Pancreatic Disorders Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Hi @lrpallcorp - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. That is a relief that you don't have pancreatic cancer. But dealing with long-term effects of prednisone use, DM and possible pancreas scarring is a lot.

I wanted to suggest you might check out this discussion in the Connect Autoimmune Diseases support group:

- Autoimmune Pancreatitis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/autoimmune-pancreatitis-1/

This discussion has been ongoing for some years, and I think that fellow members there would understand some of what you are experiencing.

You might also like to take a look at the posts and potentially post yourself in this discussion on pernicious anemia, another discussion that has continued throughout several years:

- Pernicious anemia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pernicious-anemia-1/

Sounds like the prednisone has been helpful to you, but you are concerned about long-term side effects? Have you experienced any side effects from the prednisone use thus far? Also, since there are so many acronyms in medicine, confirming when you talked about DM that you meant diabetes mellitus?

I was just diagnosed with Pancreatitis the diagnosis was completed after 2 MRI’s with and without contrast. Supposed to leave on vacay in a few days; I am told I might not go. So disappointed and lots of negative feelings. A new difficult adventure. Diet, meds, etc

@janefh1 Did the doctor say definitively that you couldn’t go? Are there any changes, moderations you could make to make the trip do-able or would you be so miserable if you went? What is your mode of transportation? Is this a family trip or are you going with friends?
I think if you do lots and lots of brainstorming to, maybe, change your mind. Don’t give up yet!

Hi everyone I’m from Chile, and I decided to join this group because I’ve been trying for several years to understand what’s going on with my pancreas.
Ever since I was very young, I remember having episodes of stomach pain, but around 2021, the pain became much more severe. After undergoing many tests, doctors discovered that I had biliary sludge in my gallbladder and they do me the surgery. We thought we had found the explanation, but that wasn’t the end of the story.
Over the past years, I’ve undergone extensive testing. I’ve seen different specialists and visited several clinics, and I’ve had numerous tests and procedures in an attempt to find the cause (Including ERCP and papilotomy). Despite all of this, my current diagnosis is idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. In other words, I continue to experience episodes of pancreatitis and pain, but no one has been able to determine why. (I dont have cronic pancreatitis yet).
I think one of the hardest parts has been the uncertainty. It’s difficult to live with something that can come back at any time without knowing exactly what triggers it or what I can do to prevent it. The only that i know is that i cant eat fat or the pain come.
I joined this group because i’m very interested in hearing your stories and to not feel alone, learning what tests you’ve had, what causes were found—or not found—and how you’ve learned to live with this. I would also really appreciate any recommendations.
I’m considering traveling to Mayo Clinic, but the financial cost makes it very difficult.