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

Would love to know if the Enzymedica Digest Gold enzymes eventually work for you. You mentioned that you haven’t noticed a change yet, but, if you could give an update in 2 to 3 weeks or so and let us know if they started to work for you, I would greatly appreciate it. I think natural is always better, if possible. Thank you!

Thank you, Colleen. Yes, he prescribed Creon but I asked if I could do vegetarian enzymes. He said yes that might work for me. Just started a week ago tomorrow. No change yet. I take ENZYMEDICA Digest Gold. Would love to know if others have had luck with an alternative to Creon? Any suggestions?

I’m hoping so, too. I will ask, also, at my appointment on Tuesday. Natural would be the way to go, if that’s a possibility.

@carolannd actually mentioned natural enzymes in her post here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/749529/

I'm hoping she'll post more information about that option.

I will be seeing the gastroenterologist this Tuesday. I asked him to refer me to a dietitian or nutritionist regarding a diet for EPI. I’m hoping he gives me this information then and a lot more information regarding the Creon enzymes and supplements that I should be taking. I’m wondering what you were referring to when you mentioned natural enzymes. Are there natural enzymes some people can take instead
of Creon?

Welcome @mialeigh and @carolannd. I'm tagging fellow members living with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), like @jewill @nanny23 @fourof5zs @lon @anniegk @ruble429 who can share their experiences with diet and taking enzymes either Creon or natural enzymes.

@mialeigh, have you considered consulting with a dietician or nutritionist who specializes in pancreatic disorders?
@carolannd, did your doctor recommend getting the enzymes you need through diet or with supplements, or both?

Hello, I have just found out about my having EPI but no inflammation and my doctor said I could try a more natural enzyme regime as I am mostly vegetarian. Has anyone else had experience with enzymes other than the pharmaceutical ones?

Also, I am reading it is not good to have a high fiber diet? I eat mostly fruits and veggies and legumes with some sheep cheese and yogurt. I always thought my diet was high fiber. Not sure what to do now?

I take supplements and a good daily vitamin so I seem not to be malnourished, if my blood work is correct. I have lost weight and have been dealing with diarrhea for a couple of months. Lots of tests including cat scan and colonoscopy and nothing remarkable seen.

I am so happy to find this group.
Thank you,
Carol

I just joined the group to discuss my new EPI experience but not sure how to post? Maybe this is the way?

I was diagnosed with EPI about 3 weeks ago. My CT scan came back clear of cancer, but, showed fatty deposits in my pancreas and what they called ‘wear & tear’ of my pancreas. I asked what that meant and nurse didn’t really know. I don’t see Dr for a couple weeks and she said that he would explain it further. Disappointed that I’m not scheduled for appointment until 5 weeks after being diagnosed. I am taking Creon and that definitely helped, but, mornings can still be a challenge. And, I’ve been getting so many mixed messages on what kind of a diet I should be following. So, I’m mostly wanting to get info on what kind of a diet to follow and what vitamins/supplements to take and a what dosage. I understand that vitamins are very important with this condition.
I have seen people respond to others with these concerns and I will be going onto the sites that have been suggested.
Thank you.
MiaLeigh

For about 8 years. Condition has become much worse over past year. Experiencing problems almost weekly and episodes last several days or more. Really impacts my living style. Thanks for the link re EPI. I'll take a look at it. Thanks.