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Hoping For a Cure

By Larry Curtis

My first experience with pancreatitis came as a very big and very painful surprise to me back in 1981. My wife and I had been out to eat with our three-year old son one evening and decided to visit my parents. During the visit, I began to get a pain in my chest that radiated clear through to my back. I chalked it up to the heavy meal of breaded veal that I had at the restaurant earlier and went on to bed. Later on that night, I woke up with a stabbing pain in my chest that caused more pain than I had ever felt in my life. My wife managed to get me in the car and took me to the local Naval Hospital (I was in the Navy at the time). After poking and probing and a few blood tests, the doctor determined that I had a case of acute pancreatitis. I was given an injection of Meperidine (demoral) for the pain and admitted to the hospital for a two day observation. Over the course of the next eighteen months, I went through this routine three more times.

Although I was treated very well each time, none of the doctors ever performed any follow up tests or endoscopes to determine what was causing my pancreatitis. I continued to have flare ups throughout the years, but not to the extent that required hospitalization.

In June of 1998, three years after I retired from the Navy, I made an appointment to see my general practice doctor about a persistent constipation problem that I had had for many years. He referred to me to a surgeon for a colonoscopy. The results were negative for any colorectal problems so the surgeon instructed me to take a fiber supplement and said I would be just fine. After two weeks with no improvement, I sought a second opinion, this time with a very respected gastroenterologist.

Ironically, just two days prior to my scheduled appointment, I had a fairly severe pancreatitis attack. After numerous blood tests, a CT scan, and an ultra sound exam, it was determined that I had numerous psuedo-cysts in my pancreas, I had chronic pancreatitis and that I was slightly anemic. I was prescribed iron supplements for the anemia; enzyme medication to assist in the digestion of food and I also underwent an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) so that a stent could be placed in the largest of the cysts. I have now had three ERCPs for stent placements. Unfortunately, the drains have not worked as well as the doctors had hoped for and at this point in time, I am in a wait and see mode to see if the cysts will eventually start shrinking on their own.

Since my diagnosis in June 1998, I have learned to cope with numerous changes in my life. Such as no alcohol whatsoever, no heavy greasy meals, no steak dinners, smaller meals and the knowledge that I will most likely be on enzyme medication the rest of my life. Also, I will be the first to admit that going through all the blood tests, CT scans and the ERCPs for stent placements are not a lot of fun but I have grown to accept that as well. In the end, I truly believe that I have had the best care possible, in a large part, because the gastroenterologists that have treated me truly care. From the very beginning they were willing to take the time and explain each procedure with me and looked at the different treatment plan options. And in my opinion, that is one of the biggest things that has helped me most with coping with the disease of chronic pancreatitis. My family and very close friend, Ken, have also been a large source of strength and support during my down times and during my recovery. I also have a "family" on an Internet bulletin board strictly for people who suffer from pancreatitis. It is a place that I can always go to and find support because I know they can relate to what I am going through.

Additionally, I have continued to remain active in my favorite pastime, long distance running/racing, with my friend Ken, which has been both mentally and physically therapeutic to me.

Each year, there is more and more knowledge gained about pancreatitis/chronic pancreatitis from clinical trials/studies and the thousands of other patients like myself. Perhaps, some day there will be a cure for this dreadful disease. But until then, I will continue to hope and pray for the best, not only for myself but also for the many others who suffer much more than I do.

Larry Curtis is 48 years old and lives in Northwest Florida. He is currently being treated at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola and at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

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