Care and mobility considerations

Acute Pancreatitis

People may experience symptoms of fatigue and general debility for some weeks or even a few months after acute pancreatitis. However these are unlikely to restrict function to such a degree that mobility is limited or help with personal care is needed. Full recovery can be anticipated within a few weeks or months.

Chronic pancreatitis

There is much variation in the amount of abdominal pain experienced by people with chronic pancreatitis, and the resultant degree of functional restriction.

In people with mild levels of functional restriction exacerbations of pain are intermittent, respond to treatment and resolve over the course of several days. It is unlikely that they will need help with self care, preparation of food or be restricted in their walking on a long term basis.

Moderate levels of functional restrictions will be seen in people who require regular prescription of a more complex analgesic regime comprising several drugs, and who may take pancreatic supplements to prevent malabsorption. They may need additional analgesics and other treatments for exacerbations of pain, including hospital admission. Limitations in their ability to bend and stand for prolonged periods may affect their ability to prepare a meal or attend to all aspects of self care independently. Ability to walk long distances may be affected by abdominal pain and decreased muscle bulk, but most should be able to cover reasonable distances.

People with severe long-term pain (i.e. those on complex analgesic regimes including opiates and likely to be attending pain management clinics) may be restricted in their ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, rise from a chair/toilet. Marked weight loss and poor muscle bulk will cause additional debility. They may need help with self care or cooking a meal; some may have significant problems in walking. Although opiate drugs have sedative effects, these effects are less pronounced in long term users and are unlikely to lead to a need for continuous supervision in the home or out of doors.

Needs may be more complex when there is associated alcohol misuse (see Alcohol Related Disorder Guidance). If cognitive impairment is present, there may be additional requirements to supervise medicines, to ensure adequate nutrition to prevent weight loss, to attend to bodily functions etc.

Amended April 2008