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Pancreas Debuts Again...

I haven't been around to read blogs or catch up on my own. I had another ERCP to put a stent in the pancreas duct. Ended with a three day hospital stay.
I'm home now and recovering. Feeling 100% better than before I went in.

Does anyone know anything about the workings of the pancreas?

I'm still looking for answers and I think there are none.

Dr. Groce doesn't know if this condition  is genetic or caused by gall stones gone wild,  scarring the pancreas duct. Scar tissue grows I assume and makes the opening more narrow.
.
Here I must say the doctor and his staff at O.S.U. have been terrific. (The pain not so much. The hospital stay not so much.  But that's a story in itself.)

The balloon he uses to open the duct helps and then he puts in a stent that comes out automatically in several days. Thank God. Don't want him to go back fishing for it!!!

My daughter Susan and my sister have this problem as well.

It seems there is no cure for it. There is one surgery to "sew" open the duct permanently. My question is, "does the pancreas duct wish to be opened permanently???" And shouldn't they consider what the pancreas wants and what is best in the long run for it and me and our long term relationship?

I'm recovering and feeling better each day. I've had a number of these procedures and Doctor G  says this is the last he'll do. Next time it will be surgery. I can balk and refuse which I might do. But I'd feel awful the rest of my life and then die.

Aren't the solutions endless!

Do you or anyone you know have this problem. I would certainly love to hear any comments, opinions, advice or just plain sympathy which is most
welcome. I'm over the part of feeling sorry for myself but could fall easily back into it.

I'm in the phase right now where I'm loving life, thanking God the pain is gone, the procedure is over and that I have some good months ahead.

Isn't that really all we each have?

Or is it just this one glorious second?

I'll leave you with that thought.

Any light you can shed on this will be welcome. Or if you just want to talk about something else entirely that's welcome too.

It' just good to feel well enough to be on here.

Blessings. B
PS the novel still awaits rewriting and I'll be back soon with a chapter for you to read! Smile! I know you can't wait!
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Comments

  1. The BroadAugust 3, 2011 at 10:09 AM

    Oh, Barb, how awful for you to have to go through this time and again. Once sounds bad enough. Wish I had some answers for you -- but you do have my prayers and best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SandiAugust 3, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    Hi Barb, I have no answers or experience, either, but I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. It's really awful when these health issues rear up and raise havoc with our lives! Please rest, follow doctor orders and get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sally WesselyAugust 3, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    I have not answers or experience either, but I am thankful they were able to fix the problem for now. I think the pancreas is a mysterious organ that causes all sorts of havoc in the lives of some. As Sandi said, these health issues really do play havoc in our lives. It is good to know that in the blogging world, there are those who care and support. I am sending you my good wishes and will keep you in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  4. B. WHITTINGTONAugust 3, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    Prayer is what I need right now. Thanks.
    The pancreas is a mysterious organ. More study should be done on it's function and on it's dysfunctions.
    B

    ReplyDelete
  5. Pam Andrews HansonAugust 3, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Sending love, hugs, and prayers!! The pancreas is a thorny organ in our house...my husband, a diabetic, is on an insulin pump which functions as his 'artificial' pancreas. Take care!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. karioAugust 3, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Oh, my. I am new to reading your blog, but the "pancreas" part struck me. My husband was seriously ill off and on for the better part of four years while doctors tried everything to figure out what was going on. It turns out he has an extra (second) pancreas growing in the wall of his small intestine that was getting inflamed and shutting everything down. After a major (and ultimately, unnecessary) surgery and a 3-month recovery, we discovered a tremendous doctor in the Seattle area who is truly a pancreas guru. He has been able to restore my husband's life to normal and I thank goodness for him every day! His name is Richard Kozarek, MD and he works out of Virginia Mason in Seattle and at the Cleveland Clinic when he isn't lecturing or writing books. Might be worth a second opinion...

    Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  7. B. WHITTINGTONAugust 3, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    Might be worth a second opinion and Cleveland Clinic would be a three hr drive from home. God bless for sharing this info.
    I'm scared. There are not a lot of alternatives for the pancreas.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nancy J. ParraAugust 3, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Hi- I don't know anything about the pancreas, but I do know about chronic conditions. I am sending good thoughts for healing and prayers your way.

    Cheers~

    ReplyDelete
  9. yayaAugust 3, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Even though I work in surgery, we don't mess with the pancreas much. I'm sorry I can't be more help, but please know I'm sending prayers, good thoughts, and much sympathy. I know this can be painful because my Grandfather had many problems with his. Enjoy this pain free time and I hope it lasts forever!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Glynis Peters August 6, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    I do hope you recover asap.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Deb ShuckaAugust 8, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    I'm glad to hear you're on the road to recovery. It sounds like a less than fun experience. Hoping you get answers soon.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Elizabeth VollstadtAugust 8, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    So sorry you're having problems again. I wish I could help, but I know nothing about the pancreas at all--and judging from your experience, I hope I never have to learn.
    You're in my prayers for a speedy recovery that also gives you back your energy. God Bless.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Janet,August 11, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Barbara, I pray that you are doing better. I don't know anything about the pancreas, either. Keep getting better and I look forward to reading your novel chapter.

    ReplyDelete
  14. PatAugust 11, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    I hope you are feeling better. I never heard of this problem before, nor the fact that they can use stints like in the heart. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Terri TiffanyAugust 16, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    I'm so sorry to come here and read that you have been ill! I know nothing about what you are dealing with but hate to see anyone suffering. Hope you are on the way to a long health!

    ReplyDelete

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