Read time 5 minutes
Archith’s Note: When we hear the word pancreas, most of us think of diabetes.
But…
Our pancreas is far more than a sugar regulator. It’s a small, leaf-shaped organ tucked behind the stomach that quietly runs some of the most important processes in our body. It produces enzymes that help digest food and hormones that balance blood sugar. When it fails, life changes in ways most of us can’t imagine.
This is the story of George, a 56-year-old retired schoolteacher living in New Jersey. He was diagnosed with an incurable pancreatic disease. His journey is not just about illness; it’s about the surprising ways the human body adapts.
The Beginning: Subtle Signs
I was always the kind of man who lived simply. I loved gardening, teaching history, and sipping my evening tea with my wife, Clara. But about two years ago, I began noticing small changes:
- A dull pain in my upper abdomen that sometimes radiated to my back.
- Unexplained weight loss, even though my diet hadn’t changed.
- Frequent bloating and greasy stools that were hard to flush.
At first, I brushed it off as ‘getting older.’ But when the pain became constant and I started feeling exhausted after even short walks, Clara insisted me to see a doctor.
My Diagnosis
After a series of tests, blood work, ultrasound, and finally an MRI, I was told I had Chronic Pancreatitis. It is a progressive, incurable disease where the pancreas becomes permanently damaged and scarred. Unlike acute pancreatitis, which can sometimes be reversed. But chronic pancreatitis slowly destroys the pancreas over time.
The doctor explained:
My pancreas was no longer producing enough digestive enzymes.
The scarring was irreversible.
Over time, I might also develop diabetes because the insulin-producing cells were being damaged.
I remember sitting in the hospital room, staring at the scan of my pancreas. It looked like a shriveled leaf compared to the healthy organ shown in the medical chart.
What Most People Don’t Know About the Pancreas
My story highlights something many readers may not know:
1. The pancreas is both an exocrine and endocrine gland.
- Exocrine: It releases enzymes into the small intestine to digest fats, proteins, and carbs.
- Endocrine: It releases hormones like insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream.
2. Pancreatic diseases are often ‘silent.’ Symptoms like bloating, indigestion, or mild pain are easy to dismiss. By the time people seek help, significant damage may already be done.
3. Chronic pancreatitis is not always caused by alcohol. Heavy drinking is a major risk factor. However, genetics, autoimmune conditions, gallstones, and even high triglycerides can trigger it. I never drank and was shocked to learn my condition was linked to a rare genetic mutation.
My Life After Diagnosis
My daily life changed dramatically. I now had to take pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). They are capsules filled with lab-made enzymes that help digest food. Without them, I couldn’t absorb nutrients properly.
I also had to follow a strict diet:
- Small, frequent meals instead of three large ones.
- Low-fat foods to reduce strain on my pancreas.
- High-protein, nutrient-dense snacks to fight weight loss.
Clara became my partner in this journey. She helped me experiment with recipes that were both gentle on my digestion and tasty. One of my favorites became a simple lentil soup with ginger, which soothed my stomach and gave energy.
New Insights: What Science Is Discovering
Archith insisted that I should provide some scientific new insights as a part of this blog. Here is where my story becomes more than personal. It also connects to cutting-edge research:
1. Gut Microbiome and the Pancreas
Recent studies show that people with chronic pancreatitis often have imbalances in their gut bacteria. Some researchers believe that restoring healthy gut flora with probiotics or diet changes could reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
2. Link Between Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer
Chronic pancreatitis increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Doctors now recommend regular monitoring for patients like me. This doesn’t mean cancer is inevitable, but it highlights the importance of vigilance.
3. Pain Management Innovations
Traditional painkillers often don’t work well for pancreatic pain. Newer approaches include nerve blocks, endoscopic procedures, and even experimental therapies like neurostimulation. My doctor mentioned a clinical trial using electrical impulses to “quiet” the nerves around the pancreas.
4. Artificial Pancreas Research
Most people still associate the ‘artificial pancreas” with diabetes technology. But researchers are exploring whether similar systems could help patients with pancreatic insufficiency. It can be automated by adjusting enzyme delivery.
My Reflections
“The hardest part isn’t the pain, it’s the unpredictability.”
Some days I feel almost normal; other days, fatigue and nausea keep me in bed.
But I have also found unexpected gifts:
- I started journaling about my journey, which helped him process emotions.
- I joined an online support group where I met people from around the world facing the same condition.
- I began teaching part-time again, this time online, focusing on history lectures that didn’t require long hours on my feet.
Lessons for Readers
My story offers lessons that go beyond medicine:
1) Listen to your body. Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or greasy stools should never be ignored.
2) Nutrition is medicine. For pancreatic patients, food isn’t just fuel, it’s therapy.
3) Support systems matter. Clara’s role in my journey shows how caregivers are silent heroes.
4) Science is evolving. Even incurable diseases are being studied in new ways, offering hope for better management.
A Day in My Life
Here’s what a typical day looks like for me now:
Morning: Wakes up, takes enzyme capsules with a light breakfast of oatmeal and banana. Does gentle stretches to ease back pain.
Midday: Works on my online history class. Eat a small portion of rice, lentils, and steamed vegetables. Takes another round of enzymes.
Afternoon: Rest period. Sometimes read or tend to my garden. Keeps hydrated with herbal teas.
Evening: Walk slowly around the neighborhood with Clara. Dinner is grilled fish with mashed sweet potatoes.
Night: Journals about my day, noting symptoms and energy levels. This helps my doctor adjust treatment.
I know that my disease has no cure. But I also know that life is not defined only by illness. I find joy in small victories, like being able to teach a class without pain or enjoying a meal without discomfort.
A quote from my journal:
“Pancreas may be small, but it teaches big lessons. It reminds me that life is fragile, digestion is miraculous, and resilience is possible even when cure is not.”
Closing Thoughts
My journey is not just about one man’s illness, it’s about awareness.
Pancreatic diseases are often overlooked, yet they affect thousands worldwide. By sharing my story, I hope others will recognize symptoms early, support research, and most importantly, find strength in community.
DISCLAIMER
This blog reflects personal experiences and viewpoints. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.