Discharge Instructions for Chronic Pancreatitis

You have been diagnosed with long-term (chronic) pancreatitis. This is caused by repeated cases of inflammation of your pancreas. It results in permanent scarring of the pancreatic tissue. The pancreas is an organ that makes chemicals and hormones that help you digest food and use sugar for energy. Some causes of chronic pancreatitis are the continued use of alcohol and tobacco, genetic disorders, and structural problems in the pancreas. Here's what you can do at home to help with your condition.

Home care

Suggestions for home care include the following: 

• Ask someone to drive you to appointments until you know how the illness has affected you.

• Tell your healthcare provider about any medicines you are taking.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Ask your healthcare provider about over-the-counter pain medicines, if needed.

• Learn to monitor your blood sugar. Keep a record of your readings. Work with your healthcare provider to control blood sugar levels.

• Learn to take your own pulse. Keep a record of your results. Ask your healthcare provider which readings mean that you need medical attention.

• Watch for symptoms that your pancreatitis is getting worse. These symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or oil in your stool, weight loss, and fever.

Diet changes

Suggestions for dietary changes include the following:

• Eat a low-fat diet. Ask your healthcare provider for menus and other diet information.

• Take vitamins A, D, and E, and add calcium to your diet.

• Your healthcare provider may recommend digestive enzymes to take with each meal and snack.
  

• Stop drinking, especially if your illness was caused by alcohol.

  • Ask your healthcare provider about alcohol abuse programs and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

  • Ask your healthcare provider about prescription medicines that can help you stop drinking.

Follow-up care

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.