Taryn’s Story of Courage
Growing up, I never thought there was anything worse than a stomach ache. I can’t count how many times I told my parents that I would take strep throat and migraines any day over an upset stomach. Turns out, the joke was on me…
During the summer of 2006, after just graduating from college, turning 22, and starting a new job, my GI tract started its downward spiral. Over the course of three weeks between late August and mid-September, my appendix and gall bladder were removed, a small bowel obstruction was detected, a CVC was inserted, and I was diagnosed with my first case of acute pancreatitis.
Through the weeks that followed, my life as I knew it had changed. Every time I felt a twinge of pain, I was ready to speed to the closest ER. I carried all of my doctors’ business cards with me, had their cell phone numbers on speed dial, brought back-up medicine (and back-up back-up medicine) in case I needed it at any time from any place, and lived in general fear that the pancreatitis would strike again when I least expected it.
While my enzymes had retreated to their regular levels following the attack, something in my body had changed. I was getting sudden, sharp pains on a regular basis that would simultaneously cause me to vomit and faint. It became pretty common for me to make trips to the ER that would result in a hospital admittance and a host of tests, but very few guesses as to what was actually happening inside me. Each time I would be sent home with orders to follow up with a different doctor but no real diagnosis.
A couple years later, in November of 2008, I called out sick from work on a Friday with the same pain and nausea that had become so familiar to me. I waited it out until Sunday when I finally made my way to the ER once again.
Over the course of the next few days, I was tested for more diseases and conditions than I ever knew existed. After more than a week of being in the hospital, my doctor came in with the news – chronic pancreatitis had invaded my life and wasn’t going away. It would be another six weeks of NG tubes, ERCPs, MRIs, EUS’s, TPN, and PICC lines before I was discharged from the hospital and forced to start my new life with CP.
It’s been almost a year and a half since I was diagnosed with CP. For the most part, my life has gone back to normal – I work full-time, I spend my free time with friends and family, I travel, and I go out. I’d even say that if someone saw me and didn’t know I had CP, they’d assume I was perfectly healthy.
I’ve found that knowing about CP and proactively taking all the steps to reduce the likelihood of hospital visits, has made a huge difference. I take enzymes before I eat, I don’t drink alcohol, and I scrutinize the fat content of everything I buy at the grocery store. I go to acupuncture once a week and make sure that I get enough sleep. I set boundaries when it comes to my health and don’t tolerate long periods of sky-high stress levels. I work from home when the pain is so bad that it even hurts to breathe. Somehow, through the combination of all of these things, my hospitalizations are now shorter and less frequent.
While CP has undoubtedly become a big part of my life, I won’t let it overcome me. In fact, it is because of my CP that I have become the resilient person that I am today.
Taryn,
Thanks for sharing this with us. It helps us to understand what you are going through. It’s been an eye-opener for us. We wish you well!
Love, Pat and Richard
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Rose Sopko, Taryn Snyder. Taryn Snyder said: RT @rosalinams Check out my brave friend @TSnyd's amazing story (and read up on the NPF who raises money to help): http://bit.ly/d5iZQ7 [...]
Taryn, you are awesome. And although I don’t think your job has any periods where sky-high stress levels don’t prevail, you are a trooper!
Taryn, you are such a strong young woman. Your story makes me sad to know that you went through so much pain and hardship, but your courage and perseverance to come out of this stronger and tougher than ever makes me feel honored to know someone like you! You are so inspiring without even knowing it. <3
~Tina
Inspired by my sister’s strength and optimism!
Taryn,
Reading your story, I felt as though I could insert my name and it would have been my story. I am in a very similar situation to yours. I laughed out loud several times because I had done many of those things you mentioned (having the extra meds and such). Also, its never good to know what all of those accronyms mean either. I hope things are going better for you. Email me if you would ever like another 25 year old to talk to that understands your condition.
You’re an inspiration, Taryn! Having done the week after week in the hospital with pancreatitis, I’m so impressed that you didn’t let this turn in your life derail your positive personality. Your story is a testament to perserverance and ‘mind over matter’.
Big hugs,
Jan
We have witnessed first hand your pancreas story and continue to admire your grace through it all. We are so proud that you have volunteered with the Pancreas Foundation as a way to join the efforts of the medical community to allievate the pain and suffering of others with pancreatitis. We pray that your journey forward will be gentller and that the volumes of joy and kindness that you give to others will come back to you.
Bless your heart Taryn. I can completely empathize with your story. I hope that your pain continues to be managed with medication, rest and living as stress free as possible.
I, too, am a young(er) person dealing with this disease. I was diagnosed at the age of 18, but can remember having similar symptoms and what we thought were “viruses” beginning around the age of 6 or 8. If you ever need to talk, I am just an email away and more than willing to listen.
Stay strong and keep smiling.
Sincerely,
Sarah
Taryn, what an amazing story, and personal journey! I too have pancreatitis, idiopathic recurrant acute, though. I am an older person and don’t know how I would have dealt with this at your age.
Keep your positive attitide and just living your life to the fullest!
I am glad you shared your story I have had the sme problems and thought I was lossing my mind . Thank you I don’t feel like I,m alone in this.
Taryn,
You truly are a brave young woman. There are very few people that understand pancreatic disease (as well as other debilitating digestive conditions) because we “look well”. They are a class of invisible illnesses that only those with the disease or those that are willing to walk-the-walk with us can really understand. Your story sound so much like mine! I was diagnosed with CP in 2006 after removal of my gall bladder did not improve my condition; rather it got worse. My CP is the result of Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction – which also destroyed my gall bladder and severely damaged my liver. CP totally changed my life. I could no longer work as a Nurse Practitoner because of pain and frequent hospitializations (when your patients ask how YOU are…it’s not good.). Now 4 years and 30+ hospitalizations, countless ER visits, 11 surgeries later …I feel like I have a handle on my NEW life. Hospitalizations are infrequent now as I’ve learned to manage attacks at home. I’d love to chat sometime – it’d be nice to have someone to talk with who understands and is living her life instead of complaining. My thoughts are with you!
Hey Taryn,
You and I must have twin digestive systems. I am 27 and have been going through the same things as you have for the past 4 years since I was diagnosed. If you ever want to chat or share experiences please email me. I would love to talk to people that are going through the same thing I am, especially at this young age when it is hard to find people to relate. I wish you all the best of luck.
Sincerely,
Shashi
hey, taryn… am with my college roomie right now (aka your mom!) and she had me go to this site. so glad that your are doing so much better! i am also glad that you are working with the pancreatic foundation as my mom passed away from pancreatic cancer and it was a horrible, debilitating illness!!
Taryn, we have praying for you since this all started…..you are an inspiration to all. wishing you better days and hopefully rmission or a cure. Best wishes June and Bill Vorgelin
I know your story well because it is my life. My heart goes out to you and everyone else who is suffering with any pancreas disorder. I don’t know where else to ask about a cook book that other people have mentioned on this site. If you know anything about this could someone please email me? My prognosis is not looking very promising and would like some different easy things to eat when I am able to as most of the tjime I am so sick and do not feel like cooking as you all are very familiar with, God bless each and every one of you
You’re an inspiration… I wish you all the best… and keep up the positive attitude, that’s truly a blessing. I’m twice you’re age, and will try my best to be as positive as you!