Chronic Pancreatitis - wondering if there is normalcy ahead?

Hi, @lolliwac - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad to hear you have been given a diagnosis, but it sounds like you have questions about what the future will bring. Hoping other members can provide some information on their experiences.

Tagging @susanh824 @ladyaceintx1 @sadiecat @choosejoy @jkarmazin @mauraw108health @bowie24 @astaingegerdm.

lolliwac, how is the stent going for you so far? What would you most like to keep in your future lifestyle despite this condition (e.g., hiking, travel, stability of your weight)?

I haven't had a Stent placed for my Chronic Pancreatitis but am wondering how this has affected your life?
We don't have a cause for mine, just idiopathic right now and I've had 2 biopsies neither of which returned a cancer diagnosis, although my GI says it's in my future.
Are there any specific questions we can help with?
I'm sorry you're going thru this.

I’m on a feeding tube now due to severe malnutrition. Eating like a normal person has become a thing of the past. Most food puts me in pain. What are some solutions for diet? I just want life back in me! Most days I am in pain. And now I’m depressed due to all this. My pancreatitis is idiopathic as well.

I have chronic pancreatitis, no stent, but you can sort of have a normal life just a limited menu, no alcohol, some days are better than other days, some days you get flares for no reason, its definitely not a fun disease to have.

This disease has literally changed my life. I’m dealing with depression, anxiety and daily pain. Doctors put me on Cymbalta to see if that helps with some of the symptoms. I’m on hydrocodone for the pain and Lorazepam for anxiety. Seems my life revolves around dr visits and hospitals. I hope they can figure out a way to eliminate the pain that is debilitating

Was yours caused by anything mine is idiopathic, I have anxiety too, its terrible when you can't eat like I used to eat, I just got diagnosed 1 yr ago, its alot of adjusting, I hear there's some studies going on for pancreas transplant and stem cell therapy, I'm hopeful that those studies come to life soon.

I had it 5 times and everytime I was in the hospital 7 days. Mostly the only thing you can do is not eat any solid food. Only liquids. I go several years with not getting it do not really know what sets it off. I started getting it after my gallbladder was removed.