his problem is not exactly the same but still.....?

[POPTOP]

Do you have to do that low fat diet forever? Because, the OH lost 1/3 of his pancreas in the Whipple surgery and he takes a Creon equivalent. EVen so, he was told to eat a full fat diet in order to gain weight and has, and now has no dietary restrictions. I know his problem is not exactly the same but still.....?

I guess if the scar tissue in the pancreas were removed I might be able go with a wider variety in diet. I do sneak a cookie or two after a full meal so it's just learning what will work. It seems more buttery stuff bothers me. Tried a slice of Irish soda bread, definitely a no go. Rats, I love it. Country Crock spread is the lowest "butter" I can find at 9%. I can get by with a little on a potato, rice or toast with no problem. I'm so leery of having another attack that I'm being very careful.

I really miss sitting down to dinner with DH and eating the same meal. For lunch just had a romaine lettuce, fresh spinach, water packed tuna, few black olives and crotons, fat free Italian dressing which is all low fat. I'm stuffed. Oh, did try fat free cheese on the veggie burger last night. Guess it was OK, could not get past the taste of the burger. Most condiments for the burger are low fat or fat free plus a big slab of tomato. I'll do OK, just not have as much fun eating.

[Berna]

Oh, so sorry Fran. But at least, it's under control and not giving you trouble. I know, diets suck.

[Jollymolly]

Fran I am sorry you have this less than good news. I cant imagine such a low fat diet. I am here in any way I can be supportive.

[janedoe]

I'm sorry Fran. That sucks. It's so good that they figured it out though. Can you eat sweet potatoes, olive oil or anything fun like that?

[POPTOP]

Oh, so sorry Fran. But at least, it's under control and not giving you trouble. I know, diets suck.

I believe that's the trick, not to think of this as a diet, but a life style adjustment. I hate the word diet. I'm only 5'2" tall, was born at almost 10 pounds, and have struggled with keeping weight down all my life. After hysterectomy (too much info?) and a doctor who was a nutrition nut, I learned a new way to eat - no refined sugars, no refined flours - and weight control became so much easier. Now I have to adjust again but oh now I miss cheesecake. I think I can get away with more than I'm trying now but being very cautious.

JaneDoe: Yes, sweet potatoes are OK and a nice alternative to rice and regular potatoes. Unfortunately, olive oil is a no-no for now. Spray Pam has now become my friend.

Oh, for those of you who love ice cream, Eddy's Berry sherbet is creamy and, I think, only 2% fat. That over a sliced banana, heaven.

I love bread and as long as I stay away from buttery ones, I can indulge. Tried Irish soda bread and it was a no go. I know in a hurry with the bloating and discomfort. Guess I'll have to be satisfied with being of true Irish blood. Yes, I have to make fun and look at the good side of things or this would drive me nuts.

Many others have problems so much greater than I so I consider myself lucky. Thank you all for the support.