Chronic Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis
#1

To all:

I am new to this group and I'm new to Chronic Pancreatitis.  I was diagnosed a year ago after having severe stomach problems that were on-going.  I am a rare pancreatitis patient in that they don't know why I got this: I don't smoke, I don't drink and it is not from heredity.  I take creon with every meal and zantac, but here are the things that I have found extremely helpful in this illness.  I hope some of you may find this helpful.

1.  I take 1 pill of Omega 3 (fish oil) every day.  Because chronic pancreatitis is an inflammatory issue, taking Omega 3 helps me.

2.  I take 1 pill of willow bark every day.  There are several kinds but the ones from France I think are better.

3. I take 1 women's ultra GNC megavitamin every day.  It has more of the anti-oxidants than Centrum, which my doctor recommended so I've been taking the GNC in hopes of a more potent vitamin.

4.  I drink grape juice every day.  Try to get some with no or little sugar.  Grapes also have a natural anti-inflammatory agent. 

I was devasted when I got this diagnosis.  Very upset and I thought I was going to die.  I'm trying to live with this disease but my hope is that I will maintain this illness so it won't affect my life.  It is getting harder and harder.  I stray from my low-fat diet occasionally but, hey, we are human.  And I believe that 72% dark chocolate is actually good for me in that it is (although not great) lower in fat than milk chocolate and has alot of antioxidants. 

I am glad there is this sounding board as some days I feel very alone in this and no one understands the pain we are in but us!

Regards,

Christina

#2

  Hi, Christina, I too take fish oil pills for the Omega 3 fatty acids.  There have been some studies linking them to reducing the fatty deposits in the adipose tissue as well.  I take it 3 times a day around or after food.  Here is an article that is of interest on supplememnts:

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/04/09/chasing.supplements/index.html

  I will paste some of the salient points:

When studies have been done -- conducted by academic researchers, not supplement-makers -- the results are less than impressive. Here are just a few examples:

Vitamin E: In a massive study two years ago involving nearly 40,000 women, the famed Women's Health Initiative found that taking vitamin E supplements they did nothing to improve cardiovascular health or prevent cancer.

Ginkgo biloba:The popular memory aid didn't help 230 people OVER 60 who were tested by Williams College researchers in a 2002 study.

Coenzyme Q10:According to the Web site of the National Cancer Institute, "Coenzyme Q10 has not been carefully tested to see if it is safe and effective."

Or take the whole category of antioxidants. Researchers have long known that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are full of antioxidants, can lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and cancer. Such a diet has even been shown to lengthen life.

With that in mind, millions of people, including Pinto, pop capsules of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene. A lot of them were probably stunned to see a study last January, in which Danish researchers found that taking antioxidants in pill form might actually shorten life, not extend it.

  The reason that this happens is because antioxidants are highly reactive molecules which is how they work on tying up free radicals.  If you have an excess of antioxidants, once the free radicals are used up, the antioxidants can then react with the cells of your body.  They can damage the cells through reaction with normal cellular molecules.  Whereas free radicals want to take other molecule's electrons, antioxidants want to give their electrons to the molecules.

  The bottom line is that, when at all possible, you want to get your nutrients through the foods you eat.  Be careful what supplements you take and especially how much of them you take.  With our crapped-out digestive systems it is sometimes hard just to get the right amount of calories, but it is very important to do your best.

#3

Thanks for the interesting dietary info, Christina. It is good to know we are not alone with our disease. I too manage my condition through diet, Creon etc. I have hereditary pancreatitis.

Fliss

#4

Thanks for the info: I am also knew to the group (very helpful). I too have had no scientific reason for having Pancreatitis. I have not had any luck with medications; but was given some great vitamins from my children’s
pediatrician. Pancreatitis enzymes, liver detox and all natural whole food vitamins. Do not know if they help but i do know how much this disease wipes me out physically and mentally so i will try anything (natural).

#6

I join about two years ago. I have pancreas they can find out way. In last year it has got worst. no matter what i do it does not work. I live in Oklahoma. I have been to  best  specialist  doctor in Ok.and their is nothing they can do,but I have a great doctor that does what he can. They just sent me back to him. When i get bad he just put in hosipal for two or three days. I have learn to do what can home and when it gets bad i go to the hosipal. All the think that what to me is that i had a lot of Surgeries IN 1993 AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO PANCREAS. I glad that i am not the only one out that has chronic pancreas

                     bee53