The Whole Dang Pancreatic Story, Part 5

Part 1 Gallbladder, Part 2 Pancreatitis, Part 3 Hysterectomy, Part 4 Sphincter of Oddi, Part 5 of the Whole Dang Story…

Continuing Pancreatic Saga

December 20, 2010

The specialist (at hospital downtown) does the ERCP and the pressure is high which means it is my Pancreas (YES, finally a diagnosis). He opens up the Pancreatic Duct and puts in a stent. I wake up in a LOT of pain. Now the Specialist's assistant doctor takes over my care. I'm in a lot of pain, but she wants me to go home. Finally she asks if I want to stay and I say yes.

That night was horrible. I was in a lot of pain and puking  and the pain meds were not helping at all. I can't sleep. My test are coming back negative for Pancreatitis and the X-ray is normal. After 2 days of pain, the assistant wants to send me home. I question whether I should leave. She says I should NOT be in so much pain so it's time to go home??? WTF??? I ask her to do another test because maybe the fact that I am in pain is a sign that something is wrong.

Hospital

December 22, 2010

She refuses and I finally just give in figuring I can go back to my regular Gastro Doc. I leave the hospital on December 22, 2010. I have another horrible night in pain and not sleeping.

Hospital #2

December 23, 2010

The next day, Jason takes me to our local ER. They do a CT scan and discover I have an illeus, blockage in my intestines which is caused by my Pancreatic Duct surgery. If the other doctor had done a CT as I asked, she would have discovered why I was in so much pain.

I am admitted into the hospital and diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis and Illeus.

December 24 – 25, 2010

I have to rest my system so I'm on an IV and pain meds. I'm hoping to be home for Christmas, but it doesn't happen. It sucks!! Every time I eat, I get sick.

See the date on the clock in my room? Lovely, huh?!

Hospital clock

Finally on Christmas, they start me on a liquid diet and my system is tolerating it. I graduate to soft foods on December 26 and that is what I need to be able to go home.

The present my kids gave me so I'm not alone on Christmas.

ScrappinMichele Hospital

December 26, 2010

I go home!! I recover in bed eating crackers and taking my pain meds. I feel more optimistic now. Something I haven't felt in a long time. I end the year feeling like we may have figured this out. Just having an official diagnosis really helps. No more wondering if I'm insane or a wimp for the pain.

Beyond the Pancreatic Story Looking Forward….

Let me know what you thought!!

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