What would be the link between emaciation and pancreatic disease?

(Hint: Think about the dual function of the pancreas!!)

Pancreatic diseases might be divided into a couple of categories: those, which affect the digestive system and those that affect the bloodstream.

Both categories might be linked.

Pancreatitis, the most common problem for example, could be regarded as the early stage of the more systemic problem of Septicaemia. It is caused by a back-up of bile in the bile ducts, caused by gallstones. Since bile is analogous to a foul drainage system, it carries much of the harmful bacteria and toxins, expelled by our coarser immunity systems.

Since bile is, by nature, pretty toxic, when it backs up, it infects the Pancreas. The immediate, lower level effects can be dramatic weight loss. I lost, in the three problems, I had, some 14Kg each time!..........in less than a week!

The Pancreatitis is often a precursor of Septicaemia. Because this can be related to infections of the urinary tract and Lungs, in the earlier stages the victim can find himself in need of anti-biotic courses. This can cause the deeper problem in that the septicaemic infection can become drug resistant and then you are in trouble with a capital T!

The standard remedy for Pancreatitis is stabilisation by multiple anti-biotic courses and removal of the Gall Bladder.

The issue with this is that, if treatment is left too late, then the digestive system can start digesting itself!......... Your digestive tract becomes a lump of Goo!

The deaths of most sufferers is almost certainly due to the fact that surgery was offered too late.

Severe, dramatic weight loss, accompanied by wild swings in core temperature (sweats and shivering) are classic indicators of Gall Bladder blockage, causing Pancreatitis.

It can manifest itself and then disappear of its own accord, due to the Gallstones, causing the problem, dislodging and being expelled from the body. Eventually such natural corrections will fail and surgery will be required, or the sufferer will die.

The problem can re-occur after Gallbladder removal, due to the fact that the new direct confluence of Gall Duct and Intestine can be very narrow and become obstructed by scar tissue. The sufferer then finds a reoccurrence of the Pancreatitis and Septicaemia.

A "minor" procedure, called E.R.C.P. will open the end of the Bile Duct, preventing further blockages. The recuperation period is painful and long, but full recovery is likely and the remission of problems quite spectacular.

I am in the recovery phase of E.R.C.P. at the moment, having suffered drug resistant Gram-Negative Septicaemia, due to secondary gallstones. I look forward to a much more active and enjoyable life.