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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain And Chronic Pancreatitis

I have a friend who is experiencing abdominal pains, which he attributes to his chronic pancreatitis. He is in a situation now with work and no insurance to not go to a doctor at this point in time, but he reassures me if the pain gets too bad he will go to the emergency room. He asks can a person survive with pancreatitis for six months without dying? He has changed his diet drastically, no alcohol, no fats, no processed foods He was doing better for a week after having the pains for a month when he changed his diet, but then he went to more solid foods, albeit still healthy foods, but now the stomach area is bloated again and just as painful as when the pain started 6 weeks ago. So he has me researching foods they he can eat that will give him the energy for work and just life in general. He is taking 2 Ensures a day along with soups and scrambled eggs. Anything else we can do? He will only seek medical help when he has exhausted everything else. Are there signs to watch for that are red flags? He is not jaundiced and has occasional chills but no fevers. He says he has no energy. He is working 60+ hours a week, he is 59, slim build and has not lost a lot of weight, but some. Please ask me any questions. I do appreciate your time and expertise.
Wed, 2 Dec 2015
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Gastroenterologist,  's  Response
Hello. Thanks for asking question at HCM.

I appreciate your concerns for your friend. As I understand he had features suggestive ethanol related chronic pancreatitis. But has it been proven ? means, is there any documented evidence of the diagnosis on Ultrasound or CT? Because this is very much essential for further management.

One can certainly live for long time with chronic pancreatitis if treated correctly and cause is taken care of. As your friend has stopped alcohol it is the first step in management. His diet should include low fat - he has to avoid all oily foods. He can take analgesics like - Tab Dicyclomine + Paracetamol if mild pain or Tab Tramadol if severe. I would also suggest Multivitamins and high protein diet.

He needs to be on pancreatic supplements if diagnosis is confirmed.

Take care.
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Suggest Treatment For Abdominal Pain And Chronic Pancreatitis

Hello. Thanks for asking question at HCM. I appreciate your concerns for your friend. As I understand he had features suggestive ethanol related chronic pancreatitis. But has it been proven ? means, is there any documented evidence of the diagnosis on Ultrasound or CT? Because this is very much essential for further management. One can certainly live for long time with chronic pancreatitis if treated correctly and cause is taken care of. As your friend has stopped alcohol it is the first step in management. His diet should include low fat - he has to avoid all oily foods. He can take analgesics like - Tab Dicyclomine + Paracetamol if mild pain or Tab Tramadol if severe. I would also suggest Multivitamins and high protein diet. He needs to be on pancreatic supplements if diagnosis is confirmed. Take care.