My Pancreatitis Story
My journey with pancreatitis was long and confusing before I finally got answers. At first, I went through multiple hospital checkups—about four different times—and each time I was told it was just a UTI. I was repeatedly given antibiotics and took them for almost a month, but my symptoms never improved. The pain kept coming back, and I knew something wasn’t right.
On my fifth consultation, a doctor suggested further imaging. An ultrasound showed nothing abnormal, but later I had a CT scan with contrast, and that was when doctors saw a mass in my pancreas. Because I don’t come from a wealthy family, I struggled to continue consultations and relied on free hospitals, charities, and foundations to get medical help. In March, I was hospitalized due to severe pain and was finally diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis caused by pancreatic duct stones. My doctors shared that pancreatic stones are rare, especially since I don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or have any addictions commonly linked to this condition.
Surgery was considered, but it carried high risks and could permanently damage my pancreas. Because of that, we chose shockwave therapy instead. I underwent shockwave treatment four times over a year. While it helped reduce the pain temporarily by breaking the stones, I was told it was not a permanent solution. The stones can form again, enzymes build up, and the pain returns.
"I believe my condition may have already been developing at that time but was not detected, which may have contributed to the progression of my illness. Delays in diagnosis and limited access to specialized care have made managing my condition even more difficult."
Over time, I’ve learned to live with daily pain, but it has taken a toll. I feel weak, anxious, and scared—especially about my future, the possibility of cancer, and whether I’ll survive this long-term. My last checkup was in November, and my doctor advised surgery, but I still can’t afford it. Living with chronic pancreatitis has affected not only my body but also my mental health. Still, I hope that by sharing my story, others will feel less alone, be encouraged to seek second opinions, and understand how important access to proper care and support is for pancreatitis patients.
Finding Mission: Cure
In October 2023, I was hospitalized and underwent surgery because of severe pain in my upper right and left abdomen. At that time, doctors stated that all test results were normal and proceeded with an exploratory operation. Looking back, the pain I experienced then was the same pain I later learned was caused by pancreatitis. I believe my condition may have already been developing at that time but was not detected, which may have contributed to the progression of my illness. Delays in diagnosis and limited access to specialized care have made managing my condition even more difficult.
I have also noticed that there are very few resources or support groups for pancreatitis, especially in the Philippines. I have tried searching online and on Facebook to connect with others who are struggling with this illness, but it is extremely rare to find someone locally. Most of the information and patient communities I can find are from other countries.
This is why discovering Mission: Cure has been so meaningful to me, as it may provide guidance, support, and more information about managing this condition. I am currently struggling to manage my illness on my own, but I remain committed to fighting and holding on to hope. I want to improve my health and quality of life, and despite how difficult living with this condition can be, I want to continue living and seeking a chance to get better.
"From the outside, I may look okay—I can walk, talk, and go on with my day—but inside, I live with constant pain."
What I wish people knew
I wish people knew that pancreatitis isn’t always visible. From the outside, I may look okay—I can walk, talk, and go on with my day—but inside, I live with constant pain.
What hurts more is that pancreatitis isn’t well known. When I tell people about my illness, many don’t even recognize it. Because it’s rare and invisible, my struggle is often misunderstood or overlooked. Just because I keep going doesn’t mean I’m not fighting every day.
Advice for fellow patients and caregivers
My advice to fellow patients and caregivers is to remember that pancreatitis doesn’t only affect the body—it deeply affects mental and emotional health too. Being chronically ill can make you overthink everything: your future, whether you’ll get better, whether you’ll be able to live a normal life, or if you’ll be okay in the long run. Those thoughts can be overwhelming, and they are valid.
To patients, be kind to yourself. Healing is not always fast, and progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Even on the hardest days, choosing to keep going is already a form of strength. Hold on to your life, even when it feels unfair or exhausting.
To caregivers, your patience, understanding, and presence matter more than you may realize. Listening and believing someone’s pain can make a huge difference. We didn’t choose this illness, but we can choose to keep fighting. Take it one day at a time. We can survive this, and we are stronger than we think.
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.