I want to make it absolutely clear: this is about MY health, MY experiences, MY self-treatments.
This site is entirely for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor and not involved in the medical community whatsoever.
The content in this website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
If you are here trying to figure out how you got pancreatitis or trying to figure out whether you have "acute" or "chronic" pancreatitis, GO AWAY! Yes, go away. I honestly don't know how I got my own pancreatitis and I don't care. What I care about is the pain. It hurts and I want to get rid of the pain.
If you are trying to self-diagnose, GO AWAY! Yes, go away. Acute Pancreatitis does not automatically lead to Chronic Pancreatitis. It may, but that is up to your doctor to diagnose. Note: in my opinion, "Acute Pancreatitis" is far more life-threatening. It's the same excruciating pain and nearly identical treatment for the pain portion ... but "Acute Pancreatitis" involves other treatments that only a doctor should be involved in.
If you are here trying to get answers about a total pancreatectomy, GO AWAY! Yes, go away. My opinion on this - and it's just an opinion - is that nothing should be removed from the body unless it is deemed by a medical professional to be life threatening. A TP or TPIAT is irreversible. Seek out others who have had this and many will state clearly that the pancreatic pain is NOT gone. A TP or TPIAT for the sake of alleviating pain is not smart, in my opinion.
If you are trying to get to my self-treatment, it's really simple. Your pancreas produces bicarbonate. Bicarbonate regulates acidity levels in your digestive system and helps to control pain. If your pancreas is compromised, you likely need to supplement the bicarbonate. That's the basis of my self-treatment. Since January 26 2012 I have been taking sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, a minimum of three times daily. I am doing this with my doctor's complete knowledge and support – it is regular monitored. There have been no side effects whatsoever over all these years. I have cut back on the total daily dosage.
What is the dosage: for an adult, the maximum daily is no more than 1 level teaspooon. I personally started with 1/8 level teaspoon eight times a day (8 X 1/8 = 1 teaspoon). Now, I am at slightly less than 1/8 teaspoon, three to four times daily (meaning less than 1/2 level teaspoon for the entire day). Those that start on this dosage find the taste to be difficult to get used to. It is, and it takes the pain away. There are alternatives to sodium bicarbonate: potassium bicarbonate. At one time I mixed both. (potassium is risky). And to the sodium issue: this is not table salt. It may have an effect on your blood pressure, have a blood pressure machine handy and check it yourself.
There are other aspects of my self-treatment, I'll discuss those as we go on in these articles.
If you want to use or try any of these self-treatments, I recommend that you discuss this with your doctor. Under all circumstances, follow your doctor's advice and recommendations.