EPI flares

I have only been taking Creon for 11 days but, have seen improvement; reduced rapid gastric emptying (dumping syndrome).
I am careful not to take more than a few sips of liquid while eating ; to reduce bloating, cramps and urgency to use the restroom.

If you have not investigated trying the LOWFOD diet, I would suggest it. The Creon and Lowfod diet, with generic peppermint oil from CVS, did wonders for improving sudden bowel urgency. At this point, I may have leakage only 2 or 3 times a month, but there are occasions where it stops completely for as long as two to three weeks, with improved energy for the same duration. No soda, low sugar, no fried foods. I stay away from garlic and onions as those seem to increase urgency severely.

Can I ask how you use the peppermint oil. Most of the time I have constipation but I will have sudden urges. If I took the oil, would that constipate me more? Thanks!

I take it 30 minutes before I eat. If I forget to do that, I just take it with the first bite of food along with Creon.

Not sure if Peppermint Oil would cause any issues but a lot of people with IBS seem to take it this way. Maybe ask your doctor or Google search for possible side effects, but my gastro doctor suggested that I try Peppermint Oil and it seems to help. I had a major EPI / IBS flare-up last summer with stomach pain and urgency or even immediate voiding with zero warning. Low Fodmap diet and Peppermint Oil were added to my regimen, along with Miralax nightly and things started to improve within a few days. I now have fewer IBS type of issues and less constipation.

From what one pancreas specialist said, this seems par for the course. As these symptoms have been intermittently occurring for some time, it is a welcome relief after the last horrific flare-up, which lasted a month.

Hi, just joined the group.
I am 45 and was always healthy active and fit. I was diagnosed with EPI recently after years of symptom complaints. Finally in November I was so sick and in enough pain that I pushed to have my pancreas tested. My pancreatic elastase is at 20! I e dropped to 120. Lost 10 l s quickly which is a lot for my small frame. My GI prescribed CREON it wasn’t covered so I’m taking zenpep at 40k per meal. I have been on it for a week. I thought it was working as i don’t feel super sick anymore but today after a small snack of cooked vegetables I ended up with extreme pain in my mid section and back. Does this mean that i need a higher dose? Or is it not working for me? I woke up this morning feeling encouraged that I had energy and felt “normal” no pain and now I’m in a lot of pain and don’t know why. I only had a protein shake for dinner hoping it would ease the pain but no luck. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you

Hi. I’m dealing with a flare up i believe. Lots of pain and foul smelling stools . Does this usually mean my enzyme zen pep isn’t working or that i need a higher dose? I’m currently taking one 40,000 capsule with each

Unfortunately, Zenprep helps, but remember it's not a cure. Many things can cause what I call an "attack". I found stress, caffeine, and sometimes things I would have no idea. I was told to take 2 zenprep for each meal and 1 before a snack. Not sure what your MD prescribed. I wish I had more information for you.

Thank you . That was helpful. I had a stressful morning a couple hours before the “attack”. I’m sure that contributed.
MY GI Dr prescribed that i take one capsule 4 times a day with meals

Hi again,
Was wondering what your dosage of zenpep is, if you don’t mind sharing.