New to pancreatic insufficiency. What does this journey look like?

Posted by sadiecat @sadiecat, Aug 2, 2023

I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for ten weeks. As I thought it was another bout of IBS, which I have struggled with off and on for the last thirty years, I started working with a functional medicine clinic. After many weeks I realized this does not look like my usual gut issues so went to a local GI clinic and they ordered more tests. Apparently I have pancreatic insufficiency and the PA ordered some digestive enzymes. Calprotectin levels slightly elevated but PA isn’t that concerned. Pancreatic elastase very low hence the prescription for enzymes. Currently I can hardly eat having built up a fear of eating and the resultant onslaught of diarrhea. My gut is, very tender and irritated I’m imagining. If you have been on a similar journey please share your experience and what helped in your recovery. Many thanks.

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@shezza51

Hi
are you in Australia by any chance ? Victoria ? im in shepparton neither the local hospitals dietician nor Dr's know correct diet for post Distal Pancreotomy & Splenectomy plus after 8 years if Creohn im now Type 2 Diabetic

Is the Nat Pan Foundation based in Melb or Sydney do you know ?
Thanks for posting 🙏🙏
Cheryl

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Hi Cheryl,
I’m in the US! I had no idea you were in AU!!!
Welcome to the board, and I wish that I knew of sources of help that are close to you!
I will contact the NPS here and ask them if they have any recommendations for someone living in AU.
Surely we can find something!!!
Welcome, welcome, welcome! I’m so glad you reached out.
They’re always something new to learn here and I totally understand frustration in dealing with the lack of knowledge with EPI and the many complications that may accompany the diagnosis.
I’ll get back with you ASAP after I call the NPF tomorrow!!!
Huge hugs from me, Gramny Dee

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@ajh5285

grannydee -- Thanks for your reply.
Right now I feel as if I'm making some progress in sorting out what works to alleviate BAM/BAD since that is probably my most distressing complaint right now. The recommendation for a higher fiber diet is rather the reverse of the diet I've been getting. Fingers crossed that this change does bring some reliable lasting relief. Again, I'd like to stress that I've learned about this condition online, and haven't had any help yet from any sources within my university health-care system. I don't think the expertise exists within this particular institution.
Of course, in some ways, I'm my own worst enemy, in falling prey to self-sabotage! I do think that "falling off the wagon" when it comes to following a strict diet is more complicated than a lack of willpower. In my case there are issues of various cravings (how long does it take drinking plain water, before a craving for salt materializes; what happens when your doc advises use of Lite Salt because of "chemo feet" [and shins] &/or venous insufficiency following a course of gemcitabine - abraxane. I have to say I do blame my first oncologist who neglected to say anything about this routine complications, which can be prevented / alleviated in many cases. So, yes, I have anger issues, in addition to other stressors (an isolated life out in the "sticks") that are currently poorly-managed.
On this trip, I am often reminded that western medicine as practiced in the US tends to compartmentalize symptom management and lean heavily in the direction of pharmaceutical treatment. Having noticed that when one symptom starts to become prominent, others do too, I'm beginning to wonder if the POV of one of my wise friends isn't "spot on" -- that we need to be treated as a whole, not in bits & pieces.

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Yes, I agree that our doctors need to work together…in a perfect world! Ha!
I do not know if this idea will help…but here is how I approach keeping my specialists on the same page:
I keep a journal of my
1. symptoms
2. medications
3. Diet
4. exercise activities
I make a copy for my file that I maintain at home and one for each specialist so we are ALL on the same page.
This includes my
primary care physician,
gastroenterologist,
Cardiologist,
allergy specialist
I try to keep everyone on the same page and they absolutely love and appreciate that I bring the this to my appointments.
I give it to the nurse that does my intake for my appt and the dr has read it and has it in their hands when they come in the exam room and asks me questions. This keeps us on track and also ensures that ALL of MY questions are answered also.
I do try to keep my records succinct and to the point because my time is valuable to me just as the specialists time is to them! It’s professional, to the point, accurate and that way I don’t forget anything important.
I hope this helps.
Ps, printed out, it’s usually one page, front and back, using an easy to read font.

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Thank you for your insight. A big difference is that the only health care provider engaged in my medical care is my current oncologist, although he did refer me to a radiation oncologist who wasn't "happy" once he had examined my scans & done a brief physical exam about doing any radiation at this point, even very targeted. I have seen dieticians a couple of times before starting with my new oncologist, but they (I'm sorry to say) uninterested in what seem like key points in my health history (I am a medical professional & although now retired, believe I deserve to be listened to). I have yet to have a referral to PT, or any meaningful counselling.
I do generally try to take along a succinct list of questions since my current oncologist is very much in demand, and often cannot spare more than 15 minutes to evaluate how I'm doing. On the other hand, he is good about responding to MyChart communications within the limits my university health care system suggests are appropriate. My last plea for help sent early Saturday AM (my legs are very very swollen) should be answered by sometime Tuesday to meet the standard. So often, however, it turns out to be a "placeholder" communication from an NP simply telling me she'll communicate my concerns to my oncologist.
Is this any way to deliver medical care? I don't think so....

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@grannydee

Hi Cheryl,
I’m in the US! I had no idea you were in AU!!!
Welcome to the board, and I wish that I knew of sources of help that are close to you!
I will contact the NPS here and ask them if they have any recommendations for someone living in AU.
Surely we can find something!!!
Welcome, welcome, welcome! I’m so glad you reached out.
They’re always something new to learn here and I totally understand frustration in dealing with the lack of knowledge with EPI and the many complications that may accompany the diagnosis.
I’ll get back with you ASAP after I call the NPF tomorrow!!!
Huge hugs from me, Gramny Dee

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awww thank you
Gramny ? Granny ? I'm 72 & im also a granny. Where in usa are you ? big city ? farm area ?
Have been on Crrohn since 2015 because of 4 pancreatic cysts.
last Oct had a Distal Pancreotomy and Splenectomy then 3 overnighters in hospital in jan mar & april due to infection then "fluid collection" then blood clots. Now tupe 2 disbetic and fouble the crrohn but only under a GP and useless Dietician 😤😤😤
No specialists in regional cities & its 200km to hospital where I had operation.
Diabetes info online is verrry confusing as its opposite of diet recommendations post surgery & I still have cysts
Any advice appreciated --feeling ok I just dont want to cause myself future problems
Hugs & many thanks
Cheryl

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