Does anyone know if colonics help with Chronic Pancreatitis?
Jenny … I, too, have a pancreatic divisum, and subsequent chronic pancreatitis. In addition to having a traditional GI specialist, I also see a nutritionist. The medical modalities have been helpful, but so have the non-traditional ones. I do not know if colonics are helpful, but I can personally testify that coffe enemas have made a huge difference! These were recommended by my nutritionist. I was so sick at the time that I would have tried anything.
There is a chemical in organic coffee that helps filter out inpurities in the liver. It’s too bad that I didn’t know about this much earlier, because I no longer have a gall bladder. My nutritionist learned about coffee enemas from a physician that she trained under.
Best of luck to you!
Suzanne
Suzanne-
I just had the surgery to remove my gallbladder about two weeks ago did any of that help with your CP? Also since having your Gallbladder removed and having the divisum do you still experience pain? Is the nutrionist helping at all? Everyone keeps suggesting i try juicing and someone else recommended i try natural detox, just not sure the route to go, so confused still taking pain meds everyday not as much throughout the day but definitely alot in the morning and at night not sure why my pain escalates around that time. Any information you have will be very appreciated
Jenny,
My pancreatic divisum wasn’t diagnosed until 2009; however, I’ve had problems with periodic abdominal pain and difficulty eating fatty foods since I was a young girl. The removal of my gall bladder did help the pain for a season of time. The situation worsened with Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (that’s the muscle that controls the release of bile at the end of the common bile duct), which necessitated my first ERCP. That is when the pancreatic divisum was discovered. Shortly thereafter the pancreatic duct blocked, and I needed another ERCP procedure to open the duct.
Do I still experience pain? Yes. I spent about 60 days in the hospital last year, and was unable to eat or drink anything for over 6 months. During that time, the pain was so bad I had to take the narcotics just to survive. Despite following a careful diet plan … I still have times where the pain will flare, and it’s back to eating jello for a week until things calm down.
The pancreatic specialist, that I see at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told me that if they can get their patients back to 60% of where they were prior to when all of the problems began they are thrilled. He told me that most of his patients need to have their pancreatic duct reopened about every 2 years. The reality is that everyone is different, and the pancreas is an extrememly delicate and moody organ. And, unfortunately there is still a lot that they don’t understand about the pancreas.
The nutritionist has helped A LOT! I would not have survived without the assistance that she provided. It cost me a lot of money, but she was gracious enough to allow me to pay over time. I’ve tried juicing, but found that sometimes it was too hard for my digestive system to process. If you are going to try that route build slowly:) I made the mistake of juicing too many apples in one setting, and didn’t think I was ever going to leave my bathroom!
Jenny … I know it’s hard when you don’t feel well, but be patient. The pancreas works on it’s own clock. And, you just had major surgery in having your gall bladder removed. Even though you may only have the little puncture holes from the surgery vs the huge incision from the days of old … it’s still major trauma to the body.
Everyone is different, and you will have to find what works for you. Stay away from processed foods as much as possible, definitely no smoking or drinking, and stick to a low fat diet. The days of eating at my favorite hamburger restaurant are over:( But, it probably wasn’t the best thing for me anyway:)) The gaps inbetween you will learn from trial and error as pain and nausea will be your guide.
Lastly … the reason the pain is usually worse at night for pancreatitis or anything for that matter is because we have less distractions at night. Our brains then tend to notice that we are hurting. And, it’s often times worse in the mornings, because we begin to move around. Whenever I’m having an acute flareup the pain is somewhat tolerable as long as I don’t have to move.
Hang in there, and please don’t hesitate to contact me. If what I’ve been through can be of any help to you then it will have been worth it!
Suzanne
Suzanne,
Does yours usually get worst during the week or before of your menstrual cycle? How long was it after your gallbladder was removed did you experience no pain? What meds do they have you on? I am on Dilaudid and Oxycontin I get so many weird looks everytime I have to feel my perscription since the gallbladder surgery I don't need them as much but still need them at night and in the morning time. Doing the best I can with this illness trying to still juggle work and take care of a 4 year old. Very challenging it is. Does your stomach still swell or bloat with flares?
Suzanne,
I also have divisum with my cp. I am at best, hit and miss right now. It is a blessing that I found this support group. I have learned a lot from reading others theories and findings. I have done juicing and I totally understand the to many apple comment you made! I do juice when I feel I need extra vitamins etc. Then I will use Kale and a variety of things that I am sure I would not just sit down and eat. Whole fruits and vegetables seem to agree with me most. I found the 60% comment from your doctor interesting also. It makes sense. For me, I just like to understand how and why things work (or don't). Can you explain more about the coffee enema? I appreciate your help. Sharon
Suzanne, By the way, does jello help?