Drinking alcohol with pancreatitis?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2006
Drinking alcohol with pancreatitis?
4
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 4:11pm
Hello-
My brother who is now 27 was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis 3 years ago. He had some damage to his pancreas and a small amount of damage to his lungs. There was no need to operate but they did keep him in the hospital to give him iv fluid and pain meds. He has been fine ever since. But recently has started drinking "casually" which to him means 2-3 light beers a couple times a week. he claims that he is not experiencing any pain and it is possible that he may be able to continue this with out any problems. I am worried that he may develop chronic pancreatitis and be in constant pain. Has anyone heard of cases where people have been able to go back to casual drinking and not causing any more attacks?
thanks for the info-
concerned sister.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 6:08pm

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Your brother is blessed to have such a concerned sister.


Do you know what caused the original pancreatic problem and how were his lungs involved? Was he told at that time to never drink again? If he is a responsible person and is able to control his drinking to a few per week, he will probably be OK. If you are concerned, you should mention it to your brother and ask if he has spoken with his doctor.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2006
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 6:42pm
thanks for the info. He was a heavy drinker and a bad eater before. He hasnt really changed his eating habits. I think he was advised to never drink by one doctor and another told him maybe he could drink again. He has a friend that had pancreatitis 5 years ago and is now able to drink again. I think he is responsible but thanks for pointing out that he has to make his own choices...I am his big sister. I sent him some sites but I will refer him to this message board if he wants to use it to get info.
thanks again.
jessie
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-04-2005
Sat, 07-22-2006 - 11:33pm

Glad I can help Jessie! If your brother decides to visit, I'll be happy to try to steer him to some helpful sites too. It is hard to be a big sister, isn't it? I have 4 younger siblings and sometimes wish they'd listen to me, but we all have to make our own choices and all we can do is hope for the best!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2006
Fri, 08-11-2006 - 1:44pm
I have been doing tons of research on pancreatitis and sphincter of oddi, so far I found a good site called the pancreatitis place. People there have had pancreatis for along time and know alot about it. They could probably help you with all your questions.