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Pancreas/constipation/diarrhea/Creon/EPI
Digestive Health | Last Active: Aug 1 10:51am | Replies (19)Comment receiving replies
I have what is currently diagnosed as EPI due to reasons unknown (idiopathic). Started Creon about three years ago, which reduced the severe diarrhea and gas, and I regained energy after three months. However as time went on became incredibly constipated, which my urologist blamed for the the occasional loss of bladder control when sleeping. The constipation also would result in incidents of overflow diarrhea that were sudden and with no warning (the only warning being the normal upset stomach issues which is intermittent). On one occasion I had lower stomach pain in my groin so severe that the GI doctor said it was ok to take a Ducolax if necessary to avoid risking impaction and dealing with removing it digitally. After taking Ducolax I will usually be much better for a week, occasionally longer.
The other thing that happens is that I will suddenly have severe diarrhea about one or two days a month, like pure water, with leakage up to 12 times a day. Then it suddenly goes away, and I am back to being constipated within a few days. The only thing that helps at all is a low fat diet, little or no bread / carbs, avoiding overeating, avoiding dairy, and exercise.
It is disappointing as I had thought the Creon was about to eliminate most or all embarrassing issues of incontinence due to EPI, but that has not been the case. At 5 months into taking Creon, and several major incidents I realized I had to wear some sort of incontinence products. That part of the condition has been hard to accept for my esteem but at this point (I am 55 now) I don't really have as much choice in the matter as I thought I did, and I am trying not to dwell on it. The Creon seems to help with my energy level a great deal, and as the doctors were initially concerned this was cancer related, I am trying to be grateful that this is the only lingering issue.
Having said that I would like to get it better under control. I am trying to get the doctor to prescribe more 6,000 mg doses of Creon to take with smaller meals throughout the day, as I am hoping that will help improve things. Anyone have any experience with this, or these symptoms, and having them improve?
Replies to "I have what is currently diagnosed as EPI due to reasons unknown (idiopathic). Started Creon about..."
6,000 units of Creon are not enough, is that what you takes with meals? It should be dosed by your weight. I weigh 130 lbs and I take the 36,000 tablets and one with each meal and snacks.
Your symptoms sound daunting. My mom used to have similar ones. She was diagnosed with IBS fluctuating between diarrhea and constipation. She’s normal right now. No idea why. The only change is her B12 treatments.
Have you considered going to Mayo Clinic?
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Creondave, could you explain EPI, what does it stand for, what problems sent you to the dr., what kind of dr.? What is Creon and what does it do? Are your bowel and bladder issues related to or caused by the EPI? I'm 65, I feel so yucky and exhausted all the time that I rarely leave my house. But when I do, I get to wear those lovely and comfy Depends. Have you found any other brands that are more comfy? I guess as a woman who has been through childbirth, self esteem and related issues left along time ago. I do understand that this is not easy for you. I am grateful that I don't have leakage issues, well except for bladder every time I sneeze, cough, vomit, then it comes out both end. Oh, also, why was cancer, a concern of the drs? If I am asking too many questions, just tell me to stop. This is embarrassing stuff to talk about, but I know I am here because I have lost all respect for our medical institutions and people. Shelley