Recent pancreatitis attack; diet plan; low-fat, hi-protein, hi-carb

LG_RN · Newbie Joined: 11 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

As a critical care nurse and sufferer of several attacks of acute pancreatitis, I suggest that you consult with a GOOD gastroenterologist. Although chronic alcohol use is the most common cause of pancreatitis, it is also commonly caused by gallstones. In the absence of stones or a history of drinking, there are MANY other causes which are sometimes difficult to determine. Hence, about 15 percent of cases of pancreatitis are listed as being of "unknown etiology." A gastroenterologist well-versed in pancreatic diseases will check for pancreas divisum, autoimmune pancreatitis, allergic pancreatitis, etc. He/she will also take a very close look at any and all medications (prescription or over the counter), including vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies/teas, etc., you may be taking. Sometimes pancreatitis is a common side effect of these. Other times, there are only very rare instances where such substances result in pancreatitis. A savvy and open-minded physician willing to dig and search for possible causes is a must. And there is a distinct difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis. To all those who have made suggestions regarding diet, please DON'T!! Each case is unique and, depending on the cause, may require special dietary considerations. If anyone doesn't know what they should or shouldn't eat, please contact your gastroenterologist (it's his or her job to keep you well-informed and it's your job to demand it). And, if need be, request a consultation with a dietician. A dietician can be of immense help by providing you with menu suggestions, recipes, suitable subsitutes for things you shouldn't eat/drink, etc.

Guest · Guest

I was diagnosed with pancreatitis two years ago. and I had about 7 attacks the first year and this year I had a few but recently the attacks come once or twice a month for the past 4 months I think. I try to eat healthy but the very deffinition if healthy is corrupt. I cant get a straight answer from my gastro Dr. and the last time I took his advice I had an ERCP and that triggered an attack and laid me out five days in the hospital. I wish there was a list of exact foods to not eat. i been drinking water like a fish, and rice and turkey and NEXIUM, I had most symptoms except vomiting. one time I was numb all over from hyperventallating and shock, and had to drive myself to ER. This is a very seriouse problem for me. The dr says it may be from drinking, but I rarely drank. I would like any help and ideas you have. I am like all of you, deppressed as ever among the other daily life emotions, this makes it hopeless.

KenAR · Newbie Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

I have been suffering from this for 2 years. My experience with food, pain and starvation is similar to previous posts. The only life I have is when I have pain meds, and doc is VERY stingy.

Here are some things that help me:

Can't drink. Even a couple of drinks can put me down for a week.

A very hot shower or bath helps me a lot. I have a jacuzzy tub and often sleep in it. This has kept me from the ER several times.

Beef consumme, 0 fat.

Pritein juice smoothies.

Plain pasta.

I have just discovered K2O protein water. It has 5g protein, 5g fiber, 6g carbs and 0g fat. I have had no more problems from this than plain water, and it helps with the hunger.

When I feel a little better, Ensure Plus (generic) is a good meal. It has 350 calories 13g protien and 11g fat. You can live off of these if you can stand the fat.

This may be wrong: When I have a sudden attack with nausia and pain, I will force myself to vomit. I will drink a large amount water and repeat until my stomach is clean (clear fluid) and empty. Then I don't drink or eat anything for at least 12 hours. I think this helps. Any comments?? I am curious if anyone else has ideas on this.

When I am starved to the point of being dizzy and shaky, I will put a little brown sugar in my mouth and hold it there until dissolved. This restores blood sugar without putting anything in my stomach.

I am 47 and have 2 young boys. The pain often keeps me from going and doing things with them. I would rather be addicted to pain meds than be in so much pain I can't work, sleep or raise my kids.

Are all docs as conservative as mine? He only gives my one weeks worth of pain meds then tells me I am taking too much.

Mlrtym84 · Newbie Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

I was in the hospital for pancreatitis back in March for a week. The cause was most likely alcohol releated (as that was the only thing they could figure could cause it, even though I didn't drink a whole lot). I have read the numerous posts that suggest talking with your docs and GI's about what the proper course of action should be when recovering from this illness. That would be great but I don't have any insurance and am still paying off the huge bills that racked up from the first trip to the hospital.

Since leaving, I have had a number of attacks. Twice, they were severe enough to leave me unable to work, sleep, eat, drink, or even move, but all I could do was self treat by not eating/drinking for a few days and taking over-the-counter pain meds.

It has been nine months and I am still hampered by this disease. I am a little relieved to see that even with the right medical care, I might still be suffering the same way I am now. I have cut out alcohol and many of my favorite foods, but I still seem to have a painful bout every few weeks or so, including my recent holiday vacation which was ruined.

I got online today hoping to find some sort of homeopathic remedies that might help me. Have any of you tried a special food/herb/root/etc. that has helped in recovery? Is there anything you can suggest for the pain (the ibuprofin just isn't cutting it)? Hot showers seem to be the only thing I have found that really helps; and even then it only aleviates the pain for a few hours. Are there any others out there that have tried to deal with this with minimal doctor treatment?

pgmaxtwo · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2008 Posts: 3

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I've been in the hospital 4 times in the last 6 years for Acute Pancreatitis. I HATE jello and chicken broth any more and was searching for a better diet. Last January I had a Gastro doctor tell me to limit my fat intake to 20-30grams per day. The ADA standard recommended dietary allowance for fat is 65 grams per day...so it's pretty restrictive. I've made it my mission to find all the foods I can eat...binge on if I want and what doesn't work. I still don't have to watch my sugars/carbs (which is great since I LIVE for breads) but I miss buttered toast the most. I've managed to stay out of the hospital since last January. Haven't had a chocolate bar since then but have found subtitutes for most everything. Use applebutter for toast..you can really drench it. ( I choose bread that's 1 gram of fat per slice or less) I use bar-b-que sauce, Fat free sour cream or salsa for baked potatoes, I eat chocolate marshmallows or Miss Meringue cookies (which are primarly fat free) for binges. I have more trouble with sodas, coffee and big salads. Things that are harder to digest give me the most discomfort/pain. I try to limit to 30 grams max...if I go over..it hurts. Only once have I had a slight flare and I ate jello and sipped broth for a couple of days and it healed itself. Good luck. I've found trial and error works that best. (*hint..this sounds kind of gross..but I've found that if the fat in my diet is too high...my pee in the potty looks like I put a teaspoon of vegie oil on the water. Look for the oil slick. That means my body is flushing out the fat I can't process) It works for me. Only real problem is that my low fat diet (although it caused my bad cholesterol to drop from 242 to 168) my good cholesterol plummetted to 136. For women it should be over 150! The Niaspan they prescribe has horrible flushing side affects so I can't take it. That just means that all my fats need to be avocados, salmon oil/fish oil supplements, walnuts or almonds.

Alana Smith · Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

I endured several attacks last year on my pancreas and lost about 40 pounds in a two month period. While being thin is very nice, I had no energy and never felt up to much. My mother gave me a cook book called "Gone with the Fat" - as in Gone with the Wind... and it has been fabulous. There are so many recipes in that book that are great and everything is low in fat, but not low in flavor. It gives you a huge amount of information that is very helpful in maintaining a low fat, high protein, carb diet. At the end of the attacks last year they took my gallbladder and I haven't had an attack since. I have a glass of wine here and there, but never overdo it for fear of having another attack and becoming a diabetic. Also, I look on line for lo-fat recipes for everything I cook and have not felt like I've missed out on anything. Also, most of the larger food chains have web pages that give nutritional information about the fat grams, calories, etc. in their food and I have found there are a few places where I can get something different than always cooking. I would be more than glad to answer any questions anyone has about how to maintain your diet and not get bored.

HALLOWEENDIANA · Newbie Joined: 27 Jan 2008 Posts: 2

I'm with all of you...have had CP for 7 years now...never had any problems until my gallbladder was removed and found I have pancreas divisum...my pancreas is basically divided in half...making my bile ducts very very small....Just got out of the hospital...had an ERCP done...going to do another one in 7 weeks with a bigger stent placement...I have severe pain EVERY SINGLE MORNING...when I wake up...I can almost time it...I call it the "witching hour" LOL...does anyone else experience morning pain as well?? I can guarantee the pain will be there when I get up AND...sometimes its bad enough it wakes me up.

JoMoreno · Newbie Joined: 31 Jan 2008 Posts: 1

I collapsed Oct 07. From 'normal' to excrutiating pain aprox.2 hours.
After a couple hours of pain and still waiting to be seen at the hospital - uncontrollable jerking movements of limbs started. Almost like someone having a mild seizure. I had no control over these - yet I'm told it was another hour or so before I was given pain relief.
Evenutally ambulanced to a differant hospital put on IV and morphine for pain. Diagnosois Acute Pancreatitis and Chole Cystitis (inflamed gallbladder) Cause unknown because I seldom drank alcohol. 3 months later still in pain although taking strong painkillers.
29 January CT scan showed growth/polyp in gallbladder. also possible duodenal ulcer (probably caused by so many painkillers on empty stomach) Pain had increased over a couple days prior to this and overnight of 29th had another'attack'. Jerky movements and pain. Could not go to local hospital becasue it has been hit byt a sickness bug!! My immune system could not cope with that!
My life seemed to end in October and still all movement hurts - even breathing! Weight loss 30lbs within 6 weeks. Constant nausea & sickness, almost no appetite - but I am afraid to eat in case 'That Pain' returns! Suggestions please for suitable but tasy diet? Did anyone else have these jerky movements of limbs?
Desperate in Devon....

poppyseed · Newbie Joined: 04 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

my son, 12, has acute recurring pancreatits. apple juice seems to work good, but what vitimins is he lacking, anyone know?
poppyseed

Recent pancreatitis attack; diet plan; low-fat, hi-protein, hi-carb

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