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Chronic Pancreatitis Discharge Instructions


About this topic


The pancreas is an organ that makes and releases enzymes. These help you break down the food you eat. The pancreas gives off a hormone called insulin. This hormone controls the sugar levels in your blood. Pancreatitis is the swelling or irritation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis is when the swelling goes on for a long time. This may damage your pancreas. Damage to the pancreas can cause diabetes. ‚  
Treatment is focused on a few things. Doctors will help to control your pain. They will also work to help your digestion and treat your diabetes. You may need to change some activities in your life. Surgery may be needed if the pain or other problems continue. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Follow the proper diet. Talk to a dietitian to get more information. You may need to take enzymes with your meals to help your body better handle fat in the diet.
  • Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may have you meet with a dietician to learn what you should and should not be eating with this problem. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain
  • Help your body digest food better
  • Help you gain weight
  • Improve nutrition
  • Help with an upset stomach, throwing up, and loose stools

Will physical activity be limited?


Physical activity should not be limited. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What changes to diet are needed?


  • You may need to work with a dietician to learn what foods are good for you to eat.
  • Eat smaller meals more often. Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. Limit caffeine.
  • Avoid beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
  • Eat a diet low in fat to help with loose stools, bloating, and cramping.
  • Stay away from sugars and fats. Limit sweets and fatty foods such as desserts, fried foods, and chips. Use good fats found in fish, nuts, avocados, and oils, like olive oil and canola oil. Cut back on solid fats (butter, lard, margarine).

What problems could happen?


  • Extra fluid can collect in the belly
  • Blockage of the small intestine or bile tubes
  • Fluid build-up in the pancreas that can get infected
  • You can get diabetes
  • Vitamins or nutrients may not get absorbed in the body
  • Pancreatic cancer (rare)

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
  • Very bad belly pain
  • Very bad upset stomach and throwing up

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have belly pain or an upset stomach and throwing up.

Where can I learn more?


American Gastroenterological Association ‚  
http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/digestive-conditions/pancreatitis ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Pancreatitis-chronic/Pages/Treatment.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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