Total weight loss - from slim 182 to current 122. Photo is close up of the pancreas area, weight loss will allow you to identify swelling seen in graphic further down.
CT scan shows hardened calcium covering entire pancreas, no cure.
Specialist also believes there is a calcium blockage in the pancreatic duct. The duct should be an average of 2.5 mm, mine was 7 last yr and 9mm this year.
View attachment 191180
View attachment 191181
This stops enzymes from breaking down any food and is extremely painful. Also, an occasional burst of excessive enzymes that eat at my insides in a form of acute pancreatitis (hospitalization)
Forward plan in order.
1.Exploratory scope with camera, possible procedure:
Oral scope through stomach to pancreas entrance.
Possible results
A. "net removal" of blockage.
B. Next procedure due to size of blockage
C. "Complete mess" look for different solutions.
2. Back to duct entrance to install a stint and hope for assistance in removal
3. Two different attempts according to previous data/results.
3(a) - sent to a different part of the country for sonic pulses:
Sonic blast waves from outside of pancreas in an attempt to explode calcium in the duct to removable pieces. Possible enternal damage and bleeding.
3(b) - surgery to install a tube connecting to bottom of pancreas, bypassing duct. Enzymes would have to back flush to stomach. Not the best solution.
All options have a probable risk of dangerous acute pancreatitis reoccurrences.
Tl;dr
There just is no final cure for the pancreas as a whole but the duct repair could absolutely give me my life back for the most part.
Truth is, I've spent all that I have and will struggle mightily to afford the first procedure. I see no possibility of being able to financially continue past that point.
Shouldn't be working until some pressure can be relieved but not working is absolutely not an option. But maybe something will happen to allow these things to happen. Anyone have a lucrative job opening
It's a long shot financially but with a wife and 2 kids that are so dependant on me, I have to try everything I can to extend my time for/with them. Please keep me and them in your thoughts and prayers, it means so much to me. I'm determined to stay positive but will really need the emotional backing from my VN extended family.