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Beno's avatar

Dr. Angelova I have a question regarding gallstone disease and butter consumption. My 81 years old mother had her gallbladder removed years ago due to infection after gallstones. She's taking Euthyrox pills 75 mcg for Hashimoto Hypothyrodism. Now about month ago she was hospitalized with acute biliary pancreatitis as gallstone got stuck in common bile duct but it spontanously got excreted, she stayed in hospital for 5 days. Before she was taking d3 supplement 3000 IU in winter and spring and then 2000 IU in summer as she isn't really fond of heat and sun. Now I have a question regarding supplementation of vitamin d3 post acute pancreatitis as I read some studies that d3 shouldn't be given during early phase of pancreatitis as it could induce hypercalciemia. As I read vitamin b12 supplementation helps recovery post acute pancreatitis she is taking b vitamin complex. Can she take d3 vitamin 1000 IU also and is it advisable to take it in summer? What else can help recovery and can you tell me how long it take for pancreas to heal completely as I don't find this information anywhere. Thank you in advance.

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Dr Lidiya Angelova's avatar

I am not a medical professional and cannot provide medical advice. The following information is for general knowledge and discussion purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider, such as your mother's doctor or gastroenterologist, for personalized guidance on her specific situation and any supplementation.

As a biologist, I emphasize the importance of balance. Since supplements are not well-regulated, it's advisable to avoid them.

https://angelovalidiya.substack.com/p/what-do-you-need-to-know-before-buying?utm_source=publication-search

> Vitamin D3 can be obtained through sufficient sunlight exposure. Spending 10 to 30 minutes outdoors several times a week is typically enough. Additionally, activities like walking barefoot on grass or water (Earthing) can be beneficial.

https://angelovalidiya.substack.com/p/earthing-the-natural-way-to-good?utm_source=publication-search

https://angelovalidiya.substack.com/p/benefits-of-earthing-part-ii?utm_source=publication-search

Dietary sources of Vitamin D include eggs, fish, and lean meats.

>Vitamin B12 is recommended and can be found in foods like low-fat yogurt, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, and fish.

>Dietary Recommendations

Low-fat, bland diet such as BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to ease pancreatic workload.

Slowly incorporating more foods, focusing on low-fat, non-greasy, and non-spicy options.

Hydration: Encourage her to drink plenty of fluids, including coconut water or clear broths for electrolytes.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Regular check-ups and blood tests for pancreatic enzymes and thyroid function are essential.

>Recovery Timeline

Critical Phase: 2-4 weeks post-discharge.

Recovery Phase: 2-6 weeks of gradual improvement.

Full Healing: May take 3-6 months depending on severity.

>Conclusion

Each aspect of care should be personalized and discussed with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective recovery.

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Beno's avatar

Thank you so much dr. Angelova, I knew you'll provide knowledge from biological prospective and you gave way more information than it was provided by healthcare providers here. There was just one follow up bloodwork checkup a week after discharge from hospital. Nurse said there is some imabalance in stomach and a ultrasound would be needed but doctor said values are falling back to normal and it's all good. Nobody said anything about regular checkups for pancreatic enzymes. At hospital they only recomended strict gallbladder diet, no additional information was given beside one week of perscribed antibiotics. Thank you again for all information provided.

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Dr Lidiya Angelova's avatar

Maybe try with private lab for the enzymes just to make sure all is good. Unfortunately doctors don't treat older people properly. I wish your mom a speedy recovery. Find her a hobby. If she likes flowers buy her a few new. Looking after something is healing. My mom is a close age and has 3 cats which take a lot of her time.

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Beno's avatar

Thank you for your good wishes. She has gradual improvement just as you've written at recovery phase. She likes flowers indeed and takes care of them, she has orchids and loads of indoor plants. And also we recently bought a greenhouse so I help her grow tomatoes and salad. Thank you sincerely dr. Angelova.

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Dr Lidiya Angelova's avatar

It's excellent that she has a garden. Encourage her to go early in the morning just to absorb Nature's energy and beneficial red light. Barefoot better but not all people like it. Growing her own food will give her a purpose too. Orchids which are beautiful flowers would help her too. I should write about the benefits of being surrounded by beautiful environment 🙂.

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Beno's avatar

She's already doing exactly that, she wakes up early in the morning and goes in the garden to check on tomatoes and other plants. I didn't knew this has extra benifit but great now that I hear it does. Yes you should indeed write about benifits of being surrounded by beautiful environment 🙂. You really have a rare gift of having wide based knowledge on health topics as holistic approach. Only good side of COVID histeria was that I got to know you, otherwise I would probably not knew half of what I know now also from microbiology perspective. Thank you so much.

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