I\'m diagnosed with pancreatic divisum.

I was diagnosed with pancreatic divisum a few months ago, after a bout of acute pancreatitis. In a way, it's a relief to know why I've had all these mysterious symptoms all these years. My Mayo Rochester GI doctor does not want to do stents unless I have several more episodes, because it's invasive and not always successful. I've had wonderful control of my symptoms through diet restrictions. I keep my fat intake below 20 grams. If I "fall off the wagon" and have a rich fat-filled gooey bar that seem to abound wherever I go this season, I am nauseous in a matter of an hour. (That only happened once, and reminded me of why I am eating the way I am now). It's interesting that my doctor didn't give me a lot of advice on diet, and in fact told me I could continue to eat normally, but that's why I ended up in the hospital in the first place!. I was starting to eat more of the foods that are recommended on all the health sites - avacodo, coconut oil, nuts. And that explained why I have had nausea and pain the past year. I feel so much better just by altering my diet.

Sean, when I experience pain from my pancreas divisum I take extra doses of digestive enzymes, even when I'm not eating. It gives the pancreas a rest, and the pain subsides. I use prescription enzymes mostly, but when the pain flares up I use otc Digest Gold. Good luck.

I was also diagnosed with this and would love to hear of any diets or lifestyle changes people have made?

Hey guys! I've read what others wrote.Don't want to be too tough,but I smiled when I saw that "you can have 1 or 2 drinks".You can't drink even 5ml of alcohol.Forget about alcohol for ever,including any food with it. I might be one of the most experienced person with Pancreas Divisum.My case differs from the rest of you.I am 29 yo now(non-smoker,non-drinker).My syptoms started from day 1 of my life.In comparison to my older brother I was vomiting after I was fed.By 3yo I was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis due to constant flare ups.My flare ups were mostly unstoppable vomiting and pain in whole abdomen.I have been hospitalised several times a year.If I had not been hospitalised,I was on a really strict diet and had check-ups,tests done all the time.I had only 1 year in my life when I felt ok and that is it.In 2012 I started to have pain from time to time after eating-no matter what I ate.In my small town "the most experienced" gastroenterologist claimed me too sensitive.In her words I had pain for no reason,so it was functional.

Because of wrong treatment(diazepam,colonoscopy with Fleet,that ruined my life) I left the hospital with severe pain and had to head to another country. There I was diagnosed with Pancreas divisum and recurrent acute pancreatitis,which is irrelevant now.It is of course already Chronic Pancreatitis,because I live with pain 24/7.I wake up with the pain and go to sleep with the pain.My main meal is from 110g to 200g of food once or twice a day,plus lots of baked watercrackers(on olive oil) in between or a lot of sugar(cuz hungry every day).ALL food brings me pain.I have developed food intolerances,skin color changes,skin rashes since 2012.

I have milk,eggs intolerance,could not check up for the rest food(no such tests in my town).Gluten is ok though,but need to double check.I can't eat fresh fruits,berries,vegetables,greens,some meat,juices,mushrooms.I do not normally eat nuts as well,cuz it's fat.I eat same food every day.My menu has chicken breast,potatoes,buckwheet,pasta,carrots,rice,dried bread,rarely beef in homeland.If I live overseas I sometimes eat fish,brocolli,papaya-all steamed,dried fruit stripes only when I am not much in pain,Ensure drink(fatty btw).I take multivitamins,because my body suffers a lot.I already have heartaches.My weight varies from 39-42kg.I am 161cm.In Western countries unfortunately the doctors are really unhelpful and kinda "don't care" people.

Once I was told: "Your lipase is ok.I just googled Pancreas Divisum,it is normal,you will be ok".So I had to take study leave and run back to my country to be hospitalised.After 1,5-2weeks hospital treatment(mostly platyphilline and drotaverin-really toxic stuff,glucose IVs,omeoprasole(Nexium in your counties) I get better for some time.I don't know how long I will live,but if no external factors I know the end of it.Pain goes with me since my first independent breath and that's why I am writing here.I would not recommend ERCP or any other invasive stuff unless you have cysts,stones,lesions or anything else.The thing is pancreas will not forgive such procedures.I dare say medicine is not advanced and has no interest in PD because it is still rare even if they assure you it is common.Most of doctors have heard about it but never faced.

Back to 2012 I could not find much of info.I refused to have ERCP,because I know it will not work but doctors need something to talk about on conferences.There is no point for ERCP(1mm calibre ducts) in my case and mostly it will lead to horrible flare-ups.If you want to have a somewhat decent quality life do not drink alcohol,smoke or stress out(!).Do not over eat,or eat hard to digest food.Better steam.No fat,no spices.Extremely Plain food is all you need.These are the keys to your life extension.Never ever stress.It is vital.Get rid of stress factor whether it is your job or wife/husband.Take enzimes before meal,better natural.

As for me I take herbs like chamomile,hipericum,calendula-doesn't mean you should take.Enzimes like Creon and sometimes Nexium.In my contry I have only one option is too get pancreas cut,but yet it will not be the same as in the West.Too outdated and no available medicine for life after that surgery.Take care people.Please do not stress,but I really tried to be gentle here.It is very serious and I simply cannot tell you fairy tales here.You are still in a better position than me,if it helps.Just appreciate the time with your caring families and change priorities.Food is your gasoline,doesn't have to be fancy.

I was diagnosed with pancreas divisum and due to severe chronic pancreatitis, I had to have the Whipple surgery in 2012. ...As far as DIET is concerned, I found that it's critical to COUNT FAT GRAMS. EVERY SINGLE ONE! Do not consume more than 40-50 / per DAY. This regime helps tremendously to keep me OUT of the hospital.. .(and it keeps my weight down, as a side benefit! Lol!)....Blessings and strength to you!....Julie

Well,I wish it worked for me.But in my case,simply any food brings a lot of pain.And it will be even worse if it is fat.Only water works for me.  

Such a inspirating talk...self confidence is important in this situation

My doctors put me on Creon 25 ooo and this help with every meal

Good Morning my name is Michele I .ive in NJ I living with Speincter Oddi Pancrease Divsuim for 8 years I have had the following procedures gallblader
9 stents, 2 Spincter Plasty Surgeries all failed.. As Hernia surgery due to the plasty surgery . My advice DO NOT GET ANY SURGERIES all cause scare tissue which is my biggest ememy. I feel exhausted all the time, feels like a balloon is getting bigger and bigger the pressure is very bad. Chills nausea sowllen belly all the time. I loose weight due to lack of food yet I feel like I am always bloated. Nothing worked it’s the same procedures they have been doing since the 1990s. Does not matter what I eat .. Sometimes water sets me off. I woke up 3 am one time to be rushed to the Emergincy Room with pancreatitis my lyres were 11000. I still work full time I want to be part of the living not home waiting for a check. Yes it is very hard,but when it’s good I live when it’s bad I survive. The pain meds don’t work I even tried medical marijuana which did not work made me feel like a zombie I don’t want to feel like that. 75 visitis to the Emrgecy Room. There is no cure only option they gave me was a Pestow and I will not do it. I need to get the scare tissue taken care of my pain is out of control. I don’t want to go higher on pain medication I am on,y on oxcodine 5 mills every 4 hours . Must say this I was told by my pain doctor the pot would be so much better for me what I found out it’s all bull a way for every one to get money. There is jo help for me I don’t know what I was doing how to use it which medical pot would be right for me.. pain doctor approved me she was paid 150 I was given a prescription that was sent to the dispensary , I went there all I saw was people stoned... I don’t want to feel out of it I just want pain relief . I have test the waters with the fat in take ate a big Mac had no pain . I will say this I have more issues with pain and before my period and when I ovulate I ask my doctor do hormones play a roll it this illness I was to no???
There is nothing I can do but just live each time my gi dr said we need to do this I did it look we’re I am no better off. I do ask my self this question... what would of happen if I never had any surgeries how would of been now