Pancreatitis

[Amethyst]

I have chronic pancreatitis and was wondering if any one else on the board has had this desase? If you have had it what kinds of treatments have you tried to get better? Do you work? What is the cause of your pancreatitis? What medications do you take? What pain meds do you take? If you take enzymes about how much a month do you pay for them?


I was diagnosed in 1997 finally in 1998 I saw a doctor in Iowa that said mine is caused by a cystic fibrosis gene. I have been in and out of the hospital for years and can't work so I finally recieved disability. I take ms contin 30 mg twice a day when I can afford it and msir 15 mg 4 times a day. I am having problems getting my enzymes the pharmacy quoted me 487 dollars for 2 weeks and we can't afford it. I have had 6 ercps and stents put in and it never works. I have had 3 ng tubes and rested my pancrease for months and that never works. I am in constant pain all the time and it makes me very depressed. How do i learn to work through this? I am married and I was sick before I got married so my husband knew what he was getting himself into but I feel so bad because I can't help to pay the bills most of them are mine from when I am in and out of the hospital. I just feel like I am a burden to him. And that if I kill myself life would be better for him and me. How do I get over this?

[maleficent]

Chronic Pancreatitis - From the National Institute of Health Website

First off, talk to your doctor about your concerns, especially since you are having problems financiually with your medications, doctors get samples of meds all the time, he may have some for you, or he can suggest some alternatives.

Your doctor may also have some alternative therapies for you -- especially in pain management -

I just feel like I am a burden to him. And that if I kill myself life would be better for him and me.

For Better or Worse is what most wedding vows state. Not, for better, or -- forget about it. Loving someone enough to stay with them in good times and in bad is about love, and it's never a burden. Killing yourself, would deprive him of you, that would not make his life better.
Pain sucks, especially chronic pain, very few people really understand what chronic pain is all about, unless they are living with it themselves. Support groups, whether online, or live - in living color -- exist for every medical condition known to man, find one for Pancreatitis -- it will help you share your experiences with others and know that you aren't alone. Someone might have found something that works for them.

How do I get over this?

When someone is told to get over something, it's usually something pretty trivial, ooh they broke a nail, or some such nonsense, you have a serious medical condition, you can't be expected to get over anything - you can, however, live your life. Find something that you enjoy doing, something that can take your mind off your pain for a while.
Appreciate that your husband is sticking with you, I'll bet anything it's not out of pity, or obligation, it's out of love for you. That kind of love is extremely rare and should be celebrated.

[raeanna74]

I don't have much to offer but cyber hugs for you hon. I'm sure your sweatheart cares much for you despite your perceived burden on him and would miss you greatly.

I'm wondering if you have looked into any state aid or health insurance. In wisconsin we have something called Badgercare for lower income families and the disabled. In some cases it only suppliments healthcare that you already have or you may have LOW premiums to pay. They pay for 100% of regular checkups, necessary medical treatments, and emergency care. You pay a SMALL amount for medications which ranges from $1-3 for name brand meds and for some meds you pay no extra. The avenue for applying is to contact your local Social services or Health services Agency and ask them if they have any medical assistance programs that you might be eligible for. It might at least lesson the financial drain that you condition is. It may also get you the medicine and enzymes that you need to help you feel a little better. I hope you can get the help you need.

Hugs hon.

[Amethyst]

Originally posted by raeanna74
I don't have much to offer but cyber hugs for you hon. I'm sure your sweatheart cares much for you despite your perceived burden on him and would miss you greatly.

Yeah maybe!

I'm wondering if you have looked into any state aid or health insurance.


I applied for a medical card and they said that we made to much money and they put me on a spend down. I have to pay the first 350 dollars every month before they will pay anything. It totally sucks. My husband works full time and goes to college full time trying to make our lives better and all we here is you make to much money. I wish that was true.
I am trying to get my morphine from the drug company because that is 120 dollars a month and I am waiting for there answer. I just got approved for the curcuit breaker program but I have to get 25 dollars to send in. I guess they try to get your meds at a disconted price. All the medicine I take I can't get samples because the meds are so expensive that they don't give samples to the doctors. And they don't give samples of narcotics.




I hope you can get the help you need.

Hugs hon.

Thanks so much for the hug! I needed it!

[gonadman]

My sympathies for your situation.

You not only have chronic pancreatitis, but also are depressed over your perceived burden of care. Depression and the availability of strong narcotics make for a bad mix, especially in someone who feels life would be better if she killed herself.

Please make your thoughts known to your husband and doctor, who may not be aware of your degree of depression. Good treatment is available.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers