Part 1: Diagnostics and first steps
My personal experience of complete recovery from pancreatitis began with painful abdominal pain, which did not pass within a few days. At first I thought that this is a common stomach disorder, possibly caused by poor -quality food. But the pain intensified, became encircling and gave it to the back. There was nausea, vomiting and a complete lack of appetite. I could not sleep normally, eat and, in the end, stopped leaving the house. At some point, I realized that it was necessary to see a doctor.
The first consultation was held with the therapist. He examined me, asked questions about the symptoms and lifestyle. Then he prescribed a number of tests, including a general blood test, a biochemical blood test (with special attention to amylase and lipaz) and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. The results of the tests turned out to be disappointing: the level of amylase and lipase was significantly increased, and there were signs of pancreatic inflammation on ultrasound. The therapist immediately directed me to the gastroenterologist.
The gastroenterologist, having studied the results of the tests and conducting an additional examination, confirmed the diagnosis – acute pancreatitis. He explained that pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, an organ that plays an important role in digestion, developing the enzymes necessary for splitting food, and hormones that regulate the level of blood sugar. With pancreatitis, these enzymes are activated inside the gland, starting to digest its own tissues, which leads to inflammation and damage.
The doctor explained that the causes of pancreatitis can be different: alcohol abuse, gallstone disease, an increased level of blood triglycerides, some drugs, infections and abdominal injuries. In my case, the probable cause was a combination of factors: improper nutrition (a large amount of fatty and fried food) and, possibly, a genetic predisposition. He also emphasized that early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to prevent complications, such as the formation of cysts, abscesses and even pancreatic necrosis.
The first stage of treatment was strict bed rest and complete starvation for several days. This is necessary in order to give the pancreas to rest and reduce inflammation. During this period, I received intravenously nutrient solutions and painkillers. The doctor carefully controlled my condition, regularly conducted blood tests and monitored the dynamics of improvement.
After several days of starvation, they gradually began to introduce light, easily digestible food. The first product was a rice decoction, then a low-fat vegetable puree soup. The doctor strictly warned about the need to observe a diet and exclude fatty, fried, sharp and smoked foods, alcohol and carbonated drinks from the diet.
In parallel with the diet, I took enzyme preparations that helped the pancreas to digest food, and drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach to reduce the load on the pancreas. The doctor also prescribed me antibiotics to prevent the development of infection.
The most difficult during this period was the diet. The habit of fatty and tasty food was very strong, and at first it was very difficult for me to give up my favorite dishes. But I understood that this was necessary for my recovery, and tried to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations. I began to study information about proper nutrition for pancreatitis, look for recipes for healthy and delicious dishes, and gradually got used to a new lifestyle.
After discharge from the hospital, I continued to strictly observe a diet and take prescribed medicines. I regularly visited a gastroenterologist to control the condition and adjust treatment. Gradually, as the condition improves, the diet was slightly expanded, but the basic principles – the exclusion of fat, fried, acute and smoked – remained unchanged.
Part 2: Nutrition and lifestyle – restoration keys
Nutrition for pancreatitis is not just a diet, it is a way of life. This is a fundamental aspect that determines the speed and completeness of recovery. I understood this from my own experience and tried to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations as much as possible.
The basic principle of the diet for pancreatitis is a mechanical, chemical and thermal sparing of the pancreas. This means that the food should be soft, well -welded or steamed, do not contain irritating substances (spicy, smoked, sour) and have a comfortable temperature (not too hot and not too cold).
In the first months after an attack of pancreatitis, my diet consisted mainly of:
- Vegetable soups-puree: Carrots, potatoes, zucchini, pumpkin – all this could be used to prepare light and nutritious soups. It is important that the soups are low -fat and without adding spices.
- Kash on the water: Rice, oatmeal, buckwheat porridge is an excellent source of carbohydrates and energy. Porridge should be well welded without adding oil and sugar.
- Low -fat meat and fish prepared or boiled: Chicken breast, turkey, rabbit, cod, pollock – all this could be consumed in small quantities. It is important that meat and fish are low -fat and cooked without adding salt and spices.
- Dairy products with low fat content: Low -fat cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt – all this is useful for digestion and contains calcium. It is important that the products are without the addition of sugar and flavorings.
- Fruits and vegetables that do not cause gas formation: Apples, pears, bananas, carrots, beets – all this could be consumed in small quantities. It is important that fruits and vegetables are ripe and not sour.
Categorically prohibited:
- Fatty meat and fish: Pork, lamb, duck, goose, salmon, mackerel.
- Fried and smoked products: Everything that is prepared in a pan or grill, as well as smoked meats and sausages.
- Sharp and salty products: Pepper, mustard, horseradish, vinegar, pickles, marinades.
- Sweet products: Cakes, cakes, sweets, chocolate, ice cream.
- Carbonated drinks and alcohol: All types of carbonated drinks and alcohol.
- Coffee and strong tea: Caffeine stimulates the production of gastric juice, which can adversely affect the condition of the pancreas.
- Legumes: Peas, beans, lentils – cause gas formation and can aggravate inflammation.
In addition to proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle played an important role in restoration. I refused smoking and alcohol, I began to regularly engage in physical exercises (walking, swimming, yoga), tried to avoid stress and get enough sleep.
Physical activity helped improve digestion, strengthen immunity and reduce stress. I started with small walks in the fresh air, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of training. Yoga and meditation helped to relax and cope with stress.
Sleep is another important recovery factor. During sleep, the body is restored and regenerated. I tried to go to bed and wake up at the same time to normalize my sleep mode.
Stress is one of the most important enemies of the pancreas. During stress, the body produces hormones that can aggravate inflammation and slow down the recovery process. I learned the relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing in order to cope with stress.
Part 3: Drug therapy and folk remedies
Drug therapy played an important role in the treatment of pancreatitis, especially in the early stages of the disease. The doctor prescribed me enzyme drugs (Creon, Mesim), drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach (omeprazole, Ranitidine), and antispasmodics (No-shpa, drotaverin).
Enzyme drugs helped the pancreas to digest food, especially fats. They contain enzymes such as amylase, lipase and protease, which break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins, respectively. Enzymes are necessary during meals so that they can effectively fulfill their function.
Drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach reduced the load on the pancreas, reducing the production of gastric juice. This allowed the pancreas to relax and recover.
Spasmolytics relieves smooth muscles, which reduced pain and improved the blood supply to the pancreas.
In addition to drug therapy, I used some folk remedies to alleviate the symptoms of pancreatitis and accelerate the recovery process. It is important to note that folk remedies are not a replacement for drug treatment, but only complement it. Before using any folk remedies, you need to consult a doctor.
Here are some of the folk remedies that I used:
- Ox decoction: Oats have anti -inflammatory and enveloping properties. To prepare a decoction, it is necessary to pour a glass of oats with a liter of water, bring to a boil and cook over low heat for an hour. Then the decoction must be filtered and drink half a glass 3-4 times a day.
- Rosehip infusion: Rosehip is rich in vitamin C, which strengthens the immunity and helps to restore tissues. To prepare the infusion, it is necessary to pour a tablespoon of rosehip fruits with a glass of boiling water and insist in the thermos for the night. Then the infusion must be strain and drink half a glass 2-3 times a day.
- Chamomile decoction: Chamomile has anti -inflammatory and soothing properties. To prepare a decoction, pour a tablespoon of chamomile flowers with a glass of boiling water and insist for 30 minutes. Then the decoction must be strain and drink half a glass 2-3 times a day.
- Pumpkin juice: Pumpkin juice has anti -inflammatory and regenerating properties. It is necessary to drink half a glass of freshly squeezed pumpkin juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Mineral water: Some types of mineral water, such as Essentuki and Borjomi, have an alkaline pH that helps neutralize acid in the stomach and reduce the load on the pancreas. It is necessary to drink mineral water without gas 30 minutes before meals.
I also used herbal fees consisting of herbs with anti -inflammatory, choleretic and antispasmodic properties. Here is one of the recipes of herbal gathering that I used:
- Chamomile flowers – 2 parts
- St. John’s wort grass – 2 parts
- Pepper mint leaves – 1 part
- Rosehip fruits – 1 part
To prepare the decoction, pour a tablespoon of collecting boiling water and insist for 30 minutes. Then the decoction must be strain and drink half a glass 2-3 times a day.
It is important to remember that folk remedies can be effective only in combination with drug treatment and diet. Before using any folk remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to avoid side effects and interactions with drugs.
Part 4: Psychological aspect and support
Pancreatitis is not only a physical disease, but also psychological. The disease can cause a sense of anxiety, fear, depression and social isolation. Therefore, psychological support plays an important role in the process of recovery.
In the first months after an attack of pancreatitis, I felt very depressed and worried. Constant pain, a strict diet and restrictions in lifestyle caused me irritation and a sense of hopelessness. I was afraid that the disease would return, and that I would never be able to live normally.
It was difficult for me to communicate with friends and relatives, because I could not participate in ordinary events, such as going to restaurants, parties and picnics. I felt isolated and lonely.
During this period, the support of my family and friends helped me a lot. They understood my difficulties and tried to support me. They helped me cook dietary dishes, accompanied me on walks and were just nearby to talk and listen.
I also turned to a psychologist who helped me cope with anxiety and depression. The psychologist taught me the techniques of relaxation and meditation, which helped me relax and cope with stress. He also helped me change my attitude towards illness and learn to live with restrictions.
One of the most important points in the process of psychological recovery was the adoption of the disease. I realized that pancreatitis is part of my life, and that I need to learn how to live with it. I stopped resisting illness and began to look for ways to adapt to new conditions.
I also began to communicate with other people suffering from pancreatitis. I found a support group on the Internet, where I could share my experience and receive tips from other patients. Communication with people who understand my difficulties helped me to feel less lonely and more confident in myself.
Gradually, as my physical condition improves, my psychological state improved. I began to return to normal life, participate in public events and communicate with friends. I learned to control my diet and lifestyle, and I felt more confident in my health.
It is important to remember that psychological restoration is a long process. Do not expect that you will immediately feel better. You need to be patient and continue to work on yourself. Appeal for help from a psychologist, support for family and friends, communication with other patients – all this can help you cope with psychological difficulties and return to a full life.
Part 5: Prevention and long -term management
After I have reached a complete recovery from pancreatitis, I realized that prevention is a key factor for the prevention of relapses and maintaining the health of the pancreas in the long term. I have developed a comprehensive preventive program for myself, which included diet, lifestyle, regular medical examinations and stress management.
The diet remains the most important aspect of pancreatitis prevention. I continue to adhere to the principles of a healthy diet, excluding fat, fried, spicy and smoked foods, alcohol and carbonated drinks from the diet. I also try to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day so as not to overload the pancreas.
My diet consists mainly of:
- Vegetables and fruits: I try to eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, especially those that are rich in antioxidants, such as carrots, beets, pumpkin, apples, pears and berries.
- Whole grain products: I prefer whole -grain bread, porridge from unpeeled cereals and pasta from hard wheat varieties.
- Low -fat meat and fish: I use chicken breast, turkey, rabbit, cod and pollock, steamed or boiled.
- Dairy products with low fat content: I eat low -fat cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt without adding sugar and flavorings.
- Vegetable oils: I use olive oil, linseed oil and other vegetable oils for refueling salads and cooking.
I also try to avoid products that can cause gas formation, such as legumes, cabbage and carbonated drinks.
In addition to a diet, a healthy lifestyle plays an important role in the prevention of pancreatitis. I continue to regularly engage in physical exercises, avoid stress and sprinkle.
I do walking, swimming and yoga 3-4 times a week. Physical activity helps to improve digestion, strengthen immunity and reduce stress.
I also learned relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing in order to cope with stress. I try to avoid situations that can cause stress, and devote time to rest and relaxation.
An important aspect of pancreatitis prevention is regular medical examinations. I visit a gastroenterologist 1-2 times a year to control the condition of the pancreas and conduct the necessary tests. I also give blood tests for amylase and lipaz to make sure that the level of enzymes is normal.
In addition, I try to avoid risk factors that can provoke a relapse of pancreatitis. I do not abuse alcohol, I do not smoke and do not take medicines that can negatively affect the pancreas.
Stress management is also an important aspect of pancreatitis prevention. I try to avoid stressful situations, and when this is not possible, I use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga or just deep breathing to reduce stress.
In general, my pancreatitis prevention program is aimed at maintaining a healthy lifestyle, strengthening immunity and reducing the risk of relapse. I understand that pancreatitis is a chronic disease that requires constant attention and care. But I am sure that adhering to the principles of a healthy diet and lifestyle, I can avoid relapses and maintain the health of my pancreas in the long run. My experience shows that a complete recovery from pancreatitis is possible, and I hope that my experience will help other people suffering from this disease return to a full and healthy life. I believe that a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and a positive attitude are the keys to recovery and maintain health.