I had been on Pancrease, and though I had to donate my right ear, I and our attorney along with some tap dancing by my CF specialist finally got insurance to go with scripts for two different strengths. My wife is big on keeping a log of my meds, meals and liquids and bowel habits. I do this reluctantly mainly because it is just an unpleasant feeling seeing my CF reduced to a spreadsheet.
The data I have accumulated has been massaged, allowing me to dial in better digestion. I caught wind Pancrease was going away and horded two years supply. Creon's smaller capsules are the tell. Sodium bicarbonate acts as a buffer, potentiating the gastric acids in the stomach and duodenum. Too much enzymes contribute to constipation, according to my CF doctor and my log.
Although my 2001 pancreatic function test was so bad, my doctor answered my pin down questions of of how long I probably will live and the likely causes that will be my end game. My PF test was a North American record for bad by a considerable amount. I am pleased to note I have exceeded the most optimistic limit by five years and now 62, 72 is likely. My PI wasn't from a failure of pancreatic function, the thick as honey digestive goo was to viscous to drain into the duodenum. A portion of my daily protein comes from autodigestion of the pancreas. This of course is shared by many CFers. Recent patients of his are repeating new advice to amp up hydration emphasizing adequate electrolyte ingestion. This has helped considerably with my tendency toward constipation in the short three weeks I have increased my hydration/electrolytes.
I appreciate all the informative posts. Especially the times that old friends are coming back like Pancrease. For the record, we had no option in retaining and using a lawyer to bite on the faces of insurance adversaries.
