Ibuprofen For Pancreatitis

256 thoughts on “Ibuprofen For Pancreatitis”

1. pullin4ya March 15, 2014

   wow, i’m so glad I found your site and info. I started having my attack of what I’ve been thinking was a gallbladder one a few days ago. I also stumbled onto Motrin.
   Even though folks on the web said nothing touched their gallbladder pain, I noticed the ibuprofen did. It took it away in about 30-45 min. Today I’ve been in bed trying not
   to take it though, thinking it would mask a fever or more pain which i assumed was from my gallbladder. Anyway, now I think that possibly i have a case of Pancreatitis,
   after reading through your blog. Don’t know if I’ll still get an ultrasound soon to rule out stones…not sure. What started my horrible pain was eating a huge pile of sunflower
   seeds several days ago. Have you heard of that causing Pancreatitis?? Thanks for everything:)

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 15, 2014

      Ibuprofen works wonders for pain caused by inflammation. The pain is relieved when the inflammation subsides. I was kinda led to it I think anyway, I am glad it worked for you.

      Gallbladder disease and pancreatitis have some commonalities.

      Both are triggered by fat. Sunflower seeds are FULL of fat. It may be good fat for most people but those with gallbladder disease or pancreatitis shouldn’t eat them or at least not more than a VERY SMALL mouthful on occasion. So yes, sunflower seeds could definitely have been the trigger or at least the straw that broke the camel’s back so to speak. Don’t get me wrong. Sunflower seeds do NOT CAUSE pancreatitis but they could certainly trigger AP (acute pancreatitis) in those who already have pancreatitis and they could also trigger a gallbladder attack which could and does CAUSE pancreatitis if a stone gets stuck in or near the pancreatic duct.

      Alcohol doesn’t bother the Gallbladder but can throw the pancreas into a real hissy fit. Symptoms can be somewhat similar as well especially if your gallbladder is infected but by and large the pain of acute pancreatitis is severe to extreme and CONSTANT. It can bore from front to back and visa versa. Lying down usually makes the pain worse. The patient usually, involuntarily, leans forward because it seems to help relieve the severity of the pain somewhat. The pain is so severe it becomes hard to breathe and so I find myself taking fast, short breaths (panting like a damn dog on a hot august day). You usually stream sweat, can run a fever. Nausea and vomiting can be really bad for some people and vomiting doesn’t relieve acute pancreatitis pain where I know people who have had gallbladder disease have said they puke and feel better. And with acute pancreatitis things can go from bad to worse in a heart beat (necrosis, infection, bleeding, organ failure and death). Now …

      An infected gallbladder is nothing to take lightly either because that puppy can rupture which causes peritonitis. Peritonitis can be life threatening. If your gallbladder is full of stones those can pass causing the gallbladder attack and/or infection if they get stuck and a stuck gallstone can also cause gallstone pancreatitis (most common causes are stones and alcohol consumption).

      It may be to late now to get a good enzyme reading from a blood draw but if you are still hurting and it is pancreatitis amylase and lipase may still be elevated if you hurry. They can stay elevated up to a week I believe after an attack that resolves.

      Reply ↓
      1. Hurting Pancreas September 30, 2016

         Glad this works for you! I started hurting Thursday morning so I hadn’t ate since Wednesday night because I know to quit eating. Been taking 800 doses of Advil every 4 to 6 hours and it does relieve the pain, but now it’s Friday and the pain just stepped up quite a bit. Not sure if I’ll make it through without going to the doctor bc the pains getting worse and I don’t want to risk dying from not seeking help

         Reply ↓
         1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 30, 2016

            Hey Hurting Pancreas – go to the ER.

            Reply ↓
            1. Hurting Pancreas October 2, 2016

               I have been able to resist mini flares like this one, but I believe the 800 Advil Is at fault bc I took nothing else and it got so bad I had to go to the hospital.
            2. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 3, 2016

               Hurting Pancreas – that is definitely suspicious. I’ve actually heard this twice now yet I can find NOTHING that scientifically (case studies, scholar articles, etc) that indicates it to be fact. BUT in your case when your pain got worse after taking it (and did not improve 60 minutes after ingestion) I’d say you most likely shouldn’t try again. This article is ten years old and things change in ten years but as of that time there were “no prior definite cases reported of ibuprofen-induced pancreatitis.” And the probable one they are talking about had to do with overdose. But here’s a list of drugs to avoid that have been proven to cause pancreatitis. Here’s another list by WebMD that lists “categories” of drugs. Hopefully you are feeling better. 🙂
            3. Nancy Vlcek March 13, 2020

               Thank you! Thank you! I didn’t know about taking ibuprofen for a pancreatic attack (which by the way, when it’s combined with an infected gall bladder that needs taking out, it is WAY more painful than having a baby!).
               And YES! I thank God, in Jesus’ Name, for giving you this knowledge! You definitely sound like a believer… except for the cussing. BUT, I smoke (cigarettes) so there’s no judgement here. We can just pray for each other to love Him and our neighbors more and more each day…
            4. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 18, 2020

               Hi Nancy – Yes! I believe and trust in Jesus. I have also quit cussing (long story). I thought I had gotten rid of my improper English I must have missed some. I also quit smoking a couple years ago, almost 3 years now. Keep the faith! If I can help just holler.
         2. Patricia July 13, 2017

            When I take medications just like when I eat food I take Creon which is pancreas enzyme supplement necessary when my pancreas cannot produce it on its own. That is what makes me able to take anything otherwise it would cause major pain. And likely make the pancreatitis worse. So for sure I suspect that you needed the pancreatic enzyme supplement also.

            Reply ↓
   2. shevone December 24, 2015

      I have chronic pancreatitis. I had it since I was 14 and now am 35. What do I do when ibuprofen makes the pain worse? My pancreas is burnt out so bad to the point my lipase doesn’t even elevate anymore. What can I use?

      Reply ↓
      1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 5, 2016

         Hi Shevone – sounds like you have some major damage. How do you know it was the ibuprofen that caused more pain? I have to ask because I haven’t heard that one before. Some folks have said they can’t take Ibuprofen because they are allegic to it, a few have said it helped but didn’t take all the pain away and I thought “why didn’t you take more?” But I have never heard that it actually caused more pain, have never read anything where Ibuprofen caused pancreas pain or AP like narcotics can and it doesn’t make sense that an anti-inflammatory should inflame the pancreas or cause more inflammation BUT that doesn’t mean it couldn’t. ANYTHING is possible. The only other thimg I can can think of is to try aspirin (1300 mgs) for bad pain, (650 mgs) for moderate and see if aspirin works or does the same thing. You could also try another anti-inflammatory like Naproxen and see if it does the same thing or works. Unfortunately it’s possible for people to become so advanced with disease that nothing works (from what I’ve read). I’m sorry I don’t have a miracle answer but I’m stumped.

         Reply ↓
      2. Justvisiting September 21, 2016

         Hi shevone. I have pancreatitis, too, and I still have problems. But one thing that has helped me is taking the herb Chanca Piedra. It’s usually from Peru. And it can be powdered or coursely ground. Powdered would be taken in a little water. Course would be made into a tea. It’s also called Quebra Piedra or Stone Breaker. It’s an alkaloid. I have trouble finding a really clean source. The last powdered batch I bought seemed to have sand in it. 🙁 I guess they wanted it to weigh more so they could charge more money. Otherwise I would give you a link to my source.

         Reply ↓
   3. Lori December 24, 2016

      I thank you very much for your information. I do feel the medical, even specialists, are in the dark regarding this disease. I had a flare up last night and did dose myself with ibuprofen, Should have dome 800 mg at one but I was trying to be cautious. I know it’s not for everyone, but you can take up to 3200 milligrams a day, I am at about 1,600 mg, just took 600. Next time, I will do 800 on onset. My doctor said 600 mg per day and go to the hospital, Been to ER 8 times in the last year and they are not nice or understanding. My Doctor, by the way, said I should eat pumpkin seeds to gain weight.

      Reply ↓
      1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 2, 2017

         Hi Lori – I’d stay far below the 3200 mg maximum dose. I only use Ibuprofen when I absolutely have to use it and praise God I haven’t needed it for quite sometime. Drugs are NOT safe. Large doses and/or long-term use of NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen (not aspirin) have been associated with heart attack. That is why I only use it when absolutely necessary. I understand you are not well and so you may want to look at your diet (avoid red meat, pork and high fat foods) and also visit your health food store and buy grape seed extract, curcumin and vitamin C (all highly anti-inflamatory). I hope you have a happy, blessed new year 🙂

         Reply ↓
   4. Michelle March 14, 2017

      The night I had my pancreas attack I had eaten a handful of nuts. One of the 6 specialists that saw me the following 3 days I was hospitalized, thought I might have gotten a nut with a fungus on it. Not sure if this helps, but your comment about the sunflower seeds makes me wonder if there’s some connection here? Hope you’re doing better now 🙂

      Reply ↓
   5. Lorna Jane Barton September 2, 2019

      Best advice I’ve heard in almost a decade & It’s Working!!!! Thankyou so much

      Reply ↓
      1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 12, 2019

         You’re welcome Lorna – glad it works for you too!

         Reply ↓
2. celia May 26, 2014

   My hubby just came out the hospital last month from an attack . I never want him to go back in . How can I keep his pancreas healthy for life on a budget?

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 29, 2014

      I don’t know your hubby’s condition. He may have had a very mild attack and heal up nicely and never have another problem. If that is NOT the case then the only way I know of to heal on a budget or otherwise is outlined in this blog. All you have to do is read it. 🙂

      Reply ↓
3. Bobby June 3, 2014

   I left a post under the grapeseed part explaining my situation- to sum it up after having some uncomfortable symptoms that just wouldn’t go away I found out my pancreas was swollen. Stopped drinking and ate healthy for awhile and felt better enough. Then came the storm of stress and I began to eat crappy and drink again like a complete fool. Now my gut is really bothering me however last night after reading what you say about ibuprofen I had some 600mg pills leftover from a knee injury. After taking one I felt a great difference in the discomfort in my gut, I was so very thankful for your advice here and to GOD for helping me find this information. As I mentioned in post under grapesed I think I will try to fast to give my organ a break. At times like this I think this is what money is truly for though, to be able to seek proper medical attention. If I still had my health insurance I would just go to the Dr and find out exactly what the hell is going on, the root cause, is it gallbladder disease?, do I just have a clogged biliary duct? Regardless its up to me to all in my power to be healthy and be proactive to this situation but again I would like to thank you for the ibuprofen knowledge, it was like a big weight was lifted off my gut last night as it relieved my discomfort.

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 5, 2014

      You are welcome. Hope you stay well. 🙂

      Reply ↓
4. smith September 18, 2014

   Any good recommendations as to when you should (and for how long) take Ibuprofen for pancreatic pain? You mention taking it for acute flare ups. My chronic flareups take weeks or even a few months to subside it seems, even when sticking to the diet religiously. I’m not sure how wise it would be to take Ibuprofen over an extended period of time. The pain has been manageable though very bothersome so far during those flare ups, at least during the day. Night time pain/laying down is where my pain is worst. I’m week two into a flare up, hoping that doesn’t last 3 to 4 months like last time. I took some Ibuprofen during that time, but not as part of a daily regimen. The doctors haven’t been much help yet other than advising low fat diet/no alcohol/etc; they advised that PPIs might help since less stomach acid presumably stimulates less pancreatic secretions. (Anybody else here this from their docs?) I took those for about 3 months but not sure if they helped any. My pain is moderate, probably 4-5 on the scale but fairly constant with certain movement and positions. As of a few months ago, I’m minimal change CP with no viewable changes on MR/CT scans or blood work. Heading back to the doctor soon to try to get a handle on the latest flare up. It’s been very hard to get any sleep. I’m willing to do anything at this point. I’ve been on the supplements about a week and very, very little to no fat. I’m planning on staying on them in therapeutic doses for many months if need be. Exercise/running/cycling/swimming seems to ease pain some at the time, but I’m not sure if that keeps the pancreas inflamed over the long term.

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 22, 2014

      Hi Smith, I have never taken Ibuprofen for long-term. More than one big dose was rare. The longest I’ve taken it was for 12 days I think. I mentioned it for folks who have flare ups as a possible additiong for a couple days until the inflammation subsided totally but I don’t think long-term use would be a good idea. You say your flare ups last weeks or months even when sticking to the diet? What diet? When you have a flare I would think it would be prudent to treat that as a “mini AP” and go npo (fast) until the flare resolves. With “minimal change” cp it shouldn’t take weeks to resolve but eating anything when the pancreas is inflamed isn’t a good idea. Eating just prolongs the inflammation. IF it were me, I’d fast for 3 – 5 days (no food), drink water, take my supplements and maybe a couple 200 mg Ibuprofen once or twice to help eliminate the inflammation. I’d be taking a LOT of grape seed extract (800 – 1000 mgs per day in like 4 doses) and at leat 500 – 1000 mgs of curcumin per day. IF that didn’t work I might begin to worry.

      I’m finding a lot of folks do NOT take enough grape seed and curcumin. If you’re sick 100 – 200 mgs of grape seed isn’t gonna be enough. 400 mgs per day may not be enough. Those who seem to heal take a lot of grape seed extract and curcumin per day and go vegan for at least 6 months. That’s what I did and my diet still consists more of vegetables, fruits and legumes than it does animal products like skinless chicken, white meat fish etc. I may have chicken or fish 3 times per week, the rest is vegan. I NEVER eat red meat (beef, venison, elk, lamb, buffalo etc) or pork. I can’t even remember what red meat and pork taste like. 🙂

      When I was bad years ago exercise, even driving sometimes, didn’t work out well but after I was healed up it was fine.

      Reply ↓
5. smith October 5, 2014

   This may be old news, but I read recently (I’ll try to extract the source) that Ibuprofen doesn’t act as an anti-inflammatory until at least 600 mg is taken and that the dose required is largely independent of weight.

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 8, 2014

      I don’t know whether that is true or not. I know 800 mgs works to stop an acute attack. Sometimes it takes more but usually 800 mgs does it. I Always take at least 800 mgs in ONE dose when I feel an acute attack beginning and I’ve had enough to recognize them almost immediately.

      Reply ↓
6. smith October 5, 2014

   I also found the link below to be interesting, particularly related to the length of time Ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory effect COULD take to kick for some people. Much of the original research I believe was related to arthritis, but inflammation would seem to be inflammation. I find that I personally may be one of those people that may need to take it a bit longer to see the results. I have been a little hesitant to take more than a couple of lower doses per day for a couple days, but I may consult with my doctor to go on a 600 mg dose a couple of times per day for a couple of weeks (or until I can get the moderate consistent level of pain under control.) Tylenol seems to kill the pain more for me but I am definitely more interested in the anti-inflammatory effect.

   Here’s the link..I’m sure there may be better more scholarly sources out there, but good info nonetheless perhaps:

   http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161071.php

   “How does ibuprofen work?Ibuprofen blocks the production of prostaglandins, substances our body releases in response to illness and injury. Prostaglandins cause pain and swelling (inflammation); they are released in the brain and can also cause fever.

   Ibuprofen’s painkilling effects kick in soon after a dose is taken. Ibuprofen’s anti-inflammatory effects can take a bit longer, sometimes a few weeks.”

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 8, 2014

      I actually can’t say what Ibuprofen does for anyone else. I have had others take it and their attack symptoms subside in 60-90 minutes with an appropriate dose of at least 800 mgs. It has always worked for me. In fact it has never failed me. 600 mgs probably isn’t enough. 800 mgs seems to be the number. I did have someone tell me (it’s somewhere on this blog) that 800 mgs didn’t work completely for them. It helped but didn’t stop the attack so it may take more for those who are over 175 pounds. All I know is that eliminating the inflammation also resolves the symptoms. It is the only common sense answer. Anti-nausea meds eliminate the nausea (sometimes it takes a double dose) but never eliminated the pain. Demerol did not eliminate the pain, hell it didn’t even take the edge off but 800 mgs of ibuprofen stopped it dead in 60 minutes, every single time for me. That’s all I can tell you.

      Reply ↓
7. Sally October 12, 2014

   Hi Healthy Guy
   Since Ibuprofen and Aspirin may both have side effects if high doses are taken per day, what do you think of using a combination (let’s say 500mg of Aspirin combined with 200mg of Ibuprofen) 3 times per day for chronic pancreatitis pain?
   Regards

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 14, 2014

      Hi Sally – I tried a combination of aspirin and ibuprofen for an attack of AP once. I did two aspirin (325 mgs each) and two ibuprofen (200 mgs each). It worked ok. For consistent AP stopping power I prefer 800 mgs of ibuprofen because it has never failed me. I don’t suggest taking high doses of either ibuprofen or aspirin for long periods. Just long enough to resolve the inflammation. Grape seed extract, curcumin and vit C should be able to safely handle most chronic applications with the right dosages as long as diet isn’t causing the pancreas to become inflamed.

      Reply ↓
8. smith October 24, 2014

   An older article but more “pro” info on the benefits of Ibuprofen as part of anti-inflammatory therapy (e.g., not just to stop pain as I read it): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1357898/

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 25, 2014

      Nice supporting article for Ibuprofen. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply ↓
9. smith October 29, 2014

   More on Ibuprofen for acute pancreatitis: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/3/3/558/pdf

   Reply ↓
   1. The Health Guy Post authorNovember 5, 2014

      I only read some of the first part, especially part 3 which covered the inducers of pancreatitis. I was interested in this portion because I’ve had several people comment regarding the fact they thought Ibuprofen would cause pancreatitis, their doctor said they had pancreatitis because of their use of Ibuprofen blah blah blah yet this study didn’t even mention Ibuprofen. It did however mention some NSAIDS such as indomethacin, piroxicam, ketoprofen, naproxen, rofecoxib and celecoxib. Out of 48,678 hospitalized patients there were 554 (1.1%) that were diagnosed as experiencing an adverse drug reaction. Out of those 554 patients the ACTUAL number of pancreatitis cases related to NSAIDS was 3 and those were associated with diclofenac. I have scoured the internet searching for anything I could find that actually said Ibuprofen was a cause for even one case of pancreatitis and found nothing. There is plenty of info that states opiates (class 1 offender, the worst), used by doctors to reduce the pain of pancreatitis, actually cause pancreatitis. So thanks again for your article find that should lay to rest any qualms one might have about using Ibuprofen to stop acute pancreatitis.

      Reply ↓
      1. Jody December 25, 2014

         I am one of those people who was told initially that ibuprofen usage was the cause of my pancreatitis attack. It has since been decided that gallbladder sludge was the cause. I have been dragging my feet on getting my gallbladder removed. However, two nights ago I felt like a mild attack of pancreatitis was beginning. Actually, I suffered with it for awhile. I decided that I would use the ibuprofen last night along with grape seed extract, curcumin, and white grapefruit juice. This morning when I got up I still did not feel well. I was in pain so I decided to repeat. Within about an hour I felt better. I felt well enough to get dressed and go to a Christmas gathering. It worked for me.

         Reply ↓
         1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 3, 2015

            Hi Jody, glad to hear things worked. I hope you were able to enjoy Christmas.

            Reply ↓
         2. kgkrl May 24, 2015

            Hi Jody,

            Not sure if you are still active on this site. You said the doctor said you had gallbladder sludge. What test did they do to confirm the sludge?

            Also, do you remember what you ate when you had the attack? supposedly, if you stay away from fat, oil, alcohol, you should not get an attack.

            Ferdinand

            Reply ↓
10. Victoria December 3, 2014

    So I had an accute attack late yesterday and took 800 mgs of advil. It worked great! Didn’t drink or eat anything until this morning when had a glass of water with my meds. Half hour later, BAMM! pain came rushing back. I took another 800 mgs. I know not supposed to take much of this stuff – but you don’t indicate how often to take advil when an attack hits, just once, or until the pain doesn’t come back? PS I’m a female and only weigh about 118 lbs.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 5, 2014

       Victoria sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well but glad to hear Ibuprofen worked for you. What kind of meds do you take? I am asking because you said the pain came back after taking your meds. Certain meds can cause acute pancreatitis. I would think that to be especially true if the pancreas is already inflamed. I’ve had to take the ibuprofen in large doses up to 10 days in a row during one of my more persistent attacks. USUALLY one dose gets rid of an attack but there are times it takes more than one. Praise God that hasn’t happened in years. Last attack was about 8-9 years ago and that was the first since the early 80’s. That last attack was because I stopped the supplements and made a mistake in food choices. That is a mistake I won’t make again. Here is some Ibuprofen dosing info direct from the horses mouth. Read here

       You’ll note that you can take up to 1,200 mgs per day and be fairly safe. In fact two doses of 800 mgs per day should be tolerated fairly well according to the article I linked. So in the event you had a particularily persistent attack you could probably do two 800 mg doses in a day (24 hrs). Higher doses may not be so safe but max prescription dose is 3200 mgs per day – I wouldn’t recommend that lol

       Reply ↓
11. Kerry February 5, 2015

    I appreciate your recommendation to take ibuprofen, it makes sense. Unfortunately, I am on blood thinners, and am unable to take ibuprofen or asprin. Any suggestions?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 5, 2015

       Hi Kerry – unfortunately I have no suggestions in your case. You might want to ask your doc and find out what he/she thinks. Other than that I’m blank.

       Reply ↓
12. Jim February 21, 2015

    Is it okay to drink white grapefruit juice during a mild pancreas flare-up? I’ve fasted for a couple of days and continue to take the supplements and ibuprofen. Or should it just be water only until it goes away? Also, what about organic vegetable broth? Or is that too much on the pancreas? Again, this is a mild flare up I think because I caught it quickly.

    I’ve learned so much from this website. Your instructions absolutely work. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 23, 2015

       Jim, you are most welcome. I’m sorry I was not on this site 2 days ago when you needed an answer. I must admit I found grapefruit juice in-between attacks so I have never drank it during one. So I simply can’t give a good answer. I just swallowed enough water to take Ibuprofen. At the worst of my times I had not yet discovered the anti-inflammatory trio (grape seed, c and curcumin). Grapefruit juice came after implementing diet and then my acute attacks simply disappeared. Maybe small sips throught the day might help, I just don’t know. It was sometime later I was led to the supplements which enhanced healing. I hope you are feeling better by now 🙂

       Reply ↓
13. audrey March 24, 2015

    Thanks for your help…God placed you in my path. Thank you

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 25, 2015

       You are very welcome Audrey 🙂

       Reply ↓
14. Carole Cammarata March 26, 2015

    Hi There, I just found your website and could really use your expertise..One year ago I suffered an acute pancreatic attack send me to the emergency room and I was then sent to a medical center for which I wound up having a big surgery for nacrosis build up of the pancreas..The blamed it on the diabetic medication (Janumet) that I had been taking several years.I am not a drinker and never was…I have since recovered but it did take a toll on me..I am now 72 yrs old..I live in fear because I do not want to go through that again..I watch what I eat and stay away from fats and fried food as much as possible..
    I am suffering terribly with arthritis and it seems Drs are all afraid to give me any meds because many of them can cause pancreatitis..So, I am taking tylenol extra strength and they are like taking m&m’s, they do nothing for arthritic pain..
    Would you have any suggestions for me?..I would so much appreciate your help!..Thank you in advance…Carole

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 27, 2015

       Hi Carole 🙂 sorry to hear you have had such problems. Type 2 diabetes drugs are notorious for causing pancreatitis.. Tylenol, especially in large doses can damage your liver, even kill you. I’d suggest aspirin or Ibuprofen. Yet, neither of those are totally safe. Both cause bleeding in some folks and Ibuprofen in large doses, especially used long-term can cause heart attack. You might want to try grape seed extract and curcumin together. both are highly anti-inflammatory. Curcumin in large doses can cause stomach upset but it does work for pain. neither will cause pancreatitis in fact they will help your pancreas heal with proper diet. that is about all i can suggest. I know arthritis can become very painful. wish i could help more but my knowledge of arthritis is limited.

       Reply ↓
15. Theresa Wroblewski May 24, 2015

    I just got out of the hospital with acute Pancreatitis and started drinking just vegetable juice but now I am confused because I read that to do a food diary you need to do a 3-5 day fast, than an enema, then vegetable juice. Should I start the fast now even though I’ve been drinking vegetable juice for two days now?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 24, 2015

       Hi Theresa 🙂 Sorry to hear you have joined the pancreatitis hall of pain. Was it your first attack? Was it mild or severe? If mild hopefully you’ll heal up nicely and never have another problem. Anyway … Are you still experiencing pain or other symptoms, nausea, vomiting? What did they feed you before your release? If they fed you a bunch of food, especially fat filled food before release or you are experiencing pain or other symptoms then yes on the fast and enema. Get cleaned out again. The fast will also again rest your pancreas. Then juice, then to solid fat free or low fat foods (veggies, whole grains like oat meal, egg whites, rice, etc). I use this site to check out the fat, protein, nutrient content and density of foods. Just remember to check the foods out and test them one by one for at least 48 – 72 hours before moving to another fat free or low fat food.

       Reply ↓
16. Nicki June 15, 2015

    Hi,very good information, I have a question, I had a “mild, my ass” attack of acute pancreatitis,lipase got up to 2700,in early January, 10 -12 days later felt back to normal. I was never hospitalized . Just yesterday was having tummy trouble and drank a lot of liquid imodium, and slowly throughout the day dull pain in my pancreas began ,nothing like the first time. But I feel the medicine is the culprit. Have you ever heard of this effecting anyone else? Just took ibuprofen , because, you’re right , just makes sense . Another question, is after reading many of these other posts, I thought there were two types ….acute ,and chronic. If so many are having reoccurring attcks, doesn’t this make it chronic ? Which freaks me out , I’m already to young for this shit. ???

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 15, 2015

       Hi Nicki – to bad you have had to deal with this. 🙁 But there is hope that if you do what you need to do (diet, supplements, no alcohol) that you could heal up and NOT have a chronic problem. BUT to many recurrent mild acute attacks can turn into chronic due to the cumlative damage. SO it would be wise to STOP whatever it is that may be aggravating your pancreas. I doubt it was the immodium but who knows. If you haven’t stopped alcohol, or changed your diet that is most likely the problem and to be honest if you were beginning another acute attack THAT does NOT bode well for the possibility of total healing and no more problems. THAT probably wasn’t what you wanted to hear, right? The good news is that we don’t KNOW you had another attack brewing at the time however, it isn’t to difficult to remember the pain 🙂 By the way why did you have your original attack does anyone know?

       Reply ↓
17. jesse June 25, 2015

    I had some abdominal pain went to hospital my lips were at 5000 so they said I had pancreatitis I stayed two nights and checked myself out never had vomiting or fever just a little pain they couldn’t tell me why and why I felt better after a day they even tryed to give me morphine for the pain I told them no I had no serious pain I’m just curious what I could’ve had was it a mild case of pancreatitis and when you say diet does that mean you can never eat a burger or a piece of pizza again

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 26, 2015

       Jesse it sounds like you may very well be just fine after you heal up. You may never need a diet like those of us who have chronic pancreatitis BUT I’d watch my P’s & Q’s for at least a couple months and allow for healing. Good luck 🙂

       Reply ↓
       1. jesse June 26, 2015

          Thanks for the reply really appreciate it I’m still pretty scared because I don’t know what caused it I don’t smoke or drink I’m 33 I don’t understand that’s the scary part I have suffered from panic attacks for 20 years I do not know what to eat I’m starving because I’m afraid I might set something off

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 26, 2015

             Jesse do you take anti-anxiety meds?

             Reply ↓
             1. jesse June 27, 2015

                Yeah lorazapam
             2. The Health Guy Post authorJune 29, 2015

                Some anti depressants and anti anxiety drugs have been associated with acute pancreatitis but then many drugs have been. The incidence with benzodiazepines is rare but who knows?
18. Michelle July 8, 2015

    So glad to have found you.

    Brief history: appendectomy 9/2014 & gallbladder removed 5/2013. Each one was removed as a result of one acute attack, trip to ER-ct scan showed inflamed. In both instances emergency surgery performed within hours of arriving to ER. Never had any digestive issues, stomach pains…nothing…ever. My mother was diagnosed with primary biliary chirrosis (sp?). An otherwise very healthy female. Only other time ever to emergency room was to deliver a baby. I am 47. Have been put through the wringer the past two years in my personal life, that problem has finally been kicked to the curb and I am now living a stress free life.

    Had extreme pain (thought it may have been cardiac event) 3 days ago. Awoke out of a dead sleep with pressure concentrated on my sternum, felt a cool rush over my body, thought I might vomit (never did…as I had with the other two events). Went to ER, ct scan showed zilch; admitted to hospital with pancreatitis, per lipase 3000. No pain meds administered, pain lasted about 2 hrs from when it started in my home. Then it was gone.

    IV saline drip administered, with a daily IV injection of prilosec (I have never taken this before). 24 hour fast, no water. Bloodwork…increased lipase 3500. Liver enzymes 800. MRI: everything normal ($ for hospital). Note: no pain or discomfort at all. Next day: clear liquid diet. Through to this point, all doctors and nurses state I’m atypical…most people with these blood readings are vomiting and doubled over in pain. (No, I do not have a high pain threshhold.) The specialist they called in stated initially I had acute pancreatitis. Then changed her tune, stated my liver enzymes were high. She starts asking me about sexual behavior (which I found insulting!) and ordered hepatitis bloodscreen. Those came back normal. She then said this might have been a one time thing, a viral infection. Another doctor asked if I had eaten pistachios recently, I said a few weeks ago. He suggested there may have been a fungus. The only thing they seemed to agree on: no one was sure what was happening.

    The specialist wants me to follow up with her office in a week. I won’t be doing that.

    The pistachio dr wrote me an order for bloodwork in a week with my regular physician. That, I will do. Just to see what the numbers are.

    I have ordered the grapeseed (via your link) already had the curcumin, which was sitting in my cabinet, untouched. Already have ibupofen. Wish I knew to take 800mg 4 nights ago!

    Looking forward to your input!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 9, 2015

       Ok, Michelle, glad you like the site 🙂 – when you visit you doc for blood work have them do the new blood tests for celiac disease, my liver enzymes were often elevated (not as high as yours), yet nobody took notice or seemed worried when hep tests came back normal all the time. I thought (so did the doc who finally diagnosed me) that my recurrent acute pancreatitis episodes were due to an abdominal injury (football) BUT … YEARS later I find out I’m a celiac. After doing research I have also found that celiac disease, especially if it has gone undiagnosed for years like mine (I started symptoms in childhood but wasn’t diagnosed until 2009, about 50 years later), celiac disease can cause pancreatitis. I quote “Other manifestations of CD include weight gain and obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome with abdominal pain and constipation, pancreatitis, myocarditis, aphthous ulcers of the oral mucosa, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis, hyposplenism, and asymptomatic IgA nephropathy. There is a slightly higher risk for gastrointestinal malignancies and lymphomas in CD patients than in the general population.” – Section “Clinical Manifestations” last paragraph. With that being said …

       Alpha toxin (nuts) could possibly be a cause. Not sure I’d say – “yep that’s it” but who knows? Of course the sexual behavior question was simply to look in all areas and hep c is transmitted sexually (body fluids, especially blood). She was just actually doing her job. Anyway …

       Here’s the good news! You said: “My mother was diagnosed with primary biliary chirrosis.” PBC is an autoimmune disease. That means you probably have it as well along with other AID (autoimmune disease) issues (other AID’s) becuase autoimmune diseases often travel in packs, like wolves, lol 🙂 Have your doc check you for autoimmune disease (PBC, celiac, Sjorgren’s, RA, Lupus, etc). They are all associated with pancreatitis, including autoimmune pancreatitis. By the way …

       Thanks for your business (order). I appreciate it. 🙂

       Reply ↓
19. cathy September 1, 2015

    I’ve had several acute attacks. After I had an EUS procedure I was diagnosed chronic. I asked my doc. To give me an Advil 2 days ago when I was hospitalized because the pain mess they gave me IV or otherwise we’re making me sick (vomit) and that I thought they worked better for me. He would only give me Tylenol. I am home and I just read this. I also heard somewhere about grape seed extract and poured a large glass of white sugar free grape juice. I took 600 mg of Motrin. If it helps I will let you know. I’ve pretty much felt like my life is over. I’m 48. I don’t want them to take my pancreas out grinde it up and inject it into my liver. Please let this help.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 3, 2015

       Hi Cathy. Sorry to hear you are suffering. Tylenol is almost useless for pancreatitis pain. Grape juice has some good stuff in it (polyphenols) but not near the amount your’d get in grape seed extract. Motrin should help (ibuprofen). 600 mgs may or may not be enough. It depends on your current inflammation status. 800 mgs of ibuprofen seems to be the magic number for me when in an acute attack, which hasn’t happened in awhile Praise God 🙂 For chronic pancreatitis 600 mgs may work nicely. Even 200 – 400 if your pain isn’t off the charts. But have someone run down to the local health store and get some good quality grape seed extract and couple that with the ibuprofen (motrin). Watch your diet.

       Reply ↓
20. Scott September 7, 2015

    I thought that this was bs. Well it was not it worked well for me.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 8, 2015

       Hi Scott I am glad to hear it worked for you too.

       Reply ↓
21. Darlene September 9, 2015

    I am so, so, so, thankful that I found your website. I was searching a few months ago after having a few attacks. I tried the ibuprofen during my next attack after reading your post. It worked like magic! I just had another attack about an hour ago and a few minutes after taking the ibuprofen, the pain started easing off. It’s unbelievable! The pain is the worst pain I’ve ever had in my life…worse than childbirth! It is truly unbearable! Thank you and bless you for posting what you did. I can’t thank you enough!!! I really can’t! Bless you a hundred, thousand times!!!!!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 9, 2015

       You’re welcome Darlene. 🙂 I’m glad it works for you! God led me to Ibuprofen one night when I was desperate and the demerol that my doc gave me didn’t do a thing. What is causing your recurrent attacks? Is there an underlying cause? Your diet is extremely imortant. If you are eating a normal diet you may want to consider a change.

       Reply ↓
    2. Michelle September 26, 2015

       I agree. Pancreatitis attack I had was way worse than childbirth. Worse than my appendicitis attack and way worse than my gallbladder attack. I now carry ibuprofen with me so I can be prepared. Thank you to “health guy” for sharing your experience with all of us!

       Reply ↓
22. Matthew sweeney September 19, 2015

    Hi , thx for all your hard work , I had a but of recent acute pancreatic inflammation and the Dr’s said the ibuprofen could have been the cause , tell me can one recover from acute and or chronic pancreatic inflammation even if there was some necrosis , thx again , matt

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 24, 2015

       Hi Matthew – It all depends on how much damage. I think it is entirely possible to heal in most cases. Obviously if someone has a large portion of their pancreas removed (removing the necrotic tissue) it makes it much more difficult. I also doubt your case was caused by Ibuprofen. There is no common sense to that since Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory and pancreatitis is inflammation and no actual evidence exists that Ibuprofen has been directly linked to drug induced pancreatitis like other drugs such as diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs, immunosuppressants, steroids, opiates, statins, etc. Yet, anything is possible.

       Here’s an article you should read regarding NSAIDS and the extremely small possibility of NSAID induced pancreatitis. ONE possible case out of 48,000+ in an Italian study and then there are some other study facts too. VERY small risk compared to opiates (morphine and/or derivatives). Ibuprofen isn’t even mentioned.

       Reply ↓
23. Annette Ciaramaglia December 13, 2015

    Hi …. Drs Drs since I was 32 …. I am 68 now. Damaged my bile ducts and pancreas in a bike accident. Drs destroyed my pancreas by giving me test after test (ercp and others ) I am now suffering (today) with bile duct dilation which just recently put me into another severe pancreatic attack along with severe gastritis which I am guessing from bile not being distributed right into duodenum since I have scarring from Drs debriding most of my pancreas in 1900 after a severe infection after an ercp My question is where I have gastritis too can I take grape seed extract and grapefruit juice etc to help me?? I just want to die this time. Please reply. I hope u can help me as God has all these years

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 19, 2015

       Hi Annette 🙂 Sorry to hear you have had such problems. I would think that grape seed extract would be excellent for both. Ibuprofen too. Grapefruit juice IF you are NOT on medication that it doesn’t get along with (many). IF you are on meds call your doc AND pharmacist and ask if grapefruit juice could be bad for you while taking whatever it is you might be taking. The diet, grapefruit juice (if ok), Ibuprofen and grape seed extract should help emensely. Let me know how it goes for you.

       Reply ↓
24. Boon December 17, 2015

    Ibuprofen is magic for me.
    Thanks for your advice.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 19, 2015

       You are most welcome Boon. I am glad it works for you too! 🙂

       Reply ↓
25. Renee Etheridge February 2, 2016

    Hi, I have CP accompanied by a condition called SODD (sphincter of oddi dysfunction) which causes severe pain when I take certain meds like ibuprofen, aspirin or even Tylenol. I once spent 6 days in the hospital after taking 2 Imodium AD tablets for an upset stomach. I fear meds more than just about anything. What else could you suggest to stop inflammation?
    Thanks,
    Renee

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 4, 2016

       Hi Renee I know a little about SOD and I’m amazed to hear that Ibuprofen and aspirin cause problems for you. SOD responds to a low fat diet and anti-inflammatories (drugs) and natural anti-inflammatoroies such as grape seed extract. DO NOT use curcumin or turmeric (cooking spice) because curcumin (turmeric) can and does cause problems in those who have SOD. BUT grape seed and vit C should work, coupled with a low fat diet void of trigger foods (pork, beef, butter, cream, milk, mayo, chips, dips, high fat stuff). Now …

       IF you have been eating a normal diet I’n gomma suggest something you may find difficult to believe but it may NOT have been the anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen and aspirin) that caused the problems you have experienced. BUT there is always the chance they did as well. BUT … high fat foods can trigger an immediate response or a DELAYED response. Here’s what it boils down to – IF you eat a normal diet you can’t really tell what triggers your SOD and what doesn’t. Same holds true for pancreatitis. And gallbladder disease. EACH of those conditions are triggered by hig fat FOODs and of course pancreatitis is also triggered by alcohol which doesn’t seem to affect the other two conditions. So …

       I’d kick the fat to the curb and go buy a couple bottles of good, quality grape seed extract.

       Reply ↓
26. Teresa February 8, 2016

    Went to GI specialist today, ask about taking Ibuprofen? He put me on 400 mil grams 2xdaily to start with. Today was my first day on it. Praying this works for me. I am also on Creon enzymes.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 9, 2016

       Hi Teresa – Great! That should be enough for mild and moderate CP pain. For AP 800 – 1000 mgs are needed. Let me know how it works for you. By the way you can get Ibuprofen at almost any drug store (walgreens etc). Even grocery stores like safeway carry it. What I’m saying is if your insurance doesn’t cover it Ibuprofen is available over-the-counter. It comes in 200 mg tabs. 🙂

       Reply ↓
27. Deborah February 18, 2016

    I have minimal change aka small duct pancreatitis. I take ibuprofen daily, have done for years, much to the annoyance of drs. I, like you, thought that it’s an anti inflammatory so how could it harm?! It helps me so much, haven’t had to be admitted to hospital in 4 years now and I swear it’s the ibuprofen. I am quite poorly with it too and currently waiting for a total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplant. I definitely recommend ibuprofen!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 19, 2016

       Hi Deborah – glad to hear that Ibuprofen works for you. I do have a question because I am nosey, curious and just interested. Since the Ibuprofen has helped tremendously and you haven’t been hospitalized in 4 years. WHY are you opting for TP/AIT instead of a lifestyle change such as diet (avoiding food with high fat) and suppplements that help heal and/or relieve symptoms?

       Reply ↓
       1. Deborah March 12, 2016

          Hi, sorry for the delay in answering. I have changed my diet, food is a problem. I can’t really eat anything without pain. Even if I don’t eat at all I have pain and feel bloated. I survive on vitamin pills, creon and very sweet cups of tea. If I eat anything, what ever it is, it causes pain. Obviously eating a high fat content causes the worse (can’t move or breath properly) pain, but eating a strawberry or salad causes ‘I’ve been hit with a baseball bat around my ribs’ kind of pain lol…sorry I always find it hard to describe my pain. I am the type of person who doesn’t like to complain too much and I am a qualified nurse…this I feel is the reason why I’ve stayed away from hospital. I know the routine very well, as I’m sure you do, I. V. Fluids and pain medication…that’s all the hospital do really. So I figure as long as I’m drinking and passing urine I don’t really need to go. I have a fentanyl patch and a bottle of oramorph, which I take every hour if needed, that mixed with ibuprofen and paracetamol and I can survive…well just about. So this is my reason for needing the tp ait…even though I stay out of hospital it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t really be there…also the type of pancreatitis I have, small duct cp, the tp ait is my only option…I’ve done stents, balloons, can’t remember how many ercps and mrcps I’ve had, lol. So I have no choice.

          But ibruprophen has definitely helped me stay out of hospital!

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 12, 2016

             Deborah – I don’t know what to say except that I’ll pray for you. Keep us posted so we all know how you are doing. IF you haven’t tried them yet you might consider going to the health store (or sending someone) to get some grape seed extract, curcumin and vit C. They really do help. In your case it will probably take some healthy doses. But I know the pain (your descriptions work well) and ANYTHING is worth a try to get rid of it or at least find some relief. Ok, yes, I found something to say lol. 🙂

             Reply ↓
             1. Deborah March 13, 2016

                Yes I’ll try the curcumin (have read a little about it) and the grape seed extract. I take vit c in with a multi vitamin, also I drink a lot of orange juice (squeezed) so my vit c levels should be ok. I’ll definitely keep in touch. I’m in England u.k. and the nhs are still deciding on funding the tp ait…although they have agreed it is cost effective. ..they have been deciding since 2012, I pray they decide by my next consultant meeting at the end of march…will ley you know how I get on then. Thanks for taking the time to care x
             2. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 17, 2016

                You are welcome Deborah and I hope things go well for you 🙂
28. Cindy March 10, 2016

    Don’t know if I belong here yet. Just googled my symptoms after a rare night of red wine and fatty foods was followed by 3 sleepless nights of intense stomach/back pain and swelling. Have SO enjoyed all your info as I am a sponge for information, and trying to avoid any full-on attack. My doctor said to go to the ER, which I am also trying to avoid. So I’m on the 2nd day of fasting (a few sips of veggie juice and a few bites of brown rice) along with Advil the wonder drug and another good one, CurcuMed, which I had on hand. So far it’s not getting worse and seems to be calming down a bit, so we’ll see what happens. I’m still whining in my head about a possible future with no fats and wine (I’m Italian), but if need be, I promise not to whine out loud. Thanks much. Keep you posted.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 11, 2016

       Hi Cindy – sorry to hear you aren’t feeling well. You should have gone to the ER for a “work up.” You could still go in and get one cuz if it is acute pancreatitis your blood enzymes may still be increased and that would be a dead give-a-way.

       CuraMed is good stuff. Very potent Curmin formulation. It’s kinda pricey but it is good. I’m glad Advil (ibuprofen) is working for you. Fasting would also be appropriate until symptoms resolve. IF you haven’t gone to the ER yet you might consider doing so. IF you have another attack make sure you go.

       Reply ↓
       1. Cindy March 11, 2016

          Thanks, I was wondering about that. Do you know how long the enzyme levels generally stay elevated after an attack?

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 11, 2016

             Cindy they rise about 4 hours into an attack and peak at different intervals. They may stay elevated for a couple days. Here’s the basics.

             Reply ↓
             1. Cindy March 11, 2016

                You rock 🙂 Thanks.
             2. Deborah March 12, 2016

                Just wanted to mention that they can also return to normal very quickly, even though you are still suffering. Also, as in my case, they never rise. I have minimal change aka small duct chronic pancreatitis and am currently awaiting a total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplant. Levels can also look normal if the pancreas is badly calcified.
29. Brenda W April 27, 2016

    Every morning so much pain full body sweats trying to have bm cramps so bad hold breath need relief help me please…

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorApril 27, 2016

       Hey Brenda – Ok you have found the post that tells you about Ibuprofen, why I used it for pancreatitis when I needed it and what you might expect as well. But Ibuprofen is only one part of the pancreas healing puzzle. IF you want to get well and are able to get well (I don’t know how much damage you have) you might want to consider following some steps to get there. In order for me to heal and feel pretty much normal again I had to do certain things. You can find out all about what I did to heal my pancreas on this blog. I had to completely overhaul my diet. I had to use Ibuprofen when needed. I had to start taking certain supplements daily and in the right amounts. I know your pain. I’ve been there. I may not have been as damaged as you may be and maybe I was damaged more I don’t know. The fact is what Almighty God taught me to do worked. It still works. It works for me and it is working for others as well. So invest time reading this blog and learn what I did initially to heal and what I still do now to stay healed. Holler if you have questions 🙂

       Reply ↓
30. Kirby May 3, 2016

    Thanks for the site and the information. Been suffering from chronic PC for about 5 years. I had 2 Acute attacks and was hospitalized the first time. The 2nd time I dealt with it with pain medication. Both times they lasted 5 days. I got an attack yesterday and looked up your site and read about treating with Ibuprofen. Everything you said about how the hospital treated me the first time was spot on. Now I’m smart enough to stop eating but after reading your site I immediately took 800 mg. ibuprofen and pain was reduced but not gone. Took another 800 mg in 3 hours and went to bed. Woke up almost pain free. Today I’m taking 400 mg and reducing as the pain goes away and not eating. Worked great for me especially when I think about what I went through the last two times. So today I ordered the supplements you suggest. Thanks for the information and your site!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 3, 2016

       Hi Kirby – you are definitely welcome. Hey if you are a bigger dude (I’m only 5’7″ and 150 – 160) it may take more than 800 mgs of Ibuprofen to do the job. IF there is a next time and let’s hope not you might wanna up that to 1000 mgs, even 1200 (depending on your size and weight). That increase might do the trick. And then maybe not. But I’m glad the second round did the trick for you. Thanks for sharing, commenting and visiting. Stay well. 🙂

       Reply ↓
31. Brenda W May 9, 2016

    Started your program 5 days ago…think it is helping…I sufferer every morning for hours Been in hospital 100 times in last 30 years.Thanks for options… I want to live not just survive… Really rough time need a reprieve… Thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 12, 2016

       Hi Brenda – suffering with pancreatitis sucks so let us hope and pray that you continue to improve! 🙂

       Reply ↓
       1. Brenda W May 13, 2016

          So tired of this ….I wake up everyday to bm ,..that is cramps sweats pain nausea ribs back sore holding breath twisting so not right….to tired to get to Dr on there schedule…. Hospital ER really suck veins shot so hard to get blood or iv ….waiting for them to figure out what you told them hours before is your problem. Pancreatic is constant high count 400 then up from there… Your Ibuprofen idea is helping …I hope….I hate being weak and out of my self….

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 14, 2016

             Hi Brenda I am glad the Ibuprofen is helping. Make sure you invest the time to learn everything tht Almighty God taught me. When I was finally diagnosed I was told I might have 10 years. I probably asked God to help me. One dark painful night I had an attack. The demerol (meperidine) I was given for pain was NOT helping. God led me to my wife’s Ibuprofen. In less than 90 minutes I was feeling so much better. Then He led me to cut out huge amounts of high fat foods from my diet. I improved more. He then led me to grapefruit juice. I improved even more. Then years later I had a daughter. I remember praying for God to allow me to live in order to watch my daughter grow up. He then started leading me to supplements and I learned about grape seed extract and vitamin C. Then curcumin. Soon I was feeling like a new man. Brenda EVERYTHING I was taught is somewhere on this blog. All you have to do is invest the time reading, learning and doing. I make no promises. All I can tell you is that God is an awesome God and what He showed me to do worked for me and is working for others. May God richly bless you with healing. 🙂

             Reply ↓
             1. Brenda W May 14, 2016

                So wonderful of you to care
                ….One of the worst feeling of this is the emotional side …I am controlled and in charge when well and so weak and out of control now…Today has been a emotional start .With less pain …laying with heating pad on belly…1 2 mg dilaudid 600m . Ibuprofen 1 grape seed 1 vit C to start the day Bless you for helping others
             2. The Health Guy Post authorMay 14, 2016

                Hi Brenda – Thank you for the kind words. Increase the grape seed extract and Vit C on a weekly basis for a couple weeks and then you can probably keep increasing faster until you feel results. I’ve taken 2,000 mgs of grape seed extract daily when not well and as much as 10,000 mgs of vit C. IF you can take curcumin (no gallstones or sod) you may want to consider adding that as well because it is a super quartet with the addition of 500 – 1000 mgs curcumin daily. That cocktail rocks.
32. Suey May 20, 2016

    ??

    Reply ↓
33. Dee May 23, 2016

    Good grief…. You sound a lot like me! God has given me ways to help people naturally and they have said the same to me! Can I pay you for your time? You need to write a book, go on YouTube, etc. etc. but you are wonderfully correct I can’t charge for what God gave freely ?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 23, 2016

       Amen Dee 🙂

       Reply ↓
34. Frank June 9, 2016

    Thank you for your help and info. My wife had an acute attack 2 years ago from alcohol, we haven’t had a drink since. Had another acute attack a year later because of steroids and antibiotics she was taking for a cold, and yesterday had another mild acute attack we are guessing from eating pizza. We have been decent on our diet but break it from time to time. Read all your info yesterday in the middle of here attack and 800 mg of ibuprofen did the trick, helped her pain a ton. Her temperature also went down also immediately, she’s been fasting since yesterday and I thank you again for all your info. I guess my question is when should we start with the grapefruit juice and grape seed, she has been fasting two days now and the pain is much less but still there. You are a godsend and the doctors don’t even take us serious the just assume we drink and it all stops there,

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 13, 2016

       I’d start with the grapefruit juice now Frank. I’d also keep taking Ibuprofen, grape seed extract, curcumin and vit C. Make sure she keeps hydrated. I hope she is feeling better soon and is able to stay well. 🙂

       Reply ↓
35. Jackie June 13, 2016

    Thank you so much. I have suffered stress related pancreatitis since I was 10 years old (they took my gall bladder out at 18 thinking I couldn’t possibly have pancreatitis at that age). Over the years I have found out myself that codeine sets an attack off as well, contrary to what many doctors told me. I recently had a total knee replacement and the hospital had problems managing my pain as I also have stomach infammation issues. After I was given a dose of Oromorph I was heading for another attack but thank heavens the doctor listened to me and gave me the muscle relaxant and anti spasmodic I knew could help. It did. But then all I was left with for pain management was paracetamol and that just isn’t enough so I have been struggling with the pain in my knee. No one mentioned ibuprofen as a possibility so I will give that a go and see whether I can get some relief with that – at least it shouldn’t set my pancreas off which is a really big worry for me. Thank you again.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 13, 2016

       Hi Jackie – Stress itself usually doesn’t cause pancreatitis in healthy people. Have you noticed whether or not the use of narcotics (codeine, oromorph, etc) always seem to cause acute attacks or at least flairs? Has anyone mentioned the possibility od SOD (sphincter of oddi dysfunction)? People who have SOD would do much better avoiding narcotics since they cause the SO to spasm. Ibuprofen should be a much better solution, especially IF you happen to have SOD. You may want to also consider getting some grape seed extract, vit C and grapefruit juice, all of which will prove beneficial especially in combination with a low, low fat diet.

       Reply ↓
       1. Brenda W June 13, 2016

          Hi I started your program and found out the ibuprofen makes you very sun sensitive. I had skin cancer removed on top of hand a month before than pancreatic attack in hospital for a week. After home outside for ten min. blister on scar on hand . appeared.. …

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 13, 2016

             Hi Brenda – I have no idea whether Ibuprofen makes skin more sun sensitive. Try another anti-inflammatory such as aspirin. 1300 mgs of aspirin works almost as well as 800 mgs of Ibuprofen. Ok …

             I just checked and NSAIDS do cause sun sensitivity. Read here. So I just learned something. I guess you probably should avoid NSAIDS including aspirin as well or stay indoors.

             Reply ↓
36. randi June 15, 2016

    I am trying to figure out what I have. I have severe stomach pain all along under my ribs. I vomit yellow mucous. my left lower back hurts. it even hurts to bend over. I have passed blood and my poop has blood on it as well. I am nauseous as soon as my eyes open in the morning. the pain keeps me up all night.

    I’ve spent probably 100 grand on medical bills. colon resection alone,was 64 grand. out of pocket expenses are probably 20 grand. now that I’m on medicare I cant go to er or doctors anymore.

    I keep telling them to check my damn pancreas but they wont. I do not have a gallbladder and I had to have 13 inches of colon removed.

    I have had tons of tests…ct with and without contrast, xrays, mrcp, colonoscopy, endoscopy, echogram, stress test, thalmic stress, more bloodwork than dracula would drink. everything is normal normal…..I hate that word.

    all bloodwork is normal even tho I’m doubled over in pain. enzymes never go up.

    I am almost housebound.

    please help. everyone now says im stressed out and a hypochondriac. some doctors now make me see their assistants. they won’t deal with me.

    I’m not crazy honest just in pain and suffering.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 21, 2016

       Hi Randi – it sure sounds like you have been through the wringer and are certainly not having fun. I have no clue what your diagnosis would be. You have had so many issues that it could be a bowel issue, or a biliary system issue. I am sure that you most likely aren’t crazy. What I can suggest is that you do NOT give up. Find a doctor who will listen and search for the problem. Since I have been in your shoes (in regards to doctors not doing their job) I’d probably write a list of my symptoms, make an appointment with a good doctor and then when he/she and I were face-to=face I’d ask them if they considered themselves to be a good doctor with good diagnostic skills. IF they said yes I’d then cut to the chase and say” “first I want you to know I am not here because I am lonely, I’m here because I’m sick. There is something wrong with me and nobody in your profession has been able to determine what the problem may be so …

       Here is a complete list of my symptoms that I have experienced over the last month. You will note that the symptoms that are usually present the most have “stars” next to them. IF I were your daughter, sister, mom (whatever fits) what would you do next to determine what is wrong with me?

       Randi I hope you find out what is really wrong and that it’s a fixable condition.

       Reply ↓
37. Sandra Henry June 25, 2016

    Hey!!
    Thank you so much for YOU taking the time to out line this info!
    I found you by the frustration one day,
    After googling fucking stupid doctors!

    My first attack was absolute HELL on earth. As I was picking up my guts
    It took the shit4 brains Doctor 8 hours
    To figure out what was wrong. Doctor figured it out when my white blood cell
    Count was dangerously HIGH!!

    Really? 8 hours? With out even a aspirin!!
    Morphin barely touched the pain. Not to mention the agony of laying in a hospital
    Bed just feeling i would rather be dead!
    This happened last December and it took me months to feel better. Since then I have had a couple of very mild attacks.

    June 18 I had a attack and ended up in the hospital. Frustrated with no answers
    And being discharged by a stupid Asian
    Doctor who told me ” I could die” with out giving me any information on my disease.
    And judged me and assumed I was a drug addict. I was at the end of my rope!
    The discharge asshole was a pulmonary
    Doctor! However? The comment that
    “I could die” stuck in my head.

    I found your site it made common sense and you spoke In human words and terms! So I went out and bought the regimen
    Of vitamins. I stopped alcohol 4 months ago. I can trace back to why I got this last attack. NO DOCTOR nor in any where
    Did I know opiates can trigger a attack!
    Doctors are so ready to pour out the opiates! That’s sure what caused this last
    Attack. I’m praying that my pancrease
    Will heal now and any damage will somehow get better.

    I’m now a vegan, that’s been a rough change and excited to get better because
    I have hope and I am doing the right things to prevent any attacks. I have the
    Ibuprofen and changed the way I eat.
    I’m very aware now of what NOT to out in my body.

    I’m still healing but with these new vitamins I’m convinced things will only
    Get better. God bless you for your
    Information. I wish you wonderful health
    To you and your family!

    I can’t thank you enough !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Sandra

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 25, 2016

       Hi Sandra – you’re welcome – thanks for visiting and sharing your story. I hope you feel better real soon. Keep us posted on your progress! 🙂

       Reply ↓
38. Gauri June 27, 2016

    Currently on Day 1 of my 3rd AP attack. I read your post and am curious as to how many times a day you should take 800mgs? I’m a fairly small person 5’7 and 115 pounds. I’m in so much pain, but dont want to over do taking medicine.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 28, 2016

       Hi Gauri – sorry to hear you are ill. First of all you should be in the ER if you are sure it is AP (since you’ve had 2 other attacks you should know). IF it were me I’d not do more than 800 mgs every 12 hours. I would hope that would be enough to get it under control. But like I said you should be in the ER. let me know how you do.

       Reply ↓
39. paulstanway July 15, 2016

    Thanks for this info. Very useful. I’ve had acute pancreatitis for three months and had several attacks so far which have landed me in hospital. One of these attacks was caused by me following doctors orders to eat lots of fat because I’d lost weight! Unbelievable really. Because of this, I definitely share your concerns about the way doctors advise about this condition, and I’m learning not to trust what they have to say. Also, along with this, I’ve also developed an abscess behind my left lung which is causing me a hell of a lot of shoulder and rib pain. Life’s a bummer!

    Anyway, for whatever reason the doctors also say I should avoid ibuprofen, but it seems to work way, way better than opiates during an attack. If it stops the attack rather than just masks the pain as well that seems to explain why it works. I’m going to try experimenting with other anti-inflammatory foods – I’m thinking raw garlic has to be good. I used to chew a clove of garlic for my heart (I used to get flutters) and it worked within a minute or so – so should be very useful if it does the same for pancreatitis.

    Also, I think you should maybe advise not to take large doses of ibuprofen when you’re fasting or just drinking juices during the aftermath of an attack. High doses of ibuprofen on an empty stomach can be bad news, and its relatively easy to mistake the symptoms for the signs of another attack. Which means you take more ibuprofen! My solution to this is to use ibuprofen gel instead. You rub it into the skin and it seems to work just as well. Also, because it goes directly into the bloodstream it doesn’t damage your stomach lining. I’ve heard its worse for your liver, but I haven’t done the research yet.

    Finally, thank you so much for making all this effort to inform me and others about this condition. Also, if I find any miracle cures I’ll be sure to post them up!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 17, 2016

       Hi paulstanway – yep ALL drugs can cause problems. I can almost guarantee big pharma could make vitamin C deadly. I’m an old dog, it’s hard for me to try different things that may NOT work during an acute pancreatitis attack. Time is of the essence. The faster one can eliminate the inflammation the faster the damage is also curtailed. Those are just my thoughts and I have no proof that I’m right but I’ll take the small chance of possible liver, kidney or heart damage using Ibuprofen over the KNOWN fact that damage will occur the longer the acute attack is allowed to continue, especially if it’s severe. But, each of us has to do what we think is right for us. I always recommend going to the ER if someone has AP.

       Reply ↓
40. Gavin July 22, 2016

    Hey Health Guy. When you refer to “acute” do you mean the attacks that someone with Cp gets or are you referring to people who don’t have CP yet? I just started on the supplements you recommended but I have CP. Fortunately I don’t have any attacks just mild discomfort. Did/do you have CP or acute? Thanks for your encouraging site 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 22, 2016

       Hi Gavin 🙂 I was diagnosed with both. Acute is the type of pancreatitis that comes on fast, usually with severe pain, and often nausea and vomiting and a possible host of other symptoms depending upon severity of the attack. CP is the chronic form of the disease which can be anything from a mild annoyance in regards to symptoms to severe similar to the acute form. In extremely advanced CP many people no longer have pain because their pancreas is burned out and no longer produces any enzymes which cause most of the horrible symptoms because they basically devour the pancreatic tissue. Hope the info helps 🙂

       Reply ↓
41. Harry July 31, 2016

    This sight is complete and total XXXXXXX (bad word). If you Actually have ACUTE Pancreatitis? You don’t just take a xxxxxxx (bad word) pill and get over it! If you have Acute Pancreatitis and take Ibuprofen? IT WILL KILL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! If you have gut pain and Ibu gets rid of it/ YOU HAD A XXXXXXX (BAD WORD) STOMACH ACHE! You stupid MORON!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 31, 2016

       Hi Harry – I can tell you are very intelligent and know a lot about acute pancreatitis. I usually don’t approve comments from stupid people but in your case I want to make an exception simply because the responses will be entertaining. I hope you are following the comments because well, let me just say I’m gonna laugh myself to death lmao 🙂

       Reply ↓
       1. Leo kirby August 1, 2016

          I’m not writing this from my grave. I followed the advice on the site and it was the only thing that stopped an acute attack. My wife has been a nurse for 20 years, 10 of those in critical care. I have had 3 accute attacks. One hospitalized me, one I dealt with at home for a week with pain medication. The last one I cleared up in 24 hours taking 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 times after asking my wife what she thought. She agreed that using Ibuprofin to stop the inflammation might work. I think most intelligent adults understand the dangers of Ibuprofin use, but most intelligent adults dealing with pancreatitis understand that it is inflammation. When I looked on the site at the beginning of my last attack, it made sense. It worked.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 1, 2016

             Leo – Thanks for sharing I am glad you had a quick resolution!

             Reply ↓
42. Jody August 23, 2016

    Can I ask if you or anyone else have ever heard of anti acid medications such as gaviscon causing AP?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 23, 2016

       Hi Jody I haven’t heard of gaviscon causing AP but PPIs (porton pump inhibitors) such as omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC), lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid 24-Hour), dexlansoprazole (Dexilent, Kapidex) rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), esomeprazole (Nexium), and Zegarid, a rapid release form of omeprazole have been know to cause AP.

       Reply ↓
43. Jo Rita Raymer August 30, 2016

    My friend had an attack of pancreatitis and is in the hospital right now. They are flushing her system out. They said it was naproxen that caused it. But she has had serveral flare ups. What can we do to prevent any more flare up? What are some good things to eat and what not to eat. Thanks Jo Rita.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 30, 2016

       Hi Jo Rita – sorry to hear about your friend. Here is a whole category that deals with diet. I hope she is feeling better real soon. Thank you for visiting and posting your question. 🙂 Oh and by the way …

       Go to your nearest health store and get her some grape seed extract and vitamin C. IF here gallbladder is clear (no sign of stones, low ejection, or inflammation) and she doesn’t have SOD (sphincter of oddi dysfunction) then get curcumin too. ALL 3 are highly anti-inflammatory and non-toxic. You can find out more about those 3 supplements under the category section about supplements. Oh and you want “stand-alone formulas.” Just grape seed extract, Just vitamin C and just curcumin. No other weird stuff in the formulas that may be toxic in large doses.

       Reply ↓
    2. Chase January 18, 2018

       I use Naproxyn 1000mg to treat my pancreatitis!!!.It aids it. When not much is known about a` disease the medical world will blame anything and everything.According to the ”experts” there doesn’t seem to be a food or medication on the face of the earth that won’t trigger pancreatitis

       Reply ↓
44. Tammy October 8, 2016

    If I’m not supposed to eat during an acute attack, how can I take ibuprophen on an empty stomach,?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 9, 2016

       Hi Tammy I just swallowed them 🙂 Seriously I did BUT IF I was nauseated I took nausea meds first. Pills aren’t food.

       Reply ↓
45. labradorman December 14, 2016

    Health Guy: I was lucky they diagnosed me with Pancreatitis right tin the ER. I had a viscious attack right after eating at a Ruby Tuesdays in Florida. Thought I was having a massive heart attack ( sweating, nausea per abdomen pain, hypoxia. Art ER lipase was 3813/ white cells 20k, Immediiately did CT Scan and Sonogram to rule out stones and I rarely use alcohol. I have struggled with high triglycerides for years and it can be a case of long term hyperlipidemia MY enzy=mes ad white cell count were back down to normal after 4 days of no food and vats of antibiotics. 2 weeks have passed I have lost 17 lbs of my 217 frame. I am very fatigued and don’t desire to eat like I used to. At what point does acute pancreatitis theoretically become chronic. I am pretty certain my with loss is a combination of no food and now eating much less then I used to. What abut fatigue is that a common side effect of your pancreatitis. I am 53 do not smoke but have to be honest I ate foods like Pizza, fast foods, snack food etc like they would never hurt me.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 17, 2016

       Hi labradorman – sorry to hear you have joined the pancreatitis hall of pain. Sucks don’t it? Do they know why you had the attack? You mentioned high triglycerides. Are your tri numbers real high? Usually takes 1000+. Here’s an article regarding tris and pancreatitis. If your tris aren’t that high there is probably another cause.

       Question #2: “At what point does acute pancreatitis theoretically become chronic”
       Answer: The medical establishment has their own criteria for diagnosing CP. Unless you had a lot of damage it usually takes a few acute attacks but that isn’t ALWAYS true. In fact most doctors can’t even agree with their own criteria and/or effectively diagnose chronic pancreatitis unless there are overwhelming indications.

       Reply ↓
46. John Russell December 15, 2016

    They gave me norco and im against drugs that mask the pain. But I have used ibuprofen and always noticed the benefits for any pain. I have yet to take the first tablet as I have just been diagnosed with acute 4 days ago in E.R. and just trying to stay mentally strong. I totally agree with you im just hoping my use of ibuprofen over the years won’t lesson the effect when I finally need it most. I dumped the norco its just big pharma trying to mask the pain with addiction but I underestimated what and how serious this will be for the rest of my life. kinda tripping but you seem to be the guru on this and im glad the last 4 nights that I continue to run into your help besides praying its giving me hope and also humbling to see how serious this is. 800mg saved me many times for tooth pain or migraine im expecting it to come through for me one more time.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 17, 2016

       Hi John – IF it were me and it has been many times in the past – I’d take the Ibuprofen, if you haven’t already because it stops the inflammation. The longer you have inflammation the more chance for damage. If you are still ill I’d do 800 mg one time dose (hopefully that resolves most of the inflammation) and then 200 – 400 mg daily for about a week to get it controlled.

       Reply ↓
47. Terina Johnson January 12, 2017

    You are a life saver! Exactly what I did went to the ER a couple of days in horrid pain only to wait fricken 7 hours to be seen. By then I vomited my entire stomach out and felt better. Then they decide to come in and give my morphine! Of course I felt fine leaving but the pain of waiting was excruciating and I had ibuprofen 800mg the entire time in my home! 🙁 I’m about 3days out any suggestion of food in the meantime? I’m also breastfeeding and I find myself extremely tired trying to make it throughout the day. Also anemic, yaaaaay me! 🙂

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 19, 2017

       Hi Terina – I linked you to diet posts via your other comment. 🙂

       Reply ↓
48. Samantha January 29, 2017

    I have been hospitalized for pancreatitis, 2. I have pain a lot too like right now. Have stopped throwing up for a week, missing work and my eyes have turned gray. I’m afraid of the hospital because they almost killed me and doped me up for 3 weeks didn’t even know I got visitors. After that they have me cdif and mrsa. Had to send me to a bigger hospital to take care of it. I guess I scared because I do like to drink a little, I’m Italian! But I read this after I took my ibuprofen and nothing else seemed to work! Now if I could just sleep I’d feel better. Thank you for the read!!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 31, 2017

       Hi Samantha – Glad to hear Ibuprofen works for you too. I hope you are feeling better real soon. I understand about the apprehension you have towards hospitals but if you are ill with acute pancreatitis that is where you should be and you may also want to consider stopping the alcohol consumption.

       Reply ↓
       1. Samantha January 31, 2017

          The Health Guy
          I finally went to the hospital and yes it was acute pancreatitis that have me fluids and tried to cope me up yet again but I said no pain meds. The vomiting has been none stop almost 2 weeks I was so dehydrated the wanted to keep me over night. I have now believe it is the drinking and I want and threw everything I Had away. Got to be clean to stay clean.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 2, 2017

             Hi Samantha – sorry to hear you haven’t been well but I’m glad to hear you have decided to quit the alcohol. Get well and stay well 🙂

             Reply ↓
49. turia hudsmith February 12, 2017

    Advil is what drs believe is caused my chronic pancreatitis so I stick with Tylenol and codine.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 12, 2017

       Unless there is brand new research (case studies) I doubt Advil caused your pancreatitis unless you overdosed. The ONLY record of Ibuprofen (Advil) causing pancreatitis was in a guy who took like 4 GRAMS at once. Gross overdose. Not smart.

       Reply ↓
50. Garry February 14, 2017

    Thank you so much. I have been in excruciating pain for two weeks while Er doctors shot me up with dope. Im glad you shared your info

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 14, 2017

       Hi Garry – you’re welcome. I hope the info helps 🙂

       Reply ↓
51. Kathleen February 28, 2017

    My sister had pancreatitis and I so much appreciate your information. I have shared this site with her and hope she pays attention to advice. Also thank you for your humor. I laughed or chuckled most of the way through it even though it is no laughing matter. Keep it up!!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 2, 2017

       Hi Kathleen – sorry to hear your sister has this stuff. It sucks lol. Glad you enjoyed the site so far and thank you for visiting and kind words. 🙂

       Reply ↓
52. Wendy downey March 2, 2017

    I’ve had chronic pancreatitis for 4 years nearly continuous! I have portal vein thrombosis and splenic thrombosis? A huge pseudo cyst 9cm now and many smaller adjacent ones! I’m stuck
    On warfarin and loads of medication (I’m really over it) my pancreas is absolutely buggered, I had a huge internal bleed in September which was really scary, it was in my duodenum, I had it burnt and clipped, and had 6 transfusions! I was in hospital 2weeks ago stuck in Icu for 5 days I tried to tell my dr the pain was different but they think they know , I knew it was my gallbladder??ciz my lipase was 3,600 they wouldn’t look further! I’m often taken to Canberra coz I’m high risk and complicated!last time in Canberra was in sept 2016 they were meant to take gallbladder out to reduce attacks and drain big pseudo cyst as they told me they burst around 10cm well I’m bloody close! I’ve changed Drs and she is good but it’s getting the Drs to do something and finally operated on! I honestly nearly give up? I pop bloody endone like tic tacos, ,I’ve tried patches, Targum, methadone tablets (no I’m not a druggie) it has less side effects to OxyContin etc! I weaned myself off them coz Drs used to give me hell trying to get a script filled! I am currently trying to get over another attack I got 4 days ago but I’m stubborn and am trying not to go back in, just not eating much at all, for the first time i brought Ibruprofen, to give anything a go really and I do think they work, I have been taking endone with them, which honestly has helped a bit!! You have no quality of life as when you go down you can’t do a thing except suffer! I will try grapefruit extract nd unsweetened juice, also some other hints you have in here!! This disease nearly drives you to the point of insanity! I’m really over it and just want to be fixed! So thanku for your straight forward story, and by the way you aren’t an asshole, your a really good person for being frank and saying it the way it is! I do appreciate your info and I’m willing to give anything a go to try and get a bit better so I can live my life again!! Thanks again Wendy???

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 5, 2017

       Wendy – I’m sorry you have been so ill – that really sucks. Hey do NOT take grapefruit seed extract or drink grapefruit juice without talking to your doctors! Grapefruit does NOT play well with a lot of medications. Grape seed extract and vitamin C should be fine also … IF you have gallbladder issues do NOT use curcumin or turmeric (it could cause more problems). I hope you can find healing. 🙂

       Reply ↓
53. Bobby March 5, 2017

    I recently had a very bad acute pancreatitis attack that led me to the ER, then ICU, then an ambulance ride to a different hospital’s ICU. It’s been 2 weeks since I had the attack. I also found out in the ICU that I have C-Diff, which isn’t fun and can be life threatening as well, so between the two I am happy to be alive at the moment. So I did my 4 days of fasting in the ICU. Since I’ve been home my diet has been very restricted. I eat very little and when I do eat it’s usually toast or yogurt. So the problem I’m having now is that my stomach is still very swollen and tender, I can’t even button my pants. The C-Diff is under control now, and I don’t expect my pancreas to recover over night, but it’s been 2 weeks. Did any of you experience this or have any advice? Thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 7, 2017

       Hi Bobby – it can take weeks to fully recover from an acute pancreatitis attack and the worse the attack was the longer it takes to heal. C-Diff can take up to a year of antibiotic treatment. Either one can be the cause of your swollen and tender abdomen. I hope you are feeling better soon.

       Reply ↓
54. David Fescier March 15, 2017

    Thanks for much for your honesty, been suffering with this for awhile now, question, I been taking Aleve one pill twice a day to help with the inflammation….I do get acid reflux as well with is what I first had for a couple of years then it went into pancreatitus. The pain is low grade to moderate but usually constant with a few days here and there of no pain….I also take fresh ginger which helps too…Would the Ibuprofen cause acid reflux, is it harder on the stomach then the Aleve? also, how would you recommend taking it with food on a full stomach and how much?
    Thanks

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 19, 2017

       Hi David – Aleve is naproxen. Naproxen is also a good anti-inflammatory but I prefer Ibuprofen because it is safer (somewhat) than naproxen in larger doses. In regards to acid reflux I have no clue whether Ibuprofen would be better or worse or even has any affect upon reflux. If it were me I’d try 800 mgs of Ibuprofen (one dose) to attack the inflammation and then drop to 400 mgs twice a day for a couple days and see how I felt. I’ve never been on it for a long time cuz the stuff is not safe. I usually go to aspirin for anything long term. They both can cause bleeding (GI tract) but aspirin doesn’t cause heart attack like other NSAIDs can.

       Reply ↓
       1. Chase January 18, 2018

          Naproxyn is one of the safer Anti imflammatory’s on the market.It’s been around for decade’s and I’ve been using it just as long.I don’t know much about Ibupropen but I wouldn’t touch some of the other Anti inflammatory’s with a barge pole.

          Reply ↓
55. missy March 22, 2017

    While suffering a serious pancreatitis attack, I know because I also was once rushed to the hospital and reading your story almost made me laugh that it’s ridiculous the way they treat you in there and how they just pump you full of drugs. So this time I laid there almost all day as the pain got worse praying that I didn’t have to go to the hospital again because I would never want to endure that again. I began to pray and got online for some answers and found your website I was almost ready to take one of my husband’s opiates that he had because I was in so much pain but after reading your article I rushed to the cupboard and took 3 ibuprofen 200 milligrams and within an hour I was feeling so much better. Thank you so much for this amazing article and to God be the glory.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 29, 2017

       Hi Missy – I am glad Ibuprofen helped you! And YES! God gets the glory!

       Reply ↓
56. Sarah Z March 30, 2017

    CAN I JUST SAY THANK GOD I FOUND YOU!!!
    So my pain started three days ago. This was my first time feeling this kind of pain and boy has it knocked me out for the count. My middle of my stomach and left side of my stomach has been feeling like its been eating it self away. And my back/spin vent like it was breaking apart. I finally gave in a went to the ER after the 3rd day. They said that it might be Pancreatitis and told me exactly what you said they would do, they’re having me fast for 24 hours and keep in mind I already hadn’t really ate much since my stomach hurt so bad. And sent me home with Percocet. I came home today at 1pm from the ER. I started my fasting thing I hoped I would get some relief, nothing! No relief ! Then took one pain pill they gave me , nothing again. so I took one more since 5mg of Percocet really isn’t that much when you feel like your dying. Took the second and still didn’t feel any better. I talked to my mom and asked her to pray for me. Twenty min later I started thinking, hmmm I wonder if advil would help. I then went to look it up online and didn’t think I would find any good advice. That’s when I found you, I took 600mg scared to take the whole 800mg. With in 30 min I felt sooooooo much better!! There was nothing that made any difference I don’t know why I didn’t think of it earlier. I take advil for so many things I was just scared to add any more meds to my body. I’m not a bible thumper but I really felt like my moms prayer lead me to you! Once the pain subsided I literally started to cry with happiness. So thank you! Ps. do you know why my bad/spine hurt so bad? Seems kinds weird since its not in that area. Also do you think its safe to eat? I’m starving lol

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 31, 2017

       Hi Sarah – Advil (Ibuprofen) is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Pancreatitis is inflammation (over simplified). I’m glad it helped 🙂 You said: “They said that it might be Pancreatitis” – didn’t they do blood work (enzymes amylase and lipase)? Anyway – if it was acute pancreatitis you may want to go slow on the eating, even if you are starving. I’d do juice first to see how that went over. Low sodium V8 is great if you don’t have a juicer to make your own. Even a very mild case pf pancreatitis takes time to heal up so challenging your digestive system with normal food to fast/to early may not be the best move. I’d do juice for a couple or three days then if that works well you could try something like veggies and rice (no butter or fat) just veggies and rice with salt and pepper. Work SLOWLY back into food.

       Did anyone know WHY you may have had acute pancreatitis? There is always a reason. The reason is important – if the reason can be resolved you may never have trouble again. Oh and you had back pain because of the inflammation. Back pain is often present when the pancreas is inflamed but back pain can be present with other inflammation type illness as well (liver, gallbladder etc).

       Reply ↓
57. Patrick April 25, 2017

    Hello, Thank you for posting this information. I first started having pain in my pancreas about 6-7 years ago after trying Alli for weight loss. Since then, it will get tender if I eat pizza or fried foods or whatever. Well, Last Monday night I broke protocol and ate 2 kinds of boneless fried wings, and chocolate mint cookies and it put me in bed for a week, not sever pain but I fell really ill and my pancreas was not recovering all week. The pain was dull and I thought staying away from advil would help. Then I saw your site. Wow! I immediately took 800 mgs of Ibuprofen and drove right the 24 hour Wal-Mart. I didn’t even read through, I just got the cocktail and grapefruit juice info on my phone browser. I started chugging the grapefruit juice and doing your cocktail in the dumb parking lot. Mind you, I honestly have been doing a lot of wrong things in a week, laying around, eating, etc. But I am excited to see something that actually makes sense treating it. Thank you and God bless you for your obedience to putting this out there I will be reading more and comment again on my progress. Thanks so Much!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorApril 26, 2017

       You’re welcome Patrick. God bless you back and I’ll look forward to a good report! 🙂

       Reply ↓
58. Maria B May 3, 2017

    Hello Health Guy,

    I found your website about 2 days ago after being in the ER the day before.
    The doctor told me that the tail part of my pancreas appears/but not sure to be inflamed.
    I had taken the ibuprofen and It has helped some, but still feel stabbings.
    Do I need to be ibuprofen longer…say about a week, before the stabbings go away?

    I also searched for white grapefruit and can seem to find any in my area.
    Can a pinkish grapefruit be okay as part of the remedy instead?

    Thank you for having this website Health Guy.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 8, 2017

       Hi Maria – Ibuprofen would help resolve the inflammation. If it were me I’d try ONE 800 mg dose and then the next day do 200 mg (one pill) two to three times per day for a few days. I have noticed that brands are discontinuing the white grapefruit juice. Ocean Spray has one that is almost white which I have been using. It seems to be ok.

       Reply ↓
59. R.S. May 21, 2017

    I found your site while searching for Gallbladder & Pancreatitis home remedies. Don’t know how to thank you…saved me thousands of dollars & lots of pain! My primary Dr gave me Bentyl, and told me to go to the hospital if the pain didn’t stop. Don’t have insurance, thank God,! otherwise I’d have had my Gallbladder removed, and a good slice of my pancreas…. Thanks you, I’ve still have my Gallbladder AND my pancreas…that was two years ago ?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 21, 2017

       Hi R.S. 🙂 It is always great to hear good news! You’re welcome but God gets the glory! Stay well

       Reply ↓
60. Kitty May 27, 2017

    Hi, thank you for the info. I’d like to ask you, how long can you take advil and how much? I’ve been taking close to 1600mg a day for a week, otherwise I’d be in so much pain. I did a catscan 2 days ago, doctors didn’t get back to me, so no emergency. This is my 2nd attack in a month, this time after ercp, unexplained stricture since Nov 2016. I’ve been taking vit c and gse for the past 5 days, juice makes pain worse. At least now I could sleep. Also, I sweat when I take advil so I guess I’m still running fever, fasted 1st 3 days, now eat very little with advil, pain stuck on the same level for the last 5 days, I wouldn’t be able to sleep without advil, but don’t want to overdo it and make more damage. Meloxicam (another nsaid) is suspected source of my pancreatitis which I took last year and things went downhill since

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 27, 2017

       Hi Kitty sorry to hear you are having a rough period (understatement right?). You may want to consider the ER if you are running a fever. The thing about acute pancreatitis (since you have had it before you likely recognize the symptoms since they are hard to forget) is that even doctors have difficulty distinguishing between mild and severe without doing tests. So even if the Ibuprofen is helping it may be prudent to seek ER treatment, especially since this attack was after an ERCP.

       In regards to your question about Advil (Ibuprofen) max daily dose is 3200 mgs but I would never suggest getting that high or even close. Overdose depends upon individual person and weight. It’s a long dissertation but let’s just not get close to 3200 mgs lol To set your mind at ease the only instance of acute pancreatitis from Ibuprofen I could find was at a dose higher than max when a guy was trying to commit suicide. People who have arthritis (example) take Ibuprofen and other NSAIDS like it for long-term but I do NOT suggest that because NSAIDS can be dangerous in high doses or for long-term usage. They can increase blood pressure, cause heart attack, bleeding, damage kidneys and liver. NOTHING is safe if it is made by big pharma. They could take vitamin C (safe and necessary) and create a toxic poison. Aspirin, though not quite as good as Ibuprofen, is a safer long-term solution to resolve pancreas inflammation. 1300 mgs of aspirin works about as well as 800 mgs of Ibuprofen. But aspirin can be toxic too so do NOT do a 1300 mg dose more than once per day. I did ONE time and it wasn’t a good experience. But for long-term lower doses of aspirin 325 mgs to 650 mgs twice a day is much safer. There is still the bleeding risk but aspirin doesn’t cause high BP or heart attack. Anyway …

       IF you are reading this and still sick I would suggest the ER.

       I wish you better health Kitty 🙂

       Reply ↓
       1. Kitty June 1, 2017

          Went to ER, was kept there for couple of days, released with lipase 200. It still hurts I can’t sleep, it seems to me I also have inflamed stomach lining, can’t eat much. How long do theese attackes last? How long does it take to recover? It’s been 2 weeks

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorJune 1, 2017

             Hey Kitty it may be time for you to return to the ER – have them check you out. It takes a time to heal but prudent thought tells me you need to go and get medical help. 🙂

             Reply ↓
             1. Kitty June 13, 2017

                Just an update (hate unfinished stories): Docs figured I had a bad reaction to a bigger metallic stent, they replaced it with smaller plastic and I’m pain free now, well, almost. Still have a mass from the attack, which is benign. Keeping up with diet and all the supplements. It does look like my CBD stricture was caused by CP, which I never felt, I had an average diet, was not overweight and not a drinker/smoker, I do have some small stones thou and love for pastries, hmm.. Godspeed, The Health Guy, your site is invaluable sorce of confidence for a lot of people.
             2. The Health Guy Post authorJune 13, 2017

                Hi Kitty – thanks for the update – it sounds like you are feeling better and THAT is always a good thing!
61. paulstanway May 31, 2017

    Hi Health Guy,

    I’ve had a rough year. Was diagnosed with CP last year due to chronic alcoholism. Been hospitalized 6 times since, once with an enormous pancreatic pseudocyst that nearly stopped me breathing and finished me off for good. That was also causing me eye-watering shoulder pain half the time – it felt like electric shocks constantly running down my arm.

    Anyway, after all of that, for the last couple of weeks things have just completely turned around. Like, from barely being able to walk most days and puking my guts up every few days, to having no pain at all. I was trying to work out why.

    I do all the usual stuff – don’t drink alcohol or smoke any more, vegetarian diet, enzymes with food, low fat, high protein, no processed stuff. But what has REALLY helped, like, to a miraculous degree, is that, for a completely different reason (insomnia), I was recently prescribed 5mg of diazepam daily.

    Anyway I looked it up on PubMed and found this article:

    https://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn/2013/484128/

    According to this, diazepam stops acute pancreatitis inflammation in rats. For me, the effects on my CP have been absolutely amazing. Like, I’m not exaggerating at all – the constant nagging pain, the uncomfortable bulging feeling against my ribs, all of it has just completely gone. Obviously I don’t want to jinx it, but I almost feel like I’m cured.

    Have you had any experience with this? One question that springs to mind is why doctors DON’T prescribe regular valium for pancreatitis sufferers? The likely answer is because they don’t know jack shit about pancreatitis. Also, it’s probably because of the stigma associated with valium dependency. If you go see a doctor asking for valium they immediately just think “addict alert” and lock up their cabinets. Especially with my track record on alcohol.

    Then, they’re always happy to prescribe me tons of opiates, which has no positive effect on the pancreas at all and just masks the pain (badly, I might add). So it can’t be anything to do with not wanting to get patients hooked. It just seems like they’d rather prescribe something completely useless that keeps your pancreas damaged to something that actually actively reduces the inflammation.

    Because my prescription is only short-term and I even have to beg my doctor for that, I think I’m going to get myself another source instead. It’s either that or go back to being in severe pain for half of my life. I figure I’d rather take 5mg of Valium a day and get a dependency than have my life ruined by CP.

    Last but not least, I hope you’re all doing well on here. My prayers are with all those still suffering from this condition.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 31, 2017

       Hey Paul I am glad to hear you have found something that works and seems to work well! THAT is great news. Thanks for the article. It definitely is a good read! Why doctors do not know what works is beyond me. I guess one can only learn so much in a four year cram (med school) and one or two years of OJT (residency). Then they go into practice and seem to forget what they learned unless what they learned is used daily and they actually keep up with what’s new. In regards to diazepam, there is the addiction/dependency issue. But if it works so be it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

       Reply ↓
    2. Chase January 18, 2018

       What you are saying is interesting.I have a muscle relaxant at home called Baclofen which is non addictive and Doctors are fine with prescribing it.This medication is for the muscle spasms I get in my back and it’s very similar to Diazapam,it’s 10 mg.

       Reply ↓
62. Patricia July 13, 2017

    I’m in tears! Laughing hysterically at your candid nature, you are a riot! And crying because, probably because I am tired of suffering from this shit but too, because I know you are right. I am now taking everything on your list and it is working. Thank you for writing this piece on your blog. It beats the hell out of sitting in an emergency room for 8 plus hours before being seen and paying a $100 copay just to be given a pain reliever which doesn’t do anything to heal the pancreas. Thank you again for taking your time to write this. You seriously Rock!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 18, 2017

       Hi Patricia – Thank you for the kind words, glad you like my site 🙂 One word of caution- even doctors have difficulty determining the severity of an acute attack. They have a battery of tests and they use criteria (Apache and Ransom scoring) to gauge severity. So, it really isn’t prudent to “self diagnose and medicate.” I’m not saying it is unwise to use the Ibuprofen and supplements – they definitely help but it may be wise to take them and then go to the ER if you are ill with what you think is another attack of acute pancreatitis. I hope you heal up and feel much better soon 🙂

       Reply ↓
63. Rhonda Clark July 14, 2017

    I was a type 2 diabetic when last year my gall bladder was removed and part of my pancreas was shaved. I was in hospital for 3 1/2 weeks. Now I am on insulin s hots.I was pretty good about eating right for first 7 months but gradually began to eat any and everything. I am having an mild attack but feel it is getting worse. I would like to fast but with my diabetes I am afraid that won’t be safe. I used to juice but stopped. Any suggestions as to how to handle the fasting or is it unsafe? Thanks so much I have found much good information.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 18, 2017

       Hi Rhonda – I’m sorry you are feeling ill and I wish I was going to be more help but I don’t know enough about diabetes, especially insulin dependent diabetes to even say anything except check with your doctor about fasting and if you think you are having AP go to the ER. Wow -, I’m sorry I am responding 4 days after your comment. I hope you are better now.

       Reply ↓
64. mary ann August 3, 2017

    I’m not in the same boat as many who have written here, I was turned away from doctors for my back burn pain and left rib pain. Doctors told me it was GERD or “back gas” or all in my head. Finally I had a full gastric blood panel done. It was normal in all ways except that my triglycerides were 400. The doctor said go on a low carb diet and see him in three months. But what was I going to do about the pain? No answer. Why did high triglycerides cause this paiin? No answer. I I have since learned that high triglycerides can be caused by weight loss. My pain began after I lost my first 25 pounds on Weight Watchers in 10 weeks. I have now lost 33. Apparently Triglycerides that are released from fat cells flood the blood stream and raise triglyceride levels which inflame the pancreas. So, although I don’t have abnormal amylase and lipase levels, I have an inflamed pancreas, nonetheless. I have been on a low carb diet for two weeks, taking Omege -3 and CoQ10 as well as turmeric. It’s having some effect, but I am still in pain. How long does it take for your “cocktail” and Advil to reduce the pain to the point where I can forget it and function again? It could take 3 months for my triglycerides to normalize. I hope it doesn;t take that long. Thanks for listening.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 4, 2017

       Hi Mary Ann – sorry to hear you are feeling unwell. Triglycerides of 400 are high in respect to what they should be but USUALLY blood fats don’t cause pancreas inflammation until they are up around 1,000. I’ve never heard of weight loss causing hyperlipidemia yet that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. If your pancreatic enzymes were not elevated chances are your pancreas is fine but to answer your question about the cocktail and Advil (Ibuprofen) – if it is pancreas inflammation it doesn’t take long at all to see results (60 – 90 minutes). It may take a few days of use (cocktail and Ibuprofen) to resolve the inflammation (if it is pancreas inflammation). If it is pancreas inflammation and the cause is not resolved it will most likely happen again.

       Reply ↓
    2. Gavin Linderman August 4, 2017

       Mary Ann, i was diagnosed with CP before I had pain. I lost a bunch of weight because that’s what the doc said I had to do. “Go on a low fat diet to lower your triglycerides”. Once I lost the weight the pain began to creep in. Upper burning back pain. Then 6 months later upper abdomen burning. Not fun. Loose loose. I hope your “inflamed pancreas” hasn’t become permanent damage.

       Reply ↓
65. mary ann August 4, 2017

    Thanks so much! I tried your cocktail this morning and within an hour I was painfree. It is amazing. Hopefully, it will not come back. But I will continue the program for a while just to be sure and see what happens when I pull back a bit. Meanwhile, you are a lifesaver. God Bless You!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 6, 2017

       Hi Mary Ann – glad to hear it worked for you! It is always great to hear good news. Glory to God! And God bless you back 🙂

       Reply ↓
66. mary ann August 4, 2017

    POSTSCRIPT: The idea that weight loss can raise triglycerides is explained in the articles “I lost 30 lbs and my triglycerides went . . . up?” at curealty.com blog. I don’t know much about the site, but the science seems reasonable. And it confirmed what my doctor told me. I suspect I had high triglycerides to some extent before I started the diet and losing weight pushed me over the edge. I’m sure my diverticulitis hasn’t helped, either. Take it for what it’s worth — maybe not much at all. Your advice and explanations have been invaluable, however. Thanks again.

    Reply ↓
67. Janet August 30, 2017

    Thank you! I just took 200 mg of Ibuprofen and it seems to have done the trick! I am so glad I am not in pain now, but I am feeling really confused and a little frustrated. My story:

    I’ve been struggling with either “chronic pancreatitis” (according to the ER doctor last month) or “drug-induced pancreatitis” (according to my gastroenterologist). I really hope it is the latter since that gives me some hope of recovery. I had been taking Azathioprine (an immunosuppressant for an autoimmune disease I have). This drug is known to potentially cause pancreatitis, so in addition to the liver panel I was also having my lipase levels tested. Over the 1 and 1/2 years I was on this drug, my lipase levels slowly increased from 70 U/L to 177 U/L where the upper limit of normal is 60 U/L. My doctors said that if I didn’t have any symptoms I could keep on talking the medication. Well, I started having symptoms at 177 U/L, so we stopped it. (My symptoms were nausea, bloating, lack of appetite — no pain). That was back at the end of June. Since then, this is what my experience has been like.

    First week off the drug: Normal diet (I was on a pretty low carb / high fat diet at that time) about three days of sickness which resolved on its own.
    Second week: Normal diet, no symptoms at all.
    Third week: Symptoms return — worse than the first week. I wind up in the ER. I feel incredibly nauseous and faint, but still no pain. They tell me I have “chronic pancreatitis” and I need to eat low fat. DurI got this time, I’ve had three additional blood tests and each time the lipase went up. From 177 to 199 to 215 to 232 U/L, where the upper limit of normal again was 60 U/L.
    Fourth week: we go on a pre-scheduled vacation to a foreign country. I try my best to eat low fat. I feel like I am negotiating the treaty of Versailles at every restaurant, with every server, but by the second week of the trip, the …
    Fifth week, I seem to have hit on a formula — lean meat (e.g. Steamed shrimp), plain starch, salad with no dressing. I am happy and feeling mostly well.
    Sixth week: Back home. Unfortunately, I come down with the flu (the country we visited was in the Southern Hemisphere where it was flu season, I realized after the fact.) I am really, really sick. Fever for 6 days, including high fever for 2 days.
    Seventh week: The fever has come down, but now I’m feeling really nauseous frequently. I see my gastroenterologist for the pancreatitis anyway (because I don’t want to cancel and wait two more weeks for another appointment.) I get another blood test and have an MRI to rule out cancer and other things. The MRI was clean, thankfully. When I got the blood test done, I was feeling so incredibly sick, I thought the lipase would be through the roof it was actually a little bit lower than the test I had done right before I left on vacation — 212 U/L (my liver enzymes, which had been normal were elevated.)
    Eighth week: Now that I am home and not having the flu, I take control of my diet. I am really careful to eat no more than 13 g of fat a day maximum. I average around 10 g/ day. I am feeling really good. I think I have this thing beat. I am even looking forward to my next blood test. I am sure it will be better.
    Ninth week (this week): Everything is still going well. Yesterday, however, I tried to advanced my diet just a little bit. I know that you need some fat in your diet to digest fat soluble vitamins and I’m feeling OK, so why not very, very carefully try a tiny bit. I had done this a couple of days ago and had been fine with it.

    This was my diet yesterday with the fat content in grams following.

    Meal 1: Six egg whites .6 grams
    1/2 c cooked spinach: .2 grams
    3oz homemade Cuban Bread with no added fat .4 grams
    1/8 tsp olive oil. .6 grams
    2c watermelon. .4 grams

    Meal 2:

    1c Chex cereal. .5 grams
    1/2 c skim milk .5
    5 oz jicama. .1
    5 oz red bell pepper. .5

    Meal 3: 1 c black bean soup. ,5
    1oz Cuban bread. .2
    1/4 tsp olive oil 1.2
    Kale, mango, ginger smoothie .35
    2 1/2 oz plain boiled potato. .04

    And so on for meals 4 and 5 (total fat for the day 10.58 grams. Soon after eating the bread with the tiny bit of olive oil, I started feeling not 100% ok — very slightly nauseous, slight loss of appetite, A couple of hours later though I was feeling 100% fine again. I made a note to myself that 1/4 tsp. of olive oil was probably too much and decided to eat very, very low fat the next day (today).

    Today started out fine, the first two meals — no problems! Then I went out birding for a few hours. This involved slowly walking around a park, looking at birds & chatting with friends. (I have done this many times over the last 9 weeks without incident.) I brought along water to make sure I didn’t get dehydrated (although I might not have drunk enough. I stopped at around 10am for a mid-morning snack of rice crackers and raisins (almost zero fat) and immediately, I started feeling really sick. Upper abdominal pain radiating to the back and a little nausea. I just pack it up and go home. I kept hoping it was gas or something, but I really think I had my first ever acute pancreatitis attack (albeit a very mild one). This is the first time I’ve felt the abdominal pain that seems to be the classic symptom of pancreatitis.

    So, what gives? I am 100% confused. I supposedly have drug-induced pancreatitis and I really think I do (the elevation in lipase over the last year and a half tracked the dosage of the meds, going up when we increased the dosage and falling back down when we decreased). But I have stopped the medication nine weeks ago and I am not at all convinced that I am healing in spite of my best efforts. My gastroenterologist has reassured me multiple times that the pancreas takes a long time to recover. But it all seems so unpredictable. Two weeks after stopping the medications I was on a full fat diet and feeling fine. Now nine weeks later I am counting every tenth of a gram of fat and just had my first ever acute attack?

    What do I do? Well, obviously, I won’t try to have even a teensy bit of olive oil with me bread for a long time. But how do I know for sure that was it? Why am I getting worse? Is 10 grams of fat/day ok for me or not? I had a couple of days in a row last week with almost 13 g/ fat a day and was dong pretty well. I pulled back some because I had some vague nausea. But now I’m at 10 grams and BOOM — the worst ever!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorAugust 31, 2017

       Hi Janet – It sounds like you have been doing a ton of work (tracking) to determine what the exact cause is (drug induced pancreatitis). I know that things (data, symptoms, test results etc) often become confusing but you said “My gastroenterologist has reassured me multiple times that the pancreas takes a long time to recover. But it all seems so unpredictable. Two weeks after stopping the medications I was on a full fat diet and feeling fine. Now nine weeks later I am counting every tenth of a gram of fat and just had my first ever acute attack?” Your Gastro is right. It takes time to heal a damaged pancreas. And this condition is very unpredictable except for the fact that eventually too much dietary fat (sometimes it takes a few times to build up bad steam) or the use of alcohol will produce unwanted results. Olive oil just doesn’t work (no oil does) for most patients and some people tolerate less than 10 grams of daily fat. The fat and alcohol are a “constant” in the fact they cause inflammation which results in unwanted pain etc but the amounts people tolerate are different. Alcohol is pure toxin to a damaged pancreas or those who have the genetic variant that predisposes them to alcoholic pancreatitis and should be avoided period. The fat thing seems to be different for each patient. Usually the more damage the less fat is tolerated but that is NOT always true either! Keep swinging, don’t give up. Keep searching for your personal groove (sweet spot, etc).

       Reply ↓
68. Janet September 1, 2017

    Thanks health guy! I will keep on swinging for sure. Today I woke up and thought: “I cannot deny it — this pancreatitis thing is the most important problem I have in my life right now. I am going to devote a lot of time to figuring things out for me…. and making sure I don’t screw up!” ?

    So, I bought the grape seed extract supplement yesterday and took my first capsule this morning. I haven’t noticed any effects yet (still have constant vague nausea), but I’ve only taken 100mg. I’m going to start slow and build up …

    I’m also eating smaller meals and drinking more grapefruit juice & using grated grapefruit peel on things.

    I get the alcohol thing. I was never a heavy drinker (my husband doesn’t drink at all – he just doesn’t like the taste/effects of alcohol) so I would only have a glass of wine on the weekend when we went out with friends. But I haven’t had any alcohol at all in the last 6 months (even before the onset of my symptoms). I’m also trying to avoid other food based sources of alcohol (extracts, soy sauce, old, fermenting fruit, etc.)

    Thanks again for all your work on this blog. I totally get your attitude towards doctors. I had severe recurrent diverticulitis for years. I would end up in the hospital every 9 months or so. Finally, I had the surgery that doctor after doctor said would cure me for sure. And guess what? One year after the surgery, I had my worst attack ever! However, I finally solved my own problem by taking really good high-power probiotics. I haven’t had an attack since. I can’t believe none of my doctors or surgeons ever suggested probiotics. I mean, duh!

    Reply ↓
69. Janet September 10, 2017

    Nope. Still getting sicker & sicker. I reduced the fat content to 6-7 g/day, with only egg whites and a little canned tuna for protein and yup, I am sick again. So nauseous today I can’t do much but lie around. I see a troubling pattern here. I feel sick. I reduce my fat content, then feel better and the new level for a week or two, then get sick again, reduce the fat again. Lather, rinse, repeat. This has been going on since June.

    Troublingly, my last blood test (over a month ago now) showed not only lipase 3x over the upper limit of normal, but AST and ALT also very elevated — more than 3x the upper limit of normal. In the previous blood tests only the lipase and amylase were elevated. My gastroenterologist chalked the elevated liver enzymes up to the flu which I had had the week before. But maybe they are still elevated and it has nothing to do with the flu. I was supposed to get another blood test done yesterday, but Irma got in the way of that. Hopefully next week.

    In any case, I’ve read that elevated lipase with elevated liver enzymes points to gallbladder involvement in the pancreatitis. Ok, I have a serious family history of gallbladder disease, but both the CT-scan and the MRI showed normal gallbladder, pancreas and ducts (no dilation). I know there is something called “biliary dyskinesia” which is just functional gallbladder disease without stones (one of my cousIns had this) but usually these blood tests come back normal. Besides, the test you need to take for this diagnosis — the HIDA scan — scares me. They make you eat a high fat meal before the test. I can’t even Imagine how sick that would make me.

    Sorry, health guy, I know you’re not a doctor. Just thInking “out loud,” I guess. In any case, I’m really thinking that I don’t have “drug-induced pancreatitis” like my GI insists. I mean, I stopped that stupid medication back in June and here it is September and my system is still getting more and more sensitive.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 11, 2017

       Janet – Tuna has to much fish oil. Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, even trout can cause problem because of the high fish oil content in the flesh. Instead try white meat fish such as cod, pollock, bass, perch, rock fish, snapper etc. You will still get some Omega 3’s and they have a lot less fish oil. In fact an average filet of cod usually only contains about 1 – 2 grams of fat. Now …

       Have you been tested for Hep C or Hep B? Yes, raised liver enzymes with the elevation of pacreatic enzymes can point to gallbladder issues. If you had tests done AFTER stones had passed the stones wouldn’t show unless one had gotten stuck but it is also true that you can have gallbladder inflammation without stones. I understand your concern regarding a HIDA scan.

       Reply ↓
70. Janet September 12, 2017

    I’m only using canned tuna. It apparently has much less fat than fresh tuna because of how the fish is processed. On the nutrition label, my cans say zero fat per serving, with two servings per can. I know that, thanks to FDA rounding rules, foods can be labeled fat-free if they have less than .5 g/fat/serving. So, 2oz (one serving) should be under .5 g, which is about the equivalent of 6 egg whites (which are also not actually fat-free either, just labeled as such). I’m not having any more than 2oz at one time, although I haven’t had any tuna at all in about four days and am still feeling sick.

    I have a few more theories I’m testing out.

    The first: My nausea levels definitely seem to follow my activity level, not just my fat intake. Yesterday, when I woke up, I felt a little nauseous. That morning, I went on an hour-long walk. I felt fine during the walk, but once I got home, I felt really nauseous. Also, the two days before the attack that sent me to your blog, I had seriously upped my exercise routine — in addition to adding 1/4 teaspoon of oil to my diet. That might explain why I reacted that time, but not the time before when I tried adding the oil.

    I’m also thinking emotional and physical stress probably played a role in this latest flare. When I think back over the last few days, I have to admit that I have been more stressed than usual and not sleeping well. The culprit here? Hurricane Irma! (Yup, I’m in FL).

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 17, 2017

       Hi Janet – well I’m not always right lol – sorry. How did you weather Irma? Hopefully you did not lose anything!

       Reply ↓
       1. Janet September 18, 2017

          WE came through Irma really well, thanks for asking. Unlike most people around here, we didn’t even lose power! Felt like a semi-miracle.

          I’m feeling really discouraged again today. I had another blood test on Friday. I was really hopeful since for the first time in a long time, I actually felt great the day of the blood test … and every day since then. Still feeling good. No symptoms. Today, however, I got the results. My lipase came back the highest it has ever been — over 4x the upper limit normal. At our lab, the upper limit of normal is 60U/L, and this time the lipase came back at 249. So, since the middle of June, I’ve had 177, 199, 215, 232 and now 249. The good news is that the liver enzymes were normal (AST) or only a few point above (ALT). Back in August the liver enzymes were really out of whack. So, that’s one good sign … I guess.

          How ore it make any sense that when I am finally feeling OK, the lipase is higher than ever? I did have a real crisis 2 1/2 weeks ago. Could it still be elevated from this? I’m seeing my primary in a couple of days. I have a funny feeling he’s not going to have an answer for me. I also called my GI’s nurse to see whether my GI might have any idea what is going on.

          Anyway … if you have any ideas, let me know.

          I had pulled my diet back to a minimum of 11 foods I knew I could tolerate and was adding one new food every 3 days. Now, I’m wondering if I should put this new plan on hold until my blood work stops getting worse, although that is discouraging. I’m feeling really Ok and would like to eat something besides bland starches, a few cooked vegetables (spinach, kale, carrots), plus tomatoes and cucumber, 2 fruits (watermelon and pineapple), egg whites and now … yes … 2oz of shrimp(!) but am worried that there is some disease process going on in the background that no one is understanding yet.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 22, 2017

             Janet have you ever been tested for celiac disease? It raises liver enzymes and lipase because it likes to screw with both organs. It isn’t just a bowel disease like most doctors think. It is systemic and causes weird symptoms, test results (liver enzymes increases that doctors can’t explain etc, etc) and complications.

             Reply ↓
             1. Janet September 25, 2017

                Thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely look into that …

                I am happy to report that both yesterday and today I’ve felt 100% normal, even better than the day of the blood test. My doctor said I should just ignore the blood test results and go by how I am feeling. He said I should wait a few months before the next test. Ok, fine with me.

                Every three days I am adding a small portion of a new food to my diet. So far I have added 1/2 cup cooked red pepper and 2oz steamed shrimp. Now I am working on 1/2 cup apple. So far so good. Next up : celery, canned tuna (very low fat), red lentils, raisins… We’ll see how it goes,
             2. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 25, 2017

                Janet – I’m glad to hear you are making progress! Great, positive news is always good to hear. Keep healing! 🙂
             3. Janet October 10, 2017

                Well, a little while after my last comment, I started going downhill again. Now my GI suspects I have some cancer of the digestive tract with pancreatic and gastric being his two “best” bets. He’s also looking into autoimmune pancreatitis. It’s become clear that something is not going right and diet doesn’t seem to be keeping me from getting worse. I have all kinds of tests lined up — more blood tests, an MRI with contrast this time, a colonoscopy (to rule other things out), an EGD. Plus my GI is trying to get me an EUS (the gold standard for diagnosing pancreatic cancer).

                On the up side (ha ha) now I can be a little less careful with what I eat.
             4. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 11, 2017

                Hi Janet – It is difficult to get that type of news and especially so when one has to wait for tests and test results. Keep us posted and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
71. Gruberlwb September 13, 2017

    What an incredibly informative website. You are doing a tremendous and noble service helping so many people. I had my first pancreatitis flare the first week of January this year. The hospital treatment was exactly as you spelled it out, a complete joke. They tested my gall bladder and indicated it “appeared fine”. I have not had another flare since the first one, but I occasionally have some low level discomfort (I wouldn’t even call it pain) in the abdomen, ribs and back. I know that these are all areas of concern for pancreatitis. I’ve tried to gather as much knowledge as possible about pancreatitis and I’ve read on a number of occasions that gall bladder tests don’t all the time find any stones or sludge even though some exists. Do you think it is possible that my pancreatitis could be gall bladder related and if so what do you recommend? I am 55 years old, exercise 6 days a week, and the only daily medication I take is Crestor for cholesterol and 1 baby aspirin. For supplements I take 900mg of Turmeric with curcumin, and 2400mg of Fish Oil. I do use alcohol.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorSeptember 17, 2017

       Hi Gruberlwb – Gallstones and sludge are one of the common causes of acute pancreatitis. Statins like Crestor (Rosuvastatin) also cause it. You might want to rethink the alcohol and fish oil if you continue to have problems.

       Reply ↓
72. Gruberlwb September 18, 2017

    Thank you sir. I plan on getting a second opinion on my Gallbladder.

    Reply ↓
73. Susan Allen October 24, 2017

    Hi. After being diagnosed with pancreatitis, I tried ibuprofen and naproxen, both of which completely alleviated the searing pain. More than Dilaudid. I completely agree with you.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorOctober 24, 2017

       Susan – it is always good to hear great news. I am glad that you found relief! 🙂

       Reply ↓
74. Jennifer November 24, 2017

    Thank you! I was in awful pain last night with what I believe is gallbladder or pancreatitis. I have an appointment set with my doctor. I went to the ER on my first attack thinking heart attack. It wasn’t. But they sent me home and on my way. I get attacks perhaps every 3 months and I ride them out. I am very healthy and pain free between attacks. The ER visit cost a fortune that we don’t have. I want to avoid that!!

    Last night was bad. I found your site and read as I suffered in pain. I rummaged they the medicine cabinet. Found Bayer 500 mg. I don’t take medication often. But hubby swears by aspirin. So I took one. And in about an hour the pain left!!! I honestly was blown away. It was a life saver. Literally I was hurting so much. And then nothing. It was like the worst labor pains and then how a baby pops out and the pain is gone!

    I slept 8 hours!!!

    Thank you. I think the best thing is that I now feel like I have something I can do to relieve the pain.

    I plan to get Grapeseed Extract and Vit C. And Curcumin. I use Turmeric a lot in cooking.

    Bless you and thank you

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorNovember 29, 2017

       Hi Jennifer – sorry to hear you have been feeling ill. Yes, ER visits are very expensive. I am glad the aspirin helped. You should get your PCP to order an ultrasound of your gallbladder to check for stones, sludge and or inflammation. Avoiding high fat foods will be helpful as well whether it’s gallbladder disease or pancreas inflammation. You may want to “test” the curcumin to see if it or turmeric makes your symptoms appear. Neither will cause your pancreas problems but both turmeric (spice) and curcumin (comes from turmeric root) will possibly cause the GB to become inflamed and/or spew stones and sludge. I’d suggest sticking to grape seed extract and vitamin C until you know whether it is your gallbladder or not. I hope you feel better soon and stay well. 🙂

       Reply ↓
75. Janet November 24, 2017

    Well, I had more testing done—colonoscopy, endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound. Everything looks 100% fine on the imaging. (I haven’t had a blood test since Sep.) No cancer or scarring to be seen. My diagnosis is now drug-induced chronic pancreatitis. Two different med. professionals said that they thought I would recover eventually, but that it could take another 6 months to a year or more. I am hopeful, but not sure I should believe them They didn’t offer the prognosis of their own accord — only after I whined and wheedled it out of them.

    I had a 10-day period in the middle of October with no (or extremely minimal) symptoms. If felt like a miracle, but unfortunately didn’t last. I kept up my extremely restricted extremely low fat diet through that time. I did however experiment towards the end of that period with a much-modified “ancient grain chicken salad” at Panera. I got then to hold the pumpkin seeds, the dressing as well as the pre-dressed apple-cabbage salad with is normal part of it. So, in the end, all I had was a bowl plain, undressed arugula, sliced grapes, some kind of grain and a small amount of chicken breast (1-2 oz). That night my abdominal cramps came back. The next morning I had diarrhea. And it’s been up and down ever since. Argh! I really don’t think it was the chicken. Back in July, I had 3-4 oz chicken with no problem. Instead I really think it was the arugula.

    So for me, it is definitely the fat, but also other foods that cause flares. Plus, I’ve now recognized that exercise makes me sick too. I can walk slowly and be fine, but if I try to pick up the pace and walk briskly, I just get sick. If I keep my heart rate at 90 and below and take breaks every so often, I’m ok. But if I get my heart above 90, I feel nauseous after I stop. It’s always after I stop the activity, never while I’m actually doing it, a few weeks ago, I woke up feeling slightly nauseous, but then went on a seven hour walk (husband’s birthday present). I felt great for the entire 7 hours. However, as soon as I sat down in the car afterwards, I felt extremely nauseous and tired. So sick that I had to bale on the rest of the day’s plan and go lie in bed.

    Still mystified, still hoping to recover (eventually).

    The good news: Since I wrote before, I’ve successfully added cod, lobster, non-fat milk, v. low-fat breakfast cereal, and oranges to my diet.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorNovember 29, 2017

       Hi Janet! Good to hear your tests didn’t show anything bad. Seriously that is GOOD news. Arugula a problem? HIGHLY unlikely. I eat that veggie and all others, with few exceptions (soybeans – HIGH fat) and some others that are cross contaminated with gluten due to farming and processing methods (I’m a celiac) without problems. Veggies (greens, cruciferous, tubers etc) are mainstay foods. It is also good to hear that you are adding more foods without problems. Keep up the good work and stay well. 🙂

       Reply ↓
76. Gruberlwb November 29, 2017

    Hi Health Guy. I sent you a note a coupe of months ago and I had another quick question. I had my first (and hopefully last) pancreatitis attack the first week of January this year. Since I’ve only had occasional low grade discomfort. I eat a low fat high protein diet, but over Thanksgiving my good eating habits got away from me. Three days ago I started having some more moderate pain. I started taking Advil yesterday. I took 400mg and it took care of the pain for about 5-6 hours. I took 2 more doses of 400mg and it also took care of the pain both times. I have continued the 400mg doses today and it is still giving me 6 hours of relief. I am back on a strict low fat diet. Do you recommend I continue with this treatment program? Thank you for all of your great knowledge and insight.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 1, 2017

       Hi Gruberlwb – yep (if it were me i would), low fat diet and advil will most likely help a lot but you might want to go to a health store or even fred meyers and pick up some grape seed extract and curcumin and vitamin C and start using those as well and see if you can taper off the advil. I hope you are well again soon.

       Reply ↓
       1. Gruberlwb December 4, 2017

          Thank you for the advice. After two days of taking Advil the pain was completely gone on the third day. Yes, I take 120mg of Grape Seed Extract and 1000mg of vitamin C every morning. Thanks again.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 5, 2017

             You are very welcome and I am glad to hear your pain is gone! 🙂

             Reply ↓
77. Janet November 29, 2017

    Well, maybe I have IBS secondary to pancreatitis or some other mystery ailment triggered or greatly worsened by the pancreatitis because I am (unfortunately, because I love veggies) having lots of problems with various vegetables in addition to the fat. Problems which I’ve never had before and which are not subtle. Example: when I tried some garlic back in August (in a homemade salad which consisted only of bulgar wheat, lemon juice, salt, tomato, parsley and garlic — no oil at all) I had an almost immediate reaction — intense abdominal pain and nausea. I’ve had all the other ingredients separately without any problem, but when I tried that garlic again, I got pain within 5 mins. I’ve had very similar issues with cruciferous vegetables and arugula is (I found out) actually a cruciferous vegetable. Besides, I get different symptoms with the fat and the veggies. When I have something too fatty, I get nausea and standard pancreatitis pain — sharp upper abdominal pain radiating to the back. However, when I eat the forbidden veggies, I sometimes get nausea, but more often get lower and middle abdominal cramping and diarrhea (with no evidence of fat malabsorption — the poo doesn’t smell and it sinks — but with obvious bits of undigested veggies in it). Sorry TMI). But I feel like these problems are somehow intertwined for me. For one thing the pancreatitis and the mystery issue both started at the same time. Maybe my pancreatitis is screwing up what ever allows me to digest these veggies. Maybe these food intolerances are stressing out my system and making the pancreatitis worse.

    I just really wish I had some health professional to help me figure out what the heck is going on. They have all been next to useless so far. (OK, probably just in a bad mood again.)

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 1, 2017

       Janet – I have to ask and please forgive me if I have already asked and do not remember your answer but have you been evaluated for celiac disease? The reason I ask is that after eating bulgar you were ill. And have you been diagnosed with pancreatitis (acute and/or chronic)? Don’t worry about being in a bad mood. I understand. I have been there a lot and I am not always nice when I am sick 🙂

       Reply ↓
78. Janet December 3, 2017

    No I haven’t been evaluated for celiac, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have it. One of my “safe foods” is home-made fat-free white bread made with regular old unbleached white wheat flour. I have this bread every day — including the days when I am blissfully symptom-free. I’m still having it and I just checked in my symptoms diary and in the last week, I’ve only had one transient episode of nausea and no pain at all. In fact, the only persistent symptom I’ve had over this period is v. mild heartburn and some weird deep burping (about 5-15 weird deep burps a day). I really want to believe I am getting better (in a good mood again this evening). I’ve noticed that I’m maintaining my weight more easily now than I was in September and October. Even last month, I had to consume over 2,100 KCal/day not to lose weight and now the number seems to be around 1,900 Kcal. (I used to require only 1,700 Kcal to maintain before I had this problem. So still some ways to go here.) I really hope I am indeed improving and this isn’t just a temporary lull in the disease.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 5, 2017

       Hi Janet – I’m not trying to “sell” you on getting checked for celiac disease but let me tell you a bit about my experience with it. It all started when I was a kid. I’d get stomach flu symptoms but no fever. Sometimes this “stomach flu” would last for 5 – 10 days (not normal) and then I’d be fine for MONTHS, even YEARS with NO illness what-so-ever. I usually had nausea and sometimes vomiting when I was having a “gluten issue” and even more rarely diarrhea (the hallmark symptom of celiac disease). I also had other problems such as CONSTANT mouth sores which my kid doctor thought was some form of herpes virus but which actually later proved to be vitamin deficiency. I also had heart burn. Now … My mother on the other hand always suffered with diarrhea along with other things such as miscarriages so what I am saying is that celiac disease is more difficult to diagnose. Now get this … I was NOT always sick and I ate tons of gluten! But even though I did NOT have a lot of gastrointestinal symptoms all the time the disease was still doing damage. It IS a systemic autoimmune disease which means it attacks other organs like Lupus does. Check out this list of symptoms and conditions that are directly related to celiac disease. Again, remember, I was not always sick, in fact for my first 25 years I was more well than sick. Getting tested is a simple needle stick (blood test). I do not want you to have it. It is not fun for some, especially those who have had it for years without being diagnosed. But it would be good to rule it out. Oh … I am glad to hear you are feeling better. That’s good right? 🙂

       Reply ↓
79. Janet December 13, 2017

    Well. The next time I see my PCP, I’ll ask him about the test. He’s such a pushover for tests and prescriptions, I’m sure he’ll agree. I did have a look at the symptom list on the site you sent and still don’t think it applies to me. I honestly don’t remember having any unusual gastrointestinal issues when I was growing up. I don’t remember having gastroenteritis at all, although it seems almost impossible that I should have gone my whole childhood without throwing up. Probably just wasn’t memorable. I also haven’t had the other symptoms they mention as an adult. The only truly suspicious thing I see is that my grandmother had pretty severe Sjögren’s syndrome and this latter is apparent linked to Celiac disease somehow.

    In other news, I’m doing great with the non-fat yoghurt I added to my diet a couple of weeks ago. Tomorrow I’m starting with strawberries. Then, it’s going to be on to zucchini after that.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorDecember 14, 2017

       Hi Janet – Good about the test it’ll either rule out or rule in a possibility. Awesome about the food progress! 🙂

       Reply ↓
80. CHARIE January 1, 2018

    Hi! My name is Charlie. I haven’t been formerly diagnosed but if it walks like a duck…I haven’t had a severe acute attack but have gradually been experiencing increasing symptoms to now I have pain/burning in my center back to my center abdomen for most of the day. Bloating off and on, pale-loose stool, no nausea or vomiting though. Symptoms have gradually built for the last 3 months now and are at about 4/10 on pain scale.I’ve decided to try very low fat diet and bought some grape seed extract and turmeric/curcumin supplements today. Two questions: what would be a good daily dosage of each?
    These symptoms seem like CP?

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 1, 2018

       Hi CHARIE – sorry to hear you have been feeling ill. I’d suggest you hold off on the supplements and diet changes and focus on getting a firm diagnosis. If you are ill seek medical attention because it is extremely important to know what is wrong, exactly. There are way too many digestive conditions that boast similar symptoms. You may have something totally treatable but if let go may develop into something that isn’t. Please, seek a diagnosis.

       Reply ↓
       1. Charlie January 2, 2018

          Thank you! I’ve had several tests including CT scan with contrast, endoscopy, amylase/lipase, abdominal US. Nothing yet. I appreciate it and will wait for a diagnosis. I appreciate it.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 6, 2018

             Hi Charlie – I am sorry I got your name wrong. You even said it in the first sentence of your post (other one) and I spaced it. Also IF I sounded like I was trying to avoid answering your questions it is only because I really do not believe is self diagnosing. Even M.D.’s go to doctors to get treated. But average people (you and me) can’t get all the info to make a diagnosis (tests, all kinds of tests) that doctors even have difficulty, at times, putting together and getting it right. Anyway, it is better to get that correct diagnosis so that your medical team and you are armed with correct info. 🙂

             Reply ↓
81. omgthissux February 1, 2018

    It is so funny (and NOT) to read this because I left the hospital on Monday after my 2nd bout of PC in a year and both were after eating fast food when normally I eat none. The doctors wouldn’t shut up about alcohol and I finally got tired of waiting on morphine so I could get my 2 hours of sleep until I had to beg, wait, wait, wait, wait, and then get attitude when the nurse finally brought me more (although that was the order) and then sleep for another 2 hours after it finally kicked in-soooo I told them I wanted to go home and I was going to go regardless bc I am a single mother with a full-time job. They discharged me with 13 5mg oxycodone IR and I went home and thought to myself – you were trained as a medic and nurse in the military, even if these idiots tell you to take this shit you know that inflammation needs a anti-inflammatory and “itis” literally means inflammation so I decided to pull out that bottle of cheap ass ibuprofen I had bought for a dental issue and voila!!! RELIEF. I was like OMG I’m a fucking genius. It really does blow my mind that they think giving you opiates is good. I understand treating symptoms but why wouldn’t treating the cause make sense too? If I had cancer they wouldn’t have treated me that way but because I have a drug addiction problem (which I’ve been clean of for 8 years) and I am open about it, doesn’t mean I have to be an alcoholic and they had to punish me more than my body already was for going to freaking chik fil a. Love this site!!!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 2, 2018

       Hey omgthissux – I sincerely hope you are feeling better now. Ibuprofen is the bomb! About 800-1200 mgs in one dose usually nails AP. Sometimes additional doses are need. I wouldn’t do more than two doses in one day (24 hours) and I’ve never needed to but I have had to do more doses on the following day(s) for persistent cases of AP. Mix the Ibuprofen with vit C, curcumin and grape seed extract and I am usually good to go in all but the most persistent cases I have personally experienced. I’m glad you like the site and THANK YOU for your military service! 🙂

       Reply ↓
82. Anne Artis February 18, 2018

    I’m so thankful that I scrolled past all of the medical websites and found your blog. Do you know how thankful I am to find someone who understands what I’ve been through for the past 40+ years?
    I’ve had “gut” issues all of my life. When I was young, the doctors said it was my nerves. It wasn’t until I moved to southern Cali in 1981, that I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. I’ve been through absolute hell with doctors and hospitals of every kind. Ive had ever test a person can have on their guts. I have a mediport in my chest because I no longer have veins to draw blood from (I was getting IVs in my feet in 2000 at the Cleveland Clinic). I’ve been on opiates of one sort or another for 40+ years. I was just in the hospital (I live on the Olympic Peninsula, Washington state) three weeks ago, twice, for “recurrent idiopathic pancreatitis”. My first diagnosis of pancreatitis was in 1993, that I can remember. It happens quite often, and no one can tell me why. The doctor who cared for me this last time told me that the opiates slow everything down and, since I have gastroparesis, the opiates could be a problem.
    I moved to the PNW four years ago from southeastern Ohio to get off of some of the 24 different medications these doctors had me on. I’m currently on seven medications. I was on a ridiculous amount of opiates, and needed to get off them. I am currently on a 12 mcg fentanyl patch (down from 100mcg! ?) for the constant pain. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I first learned that the opiates were causing me current and long term health crises. No other doctor has told me this. So, I asked the doc to call my pain specialist to see if I could replace the 25 mcg patch with a 12 mcg patch, and he gave the go ahead. When I went to the pharmacy to pick up my new meds (Creon, which I couldn’t get because it cost $567, and bentyl), the 12 mcg patch cost twice as much as the 25 mcg….$128 & $60, respectively. I was pissed! They don’t want me off this shit! I had the choice of which to purchase, as both had been prescribed (the pharmacy would hold the one I didn’t get). I was furious so I, of course, bought the 12s. I couldn’t afford them, and now I understand what it feels like to have to choose between meds and other things.
    Anyway, I’ve seen the dietitian, who gave me a lot of info to read, and a diet and chart with fat content of everything imaginable. She told me to start a food/symptom journal, and to limit my fat to 30 grams total fat per day. A nurse who works with the hospital contacted the manufacturer of Creon, and we’ve applied for assistance from them to get the Creon. The dietitian said I could increase the fat to 60 grams per day when/if I get the Creon.
    So far, nothing is working. I’ve been sick for so many years, and it’s just getting worse. I’m afraid to put anything in my mouth, so I’m going to go with your ideas, which you present very confidently (I’m so tired of hearing “we just don’t know”), and I think they’re realistic. I’m not thrilled by the diet and the expense, but I believe you must be right. Nothing else I’ve been through or tried has worked. I’m malnourished, and expected to gain weight! How the hell am I supposed to do that when everything I put in my mouth makes me sick and causes me such pain? I feel like I need to completely purge my organs and my blood from all this poison. Oh, and pot helps tremendously with appetite, nausea, and sleep. It doesn’t do much for my pain.
    And I’m getting off the damn opiates by May, when I’m moving back to Ohio to be with my kids and grandkids for whatever time I have left. Sometimes, I think about that. My boys and their wives worry about me being so far away. It’s really sad.
    So, thank you for being real about these things, and for sharing your experiences. I appreciate you very much.

    Anne

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 22, 2018

       Hi Anne – To continue with what I have already said via your other comment … ok it looks like you have several possible reasons for your recurrent Ap but I’d probably go with the fact that you have Crohn’s and the drugs you are likely on have a huge role. Unfortunately that puts you in the position of having to choose which is the worst scenario. Living with recurrent pancreatitis until your pancreas is blown out or removed and you have to look forward to possible diabetes and a lifetime of Creon or you live with Crohn’s in constant flare mode. I’m just guessing but I’m most likely on the right path. And yes, opiates can cause AP. Ironic isn’t it?

       Reply ↓
83. Rex Johnson February 20, 2018

    Good information I have been fighting this for years many hospital visits and thousands of dollars

    Reply ↓
84. Rex Johnson March 17, 2018

    I like your story and have been in and out of the hospital numerous times for my pancreas, thousands of dollars later still no help, starting to take ibuprofen and the pain goes away, I’m probably taking too much ibuprofen, then when I tell the doctor what I’m doing they don’t like it, I have so many prescriptions for this problem my medicine cabinet is full of shit , anyway I started taking ibuprofen and my appetite is coming back and I’m not in pain, I guess I figure a lot of ibuprofen can’t do anymore harm than a drawer full of prescription shit

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 20, 2018

       Hi Rex – Ibuprofen definitely helps resolve the inflammation. It was/is/would be my first choice to resolve pancreas inflammation but it is not safe, especially in large doses or for long periods of time. It can increase blood pressure, cause heart attack etc. There is also a bleeding risk. With that said you are finding out for yourself it works but be very cautious. I only use it when absolutely necessary and praise God I haven’t needed it for years.

       Reply ↓
       1. AC April 1, 2018

          Hey,

          I am so glad I found your website. I had a my first attack 5 years ago and 800mg of Advil works every single time. I’ve had some really, really bad ones where I made bad decisions to drink on vacation and I get the full blown acute attack — starts in pancreas and radiates all the way to both sides of the back and pretty much incapacitates you. Still, 3 rounds of 800mg Advil got me near regular shape again. Without this tip it would have been thousands if not more in hospital bills. I hope this site will be visible to more people as I see too many people talk about having to go the the hospital 6 times for their acute attacks when a bottle of advil would have saved them the time.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorApril 4, 2018

             Hi AC glad it works for you too!

             Reply ↓
85. Molly April 19, 2018

    Thank you so much for this post’ I ended up in the hospital January 8th with acute pancreatitis, the day before my 31st birthday and had to stay a week. My first 24 hours was nothing but saline and pain killers. Yesterday, I felt the same pain coming back, and it was worse this morning from the back curving all the way to the front… I took your advise and feel almost back to normal. Staying on a liquid diet (water and broth) for the rest of the week. I’m still getting hospital bills from the last stay and hopefully this will be my saving grace! Big Pharma SUCKS!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorApril 21, 2018

       Hi Molly – You’re welcome. I am glad you found relief. I know you mentioned cost but if you continue to be ill please go to the ER.

       Reply ↓
86. Gruberlwb April 21, 2018

    Hi Health Guy. In your valued opinion is it ok to take an iron supplement if you’ve had a pancreatitis episode? My blood work was very good with the exception of the hemoglobin being a little low. Thank you.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 9, 2018

       I’m not too hot on iron supplements because they can easily be toxic. It is better to get iron from food unless your doc feels you absolutely need an iron supplement. You can get more iron by eating these usually safe foods: (1) Legumes: lentils, lima beans. (2) Grains: quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal (3) Vegetables: tomato sauce, swiss chard, collard greens (4) Other: blackstrap molasses, prune juice. Absorption is the key, not amounts in mgs, and non – heme iron (plant source) absorbs much better (5x better) when taken with vit C so eat some lime juice, lemon juice, or some fruit rich in C with your vegan (veggie) foods.

       Reply ↓
       1. Gruberlwb May 16, 2018

          Thank you very much.

          Reply ↓
          1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 16, 2018

             you are welcome

             Reply ↓
             1. Gruberlwb May 21, 2018

                Hi Health Guy. I had a pancreatitis flair up last Friday 5/18. It is only my second one and the first one was back on January 2017. I believe the flair up was caused by food poisoning. I ate ground elk the night before which I think may have been contaminated. I have been taking Advil since the flair and it has controlled the pain, but not completely gotten rid of it. I took four different doses the first day for a total of 1800mg (I’m guessing based on your blog responses that I should have taken more on the first dose). On day 2 I took 800mg in the morning and 800mg at night. Day 3 I took 1000mg in the morning. And today Day 4 I took 1200mg in the morning. I think I’m almost out of the woods. Can I continue to take more until the pain completely goes away? If so how long and how much? I also have diarrhea which I know can be caused by large does of Ibuprophen. I have been on a liquid only diet and have lost some weight which I’m guessing is normal. I also got an IV today with a bag of fluid at a hydration station.
             2. The Health Guy Post authorMay 25, 2018

                Hi Gruberlwb – I’m guessing it is a little late to answer your question about Advil (Ibuprofen) but it should be ok just DO NOT exceed the max dose of 3200 mgs per day. Actually I wouldn’t even get close to that number. IF two 800-1000 mg doses daily do not make a huge difference in your condition you should consider the ER YET I have done what you are doing and had it work out fine. BUT it would be prudent to visit the ER. Hopefully by now you are feeling much better.
             3. Gruberlwb May 25, 2018

                Thank you Health Guy. Fortunately, after my dosage of 1200mg on day 4 the pain went completely away. I think the mistake I made was that I didn’t take enough mg off the start. The reason being is I thought it was just food poisoning. I know better now. If I could trouble you with one other question. Is there more information on your site about your relationship/communication with Dr. Langdon? Since he was the only doctor out of 14 that you saw that endorsed your use of Ibuprofen, I would be very interested in learning more about him. You are truly working miracles with your site. I 100% believe that God called you to do this and I feel incredibly blessed that he led me to your site. You are saving lives! I will continue to pray that more pancreatitis sufferers will find your site. Thank you for all you are doing and God Bless.
             4. The Health Guy Post authorMay 26, 2018

                Gruberlwb – Thank you for the kind words and blessing! I am glad your pain resolved. It is a “Glory to God” thing. He led me to Ibuprofen, and everything you read on this site in regard to healing (fasting, enima cleansing, food diary, diet, anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen), anti-inflammatory supplements (grape seed extract, curcumin, vit C) and well, everything. Dr. Langdon was the doc who finally diagnosed me but shortly afterward he left for Texas so, unfortunately, I didn’t learn much from him except that there really are doctors who do listen, do care and can diagnose correctly. I’ve actually met several more good doctors in the last 3-4 years (they treat my mom). It is encouraging. They are few (compared to those who should find another occupation) but they are out there!
             5. Gruberlwb May 27, 2018

                Thanks you Paul. I hope you have a great holiday weekend.
             6. The Health Guy Post authorMay 27, 2018

                Thank you and I hope you have a nice holiday weekend as well.
87. Lorraine Johnson May 1, 2018

    The advil site says Can Advil be used to treat inflammation or swelling?
    No. The OTC dose in found in Advil® products does not treat inflammation. However, Advil® does relieve the pain associated with inflammation. https://www.advil.com/can-advil-be-used-treat-inflammation-or-swelling Wondering how this fits in? Love your site and the information you provide–really terrific.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 9, 2018

       Hi Lorraine – that may very well be but 800 – 1,000 mgs (I’ve used for acute pancreatitis pain/inflammation) is NOT an OTC dose. Smaller doses (400 mgs) are usually more appropriate for chronic pancreatitis flares. The interesting thing to note is if Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc) didn’t treat inflammation it probably wouldn’t be classified as an anti-inflammatory drug nor used to treat inflammation type disease such as arthritis. All I know is that when the ibuprofen goes to work (when I’ve needed it) the pain, nausea, abdominal distention and other symptoms usually resolve. Great point! Thanks for asking 🙂

       Reply ↓
88. Lorraine Johnson May 3, 2018

    I think I answered my own question: drugs.com/…/doctor-prescribed-800-mg-tablets-ibuprofen-3-995953.htm…
    Mar 25, 2014 – Ibuprofen doesnt function as an anti-inflammatory until you take at least 400mg, under 400mg, it acts as an analgesic (for pain) and anti-pyretic (for fever) but it doesnt reduce inflammation until you get into doses of at least 400-800mg and it should be taken (4 times a day for 400mg) 3 times a day to keep

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMay 9, 2018

       I see that now Lorraine 🙂

       Reply ↓
89. Allen July 1, 2018

    Your the _______ best dude I have came across let God keep blessing you and me and everyone that follows the advice you have given thanks bud !!!!!!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 1, 2018

       Thank you for the kind words and blessing Allen! God bless you as well and I hope you are feeling better soon!

       Reply ↓
90. David July 17, 2018

    Seriously this is the best. Living in 3-4 days of complete hell with the only outlook to go into the hospital where they shut my body down to near death and then slowly revive me… Then I’ll most likely be stuck with much more serious pancreatitis.

    This worked immediately, and my appetite came back quite fast. Mine is alcohol induced, I must have forgot why I quit alcohol in the first place, my mistake for sure… It was absolutely the worst thing I had ever felt this time around, 500x worse than last time.

    This snapped me right out of it. And thanks for the white grapefruit juice recommendation!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 17, 2018

       You’re welcome David. I’m glad to hear everything worked out good 🙂

       Reply ↓
91. Patty November 25, 2018

    I have sever nausea, not much pain and acid reflux so afraid to take Ibuprophen, any other ideas

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorNovember 29, 2018

       Patty ask your doctor for good nausea meds. Compazine and Promethazine are good. I have heard good and bad about Zofran. There are some others too. I would ask for both pills and suppositories. It is hard to vomit suppositories. Ask about the quick dissolve (under-the-tongue) pills.

       Reply ↓
92. bernie February 19, 2019

    Health Guy…if you’re still there….I can’t find White Grapefruit juice anywhere… do you know where I can find some?
    BTW…hope all is well…your advice is still working for me after 3 + years! Thanks again.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorFebruary 19, 2019

       Hi Bernie – glad to hear you are doing well. Yep Ocean Spray has the juice BUT it’s now a combo but seems to work just as well. Safeway has their own brand and still sells it. Those are the only two I know of. Safeway carries both.

       Reply ↓
93. Donna March 7, 2020

    Hi Paul, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your information. Your site came up near the top of an Internet search in the middle of the night while in excruciating pain. As soon as I read some of your site pages I knew you were someone whose views and logic were similar to my own. I immediately downed 800mg ibuprofen and within 10 to 15 minutes I could feel the terrible pain subsiding, and within 30 minutes I was able to fall asleep!

    I have a history of gallstones, which I opted to treat myself with the Amazing Liver & Gallbladder Flush by Andreas Moritz, rather than have the surgery the doctors emphatically insisted on. I removed over 450 stones and went back to life as normal. My big mistake was not following up with maintenance cleanses. I also recently started a different, more potent tumeric supplement. Based on what I read on your site, I now believe that the more potent tumeric may have caused some stones to release, contributing to my pancreatitis attack.

    Anyway, I lasted 48 hours fasting with water only before I just had to eat something and kept it low fat with the grapefruit juice, organic basmati rice, and some watermelon and all seems to be good so far. Again, thank you so much for sharing your journey! You saved me a trip to the ER, as I was about ready to wake up the hubs!

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorMarch 18, 2020

       Hi Donna I apologize for responding so slowly. I am also sorry you experienced an attack after using curcumin. It does increase bile flow which can cause the GB to spew stones which can be a cause for an acute attack. I am glad to hear Ibuprofen worked to stop it and you are ok.

       Reply ↓
94. Trish April 14, 2020

    Have you ever used Ibprophen PM? Wondering if that would help with the pain and inflammation and allow someone to sleep. How quickly can the person expect to feel some relief from the pain after taking? Thanks for your help and info.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorApril 15, 2020

       I have never used Ibuprofen PM Trish. I try to use stuff/drugs/supplements etc without any added ingredients that might not work with the doses needed to resolve the inflammation. I have only used straight Ibuprofen in various doses. IF the inflammation is high such as in acute pancreatitis it takes 800-1200 mgs (depending upon individual and WEIGHT). I have also used regular aspirin which works almost as well with four (4) 1300 mgs. I hope you are feeling better soon 🙂

       Reply ↓
95. Heartbroken December 30, 2020

    Hello Health Guy,
    I have unfortunately returned to your page; I was hoping to never need it, again. My levels went down a few months ago, and it was concluded it was acute. However, I have drank for a long time, too much, and I’m a pretty small female (short and low weight). After reading all over your website, I feared the worst; but, after 4 weeks, my levels were normal, and I moved forward hoping for the best.

    As the holiday approached, I allowed myself to splurge some with some cheesey pasta probably 4 times. I had pizza (with little cheese) twice in the last few months. I started drinking a drink called Hop Tea, nightly (made with Hops, no calories or sugar, with Chamomile Tea), I splurged with some candy that I found that was plant based with about 3-4 grams of sugar per package. Also, I have had tortilla chips daily. So, I’m not listing everything, but I probably allowed 20-30 grams of fat per day and thought I was really healthy overall.

    Lastly, in the last week, I tried Heineken 0.0 which says 0.0% alcohol. I liked it so much that I started having 2 per night for the last week. Since I liked it that much, I started Googling to make sure it was 0; I found out it’s less than .03%, which is apparently less than a ripe banana or glass of OJ. Again, I thought it was okay.

    Unlike the first two times (the first one I had no idea, the second one I got blood tested), I have only encountered a few night time moments of dull pain (but not even in the same place, so I brushed it off). The thing that made me start worrying was my heart started beating faster this last week; or, at least I noticed it within the last week. So, I randomly went to get my blood tested today, and to my shock, my lipase was 681. My hospital says the range is 152-353. And, to top it off, months ago when I was panicking for the first time, it was at 553. So, that means it’s the highest it has ever been now -without drinking any real alcohol…

    I am once again terrified. I’ve been crying a river. It took months, but I was finally getting to a place where I felt more confident, inspired, and proud of all the changes I’d made. Before Christmas, I’d been eating vegan, too. And, here I am, not feeling I did much at all and at my highest Lipase level.

    I’m also back to your website because I contacted my doctor -and, once again, she was of zero help. She has been the worst doctor I’ve ever had, and I will be switching. In the meantime, I am so grateful for your response (you have no idea how grateful I will be to get it, though I was just as grateful last time).

    First of all, I would like to ask a few questions:
    1) Have you heard of non-alcoholic beer being the cause of pancreatitis/elevated lipase levels? (I would have NEVER drank it if I had thought there was any chance).
    2) If I were blessed enough for this to be acute and not chronic, is there still a chance that despite my levels going back down to 200 in October, that they could have skyrocketed to 600 due to some splurge meals during Christmas?
    3) The last two questions are basically wanting to know whether this sounds like it could possibly still be acute, or if this sounds like it’s chronic because it seems like I’m very fragile when it comes to things…

    Again, I am currently in no pain despite getting test results from this morning saying 600 level. I know you (as well as my terrible doctor) have said to cut food and drink out during pancreatitis- but, she had said to only do that if I was in pain. I’m not sure if you feel the same?

    You mentioned how when the enzyme levels are high, the pancreas is being damaged and eating itself away. And, the last thing I obviously want to do is more damage. So, if I have to starve, I will. The thing is, if my pancreas is damaging itself as long as the lipase is high, wouldn’t that mean that I shouldn’t eat until it’s back to normal? Last time, that took 4 weeks. Should I be on a liquid diet until then? It sounds crazy, but I’ll do whatever it takes.

    Thank you so much for any and all advice. I appreciate you so much.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJanuary 31, 2021

       Dear Heartbroken – I am sorry for the slow response. I some how allowed your comment to fall into some crack thereby becoming hidden from site. I’m saddened to hear you are again ill. Let’s get your questions addressed.

       1) Most non-alcoholic beer seems to have a small remnant of alcohol. I’m guessing that one every now and then may slide by unnoticed but 2 or 3 per night could build up and smite you. Ripe bananas, those with spots etc, made me ill on several occasions until I recognized what was happening. And if commercial OJ contains alcohol that isn’t good either.

       2) Holidays are tough especially since family is gonna expect you to eat like a normal human. So yes, the meals associated with holidays can be a sickening experience.

       3) It could be recurring acutedue to some underlying, undiscovered cause but … you mentioned drinking way too much for quite sometime. IF you have the genetic variant that predisposes you to alcoholic pancreatitis you may have had this for a while and passed it off as stomach flu, even a hang over etc because it first presented as mild CP which acoholic pancreatitisoften does. Sorry, I know that isn’t a possibility you wanted to hear.

       It is really uncommon, as far as I know, to have lipase increases indicitive of acute pancreatitis and have no pain but I have read of this before. “Lipase levels may also be increased with pancreatic duct obstruction, pancreatic cancer, and other pancreatic diseases, as well as with gallbladder inflammation or kidney disease. A low level of lipase in the blood may indicate permanent damage to the lipase-producing cells in the pancreas.” Read here

       I have found it best not to eat when in pain or not hungry but starving insn’t a good idea. So fasting for 3-5 days is all I suggest and consulting with your doctor wouldn’t be a bad thing.

       Reply ↓
96. Christine June 26, 2021

    The fact that you have the compassion to help people makes you “not” an asshole. I am so grateful I found your blog.
    I’m having an attack right now and common sense just told me to drink water and nothing else. So that’s what I’ve been doing. This is day 2.
    Thank you so much for all the wealth of information you shared.
    Your a blessing.

    Reply ↓
    1. The Health Guy Post authorJuly 4, 2021

       Hi Christine … sorry to hear you haven’t been well. I hope you are doing better by now. You may want to consider joining my support group
       Thank you for your kind words!

       Reply ↓