In & out pokey game

Originally posted on April 27, 2008

Arg, I've been locked up for the last 8 days in that place.
But this visit was different, not a lung exacerbation this time.

My pancreas decided to finally take a dump.
Yes, I've gone from Pancreatic Sufficient to Pancreatic Insufficient within about a 3 week time frame. Meaning the enzymes released from my pancreas are insufficient and no longer able to help me digest food.

I was having all kinds of weird GI issues that I've never had before. Every day was a new adventure of what I'd find in the toilet or not, bizarre intense cramping & stomach aches, extreme hunger and blood sugar dives. Two weeks ago the stomach ache from major Hell invaded to the point of shear agony. I told Terry, "Just shoot me now."

Yep, full blown pancreatitus . . . OUCH!

I called clinic and after hearing my symptoms, my nurse Debbie said you need to come right down to the hospital, we're admitting you. I was immediately admitted, had many Gi tests, CT scan, swallowing all kinds of nasty schtuff, hurled my guts out, and I couldn't eat, not that I wanted to. For those who have had kiddos, think non stop labor type pains front and back for 5 freaking, solid days! The pain and anti nausea IV meds kept me sleepy most of the time, so that helped some.

After 5 days, they gradually added a clear liquid diet and then solid foods with my first enzymes. I started to feel better after a couple more days, so now I'm home, sweet, home.

This was actually the second time I've had pancreatitus. The first was 25 years ago, and shortly after I was DX diabetic. That time killed off half my pancreatic function, this time finished it off.

My body sure knows how to announce a big fanfare event of things to come!

So here I am, trying to get my digestion back up to snuff and learning about the joys of being PI. It seems to have really thrown my blood sugar control out the window. Me thinks because I'm absorbing more, so need more insulin? Or my pancreas has quit working all together. Before this bout, I at least had some insulin production supplemented with my injections. I see my new Endo and clinic this Friday to sort things out.

Even though they are gradually subsiding, I just want the stomach pains to completely go away!!

*sigh*

Just one more thing to deal with.
But I do realize, I have been extremely blessed to have been PS all these years, and for that, I am truly thankful.