Kris’s Story of Courage
Dec 06, 2010
3 Comments
After reading Keri’s story I want to share my story because ours are similar. My first acute attack was Dec. 31 2001. The pain started as heart burn weekly over 2 months the frequency and duration increased until I couldn’t move and went to the ER. The Dr. told me what I had and I was scared to tears because I didn’t know what it was or if I was dying. I was hospitalized for 5 days. I changed my diet quit alcohol. I wasn’t a heavy drinker. I had a couple more attacks over 2 years. In 2003, my first year out of college and a year at work I was in and out of the hospital every 2 weeks for 6 months. I also had my gallbladder removed simply to rule it out as a cause. The attacks continued, my Dr here in Charlotte, NC referred me to a top researcher in Charleston, SC for an ERCP. He couldn’t determine the cause either and inserted 2 stents that are designed to fall out a couple weeks later. I continued to have attacks annually usually Nov. to Feb. I had repeat attacks in 2008 and returned to Charleston for more stents. I haven’t been hospitalized since then. I’ve had attacks but treated them at home with pain med and clear liquid and usually it last a day or two. I might be growing out of it! I’m addicted to pain medicine now and I’m going through treatment now. That is a drawback to treating this illness. I’ve also sought advice from alternative Drs. My diet is still healthy, a lot of veges, low fat, I practice yoga regularly to destress (which I think is a main cause), and take anti depressants because life is harder to enjoy with an illness like this. Overall, while dealing with this has been a struggle I have learned a lot about my body, met lots of great people, live a healthier life and appreciate life more than I did. In a way it’s been a blessing. Amen.
Hey Kris, it’s Keri… I just read your story and wanted to say hello. I hope you are feeling well these days. I am sorry about the addiction but I am sure you will have that weaned very soon. I have constant pain now and it stinks. I hope you really are “growing out of this”, LOL! I have never heard of that but as long as you are feeling better that is what matters. Have you had your pancreatic function tested?? It might be that your pancreas has burned out and that is why your pancreas isn’t causing as much pain…however, you would need to take enzymes to digest food, do you take these?? Well…if you ever want to chat you can email me at keke73@cinci.rr.com. I also am an admin for a support group on facebook for CP…if you want that info please email me for that too! Take care and thanks for sharing your story.
Blessings,
Keri
My name is Donnie, my wif ehas attacks with her pancreas very frequently, We have been to Dallas to have stints put in which lasted for a while but a few months later we were back in the hospital. We just got her out of Wadley regional medical center in Texarkana Tx. were they put her on pancreas enzymes but when we went to get them filled noone has them. So they are on order, while in the meantime my wife is suffering from another attack. My seven year old daughter who adores her mom is crying in the back ground I dont wont mama to have to go back to the hospital is there a answer out there for this? It breaks my heart to see my wife in so much pain and my daughter crying for her mom.
my husband is on an enzyme called creon.it is one of the only enzymes in the last 7 years we havent had too much difficulty being in stock. all the other ones like pancrelipase and viokase we had trouble getting. my husband suffers with cp & we are constantly looking for new info on this disease! good luck to your wife & your family!