New to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): What helps?

Good to know but I am 71 years old and Medicare pays 100% of the cost of Creon. I’m glad you found an affordable and helpful alternative.

wow! this means your Pt D or Medicare Advantage plan pays for creon in full. I'm in PA and just going on Medicare and a supplemental plan this year, looking forward to better coverage for creon and realize I have different choices in different states, but out of curiosity, which health insurance company do you have?
I priced VITAL after reading the post, but it would be too expensive compared to my current price for creon.

My Medicare plan is not an adantage plan and is through Aetna. I have a secondary plan through Physician’s Mutual.

I am new to EPI as well with no known cause. I have two CT scans and everything comes back okay. The creon had helped for awhile but no one had ever talked to me about my diet. I am so over senstative about my health and get concerned when I lose a few pounds and I know I need to. I just what the loose bowel movements to stop. Test after test test and no one is finding anything. Bills are piling up from the test. I have recently started Lexapro not sure if that is related. I do get an pain right in the center of my chest but never on either side. Blood test come back mostly okay and I had a little higher than normal blood protein but the two value are in check. Waiting on results for the rerun as it may have been stressed induced.

Is there a specific VITAL supplement? How long has this been working for you? On CREON, but worried I can't get it outside of North America as a foreigner, supply chain, the overall cost, etc. Looking for alternatives.
Did you do testing after starting the supplements to see if there is a measured improvement? Or is it the symptoms that improved, or both?
Apologies for all the questions. EPI results in exhaustion, and occasionally, I have very IBS - D that disrupts my life, so I am always hesitant to change course too quickly. Having said that, dealing with my life now that it focuses on access to Creon is frustrating.

Your input is very interesting to me. I have been diagnosed with EPI, previously SIBO, Ileocecal valve issues and IBS after Hiatal Hernia surgery.
I have been the thinking of going to Mayo Clinic as well, and wonder if these are all "live with it" issues. I have been on Creon, now on Zenpep, still having diarrhea issues, for over 2 years. Suggestions , anyone? Thank you.

Also my Medicare Part D plan is Wellcare Value Script, which I chose after listing all of my meds and comparing plans.

I just wanted to add that despite taking Creon for several months I still have IBS-D with no discernible change. I have not been retested for the pancreatic insufficiency since starting the Creon.

Perhaps you need a different dosage? A consultation with a dietitian? I take peppermint oil (sold at CVS as Intestinal Defense...the CVS brand). A low FODMAP diet also did wonders for that for me. There are still issues with IBS-D symptoms but it is better. Good luck.

A bariatric dietition is who prescribed the Creon. But I may need a different dose. I have been thinking about a low Fodmap diet, maybe I will try it. I do drink peppermint tea but have not tried peppermint oil—how much do you take? I rely a lot on immodium.