My diagnosis
Pancreatitis completely changed my life. I had a wisdom tooth taken out under local anaesthetic and told to take codeine for pain. I woke up at 1am and took codeine, then woke up again at 3am and thought I was having a heart attack! I’d never experienced pain like that before, especially in that epigastric location.
When I was first diagnosed, I’d only have pancreatitis every couple of months, but eventually I was in hospital every 2nd week, for a week at a time, until I had my TPAIT surgery.
I had every intervention you could imagine — multiple ERCPs (including a bowel perforation from one), stents, sphincterotomies, every scan possible, open distal pancreatectomy, and eventually a year ago I had a total pancreatectomy and auto islet cell transplant.
I am an insulin dependent diabetic now, but my pancreas pain is gone!
I suffered multiple post-operative complications, including going into septic shock 4 weeks after surgery and needing emergency surgery to remove necrotic tissue. However, I would do it all again to get rid of that debilitating pain I had. I’ve been completely opioid free since January after needing opioids every day. I can travel, hold down a job and live my life again!
Living with it
I lost friends during this time during my pancreatitis battle, felt isolated, had to stop and start university, didn’t progress with my peers and often had to change jobs as I was sick so much.
However, I learnt so many valuable life lessons — don’t take life for granted, be grateful for what you have and don’t compare yourself to others!
"Even though I may have looked 'fine' or wasn't in hospital when they saw me, I was struggling inside!"
My experience with Mission: Cure
Pancreatitis can be really isolating, especially at a young age (diagnosed just before my 20th birthday), so Mission: Cure made me feel a bit more “normal” as they post people’s stories from all ages and walks of life! I also find their posts and information very interesting and informative.
What I wish people knew
Even though I may have looked “fine” or wasn’t in hospital when they saw me, I was struggling inside! It is a debilitating condition to live with.
Advice for fellow patients and caregivers
Be kind to yourself and take things at your own pace. Find others who have been through a similar thing, as I found it so helpful to feel validated by others who knew what I was going through. Lean on those who are there to support you, as it’s so hard to do this alone.
Life since
Since I first shared this story, quite a lot has changed.
In 2024, I moved from New Zealand to the UK. In 2025, 18 months after my TPAIT surgery, I ran the London Marathon and raised nearly £2,000 for Breakthrough T1D UK. I’ve also had a career change and now work in diabetes, supporting others living with the condition and got married!
Share Your Story
Your story matters. If you’re living with pancreatitis or caring for someone who is, your experience can inspire and empower others who are going through the same thing. That’s why we want to hear from you! Share your story with us by clicking the button below.
About Mission: Cure
At Mission: Cure, we are dedicated to finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for pancreatitis. Through patient education, research, and advocacy, we strive to improve the lives of those affected by this condition.