Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency - What it is and how RDNs can help!

[@christinavakas]

I have EPI. You really hit home with me. No one is following up on me. I probably call the gastroenterologist and set up an appt. Been taking Zenpep for 2 months. Cost is outrageous. Thanks again for a clear, concise presentation on EPI❤

[@gothafloxacin]

I have EPI and none of my doctors know why. I was diagnosed while i was having fatty diarrhea 40+ times a day. My elastase was 82. Essentially I had a severe presentation and developed severe complications from it. I am J tube reliant and relisorb is incredibly important and crucial for my survival. I am glad to be alive.

[@reardontapia]

Very thoroughly explained. Thank you.

[@arthurtheartist]

excellent video. one of the best I've seen on this topic.

[@lillianraker6429]

This video is so well done, thank you for providing clear and compassionate information!

[@larco6317]

Thank you so much! This was so informative. Have never had the condition fully explained to Me and was recommended this video through support groups. Thank you for explaining it so accurately and helping us fully understand what is happening within our bodies!

[@BARF_FACE_9000]

Thanks for more info. I just got a test result back that mine is quite low… I have struggled with issues of IBS and only now finally charting a path to recovery / treatment.. to be continued but- I guess knowledge is power and I’ll have to get some more enzymes somehow someway!

[@maryreichelt3194]

Excellent job ! 10/16/2024

[@willgordon5737]

You are right doctor, I got use to frequent bowl movements, and steatorrhea that.. once the pain progressed and I start loosing my eyesight at night, that I realized its something wrong.

[@RyanMcGirr-bu4qr]

EPI tested twice well below normal range of 200-1000. All symptoms except flatulence. Five or more stools per day. If I eat fat they float. Before PERTs foul smelling sometimes. Have tested fat soluble vitamins levels and bone density. Dental health has declined greatly this last year. Was put on FODMAP diet and many lab test. Before EPI test my mental health was questioned and was drug tested. Still having issues.

[@eliderobot620]

me too, I go like 6 times to the toilet, anything I eat immediately comes out, anything liquid triggers diarrhea, I have type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis, severely underweight

[@sandymutert8495]

I tested out at 58 per the test…out of 200.

[@janetfrank3185]

Thank you so much, the information you offered is very valuable.

[@jerrypredmore8793]

I have EPI my gastroenterologist says. I am not diabetic.and I dont have cancer. It is also listed as a form of pancreatitis. I have to use enzyme daily, for life. Can Agent orange cause this and without causing cancer? Pancreas does not work. It took over a year to get correct information. I’m the ER one dr there diagnosed IBS, another was callled it celiac disease.

[@gglee313]

I have to have the stool test for this but nobody can tell me if I'm supposed to stop anything like antacids I also drink pineapple juice is there anything I should stop before this test If so how long should I stop it before the test Thank you.

[@anitabonita4508]

So someone with EPI will have to stay on PERT for all their lives? Is there a way to eliminate the cause ?

[@antoniocognato5023]

can stem cell theraphy help?

[@bm421]

I’ve been wondering the same. I read a study that MSCs helped pancreatitis. Mission cure is currently doing trials where they take stem cells from bone marrow from the patient, grow more stem cells, then inject back into the patient. I worry that IV stem cell therapy will just get trapped in the lungs and be a waste of money that I don’t have. EPI sucks though.

[@ninadperiodon]

Just add Ox bile and treatment plan is complete. Thank me now.

[@bm421]

I have found ox bile to help more than the pancreatic enzymes but I’ve only used over the counter ones. Ox bile stops the diarrhea for me but not sure long term if it’s causing more harm than good to pancreas

[@dottiedavis355]

I’ve had chronic pancreatitis and EPI for 10+ years, and have a different issue lately: weight loss, little appetite, and muscle wasting (sarcopenia-Thanks for the new word!). My Gastro APRN says take the enzymes, but no other advice. Would a nutrition consult help? The RD’s in my area have no experience with EPI, so I’m also asking where do I look, please.

[@DietitiansinNutritionSupport]

Thank you for your question. If you are experiencing new nutrition related problems, you may benefit from speaking to a Registered Dietitians Nutritionist. If there are none in your area who are experienced with EPI, telehealth consultations may be an option to consider. To search for nutrition experts by topic or area (including telehealth), you might find this search page from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics helpful: www.eatright.org/find-a-nutrition-expert. Experts listed on this search tool also include short biographies where you can identify a provider who can best serve your needs.

[@ninadperiodon]

bile sludge and gallstones .

[@earleneschmitt3326]

Porcine Pig source of PERT unfort contains alpha gal protein. which many are allergic to..I wish the GalSafe Pig CO, Revivicore would make PERT w their GalSafe pigs.. Im going ask Mylan Viatris abt GalSafe PERT R&D

[@Perry-qs6fx]

I have a question ! Recently diagnosed but instead of losing weight I blew up and need to start losing weight -the bloating is real! Any suggestions ?

[@DietitiansinNutritionSupport]

Thank you for your question. If you have started on PERT, you may experience weight gain as the enzymes are formulated to help the body break down and absorb nutrients. Some common side effects of PERT include bloating or other GI distress. Changes such as limiting carbonated beverage intake, not drinking from a straw or chewing gum and eating smaller, more frequent meals along with limiting gas-producing foods may help reduce bloating. It would be encouraged to speak with a registered dietitian nutritionist about your concerns to get personalized nutrition guidance.

[@bm421]

Has anyone had luck using over the counter enzymes rather than prescription?

[@francesholliday5427]

Yes, I found Pancreas Glandular (by Allergy Reasearch group) worked well if you don't mind pork enzymes ( the worked better than veg enzymes for me)and i only have to take one per meal!

[@bm421]

@ thank you

[@francesholliday5427]

@@bm421 You're welcome! Forgot to mention I trialed a small bottle first, then looked for more economical bulk deals (here in the UK but I think available elsewhere). I found this tip through a facebook support group, and a member who had been recommended this by an alternative practioner.

[@bm421]

@@francesholliday5427 I ordered some from Amazon and should have it this week. Thanks again, really appreciate it!