EPI * Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

I would like to thank this site for helping me come to terms with our recent diagnosis of EPI. 

I would also like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to welcome us, and for the mutual support, advice and help.

In the beginning, not so long ago, my husband was really freaked out but the diagnosis.  This site has helped us immensely in not only coming to terms with EPI, but helping us to manage it.

Wallace is 8 months old and started treatment (in the UK) on Lypex capsules along with antibiotics for baterial overgrowth.  I am delighted to say he is responding well to treatment with a little bit of tweaking with his diet and amount of Lypex he has gained weight. 

I wish I could give him some treats but we are allowed to increase his food now by 10%, for a 5-7 days, then if all is okay, can increase by a further 10%.  Back to the vets two weeks today for weight check and food/Lpyex balance (+ report on poops).  Fingers crossed we can get it right.  

We have accepted Wallace has EPI and are getting on with it, but WE COULD NOT HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP.

Love from WALLACE & FIONA x

Fiona - Many of us here have experienced exactly the same emotions when starting out on this journey so can well understand you and your husbands reaction to Wallace's diagnosis.  That is so wonderful that you are already finding just the right balance for what Wallace needs to manage this condition.  Hopefully he will do well with the increase in food and continue to keep adding on the weight    There can still be minor bumps in the road along the way, so try to prepare yourself (emotionally) in case you hit one.   You can always just pop in here for advice or a shoulder to lean on when needed.   Please give Wallace some hugs from me!

HI Fiona,

Congratulations!!! You're on your way!!!!  Becky is right, there can be blips in the road, but once you understand what you're dealing with and how to approach it, you're good to go!  I cannot remember life without an EPI dog, although like you, we were devistated in the beginning.

Please give Wallace a big smootch from me!!!

AK GSD at June 26, 2010 at 6:22 PM

Fiona - Many of us here have experienced exactly the same emotions when starting out on this journey so can well understand you and your husbands reaction to Wallace's diagnosis.  That is so wonderful that you are already finding just the right balance for what Wallace needs to manage this condition.  Hopefully he will do well with the increase in food and continue to keep adding on the weight    There can still be minor bumps in the road along the way, so try to prepare yourself (emotionally) in case you hit one.   You can always just pop in here for advice or a shoulder to lean on when needed.   Please give Wallace some hugs from me!

Hi Becky

Thanks for your support and hugs for Wallace - believe me he is getting lots of these at the moment. 

I am so relieved that he put on a little bit of weight, I was really anxious about our visit to the vet today.  I know we have a long road ahead and we are trying to take things one step at a time.  I was just so happy he had gained weight, he looks so much better than two weeks ago and is being a fun playful pup like he should be. What worries me most is how young Wallace has been diagnosed. 

At least I do know where to come for help and support if and when things are not so good. 

The morale and help so far has given me the confidence to accept the diagnosis and face this (as best I can).  Still very anxious but visit to vets today made us all feel much better.   

Hope you dont mind me saying your GSD looks asolutely gorgeous. 

Fiona & Wallace

Donna at June 26, 2010 at 6:42 PM

HI Fiona,

 

Congratulations!!! You're on your way!!!!  Becky is right, there can be blips in the road, but once you understand what you're dealing with and how to approach it, you're good to go!  I cannot remember life without an EPI dog, although like you, we were devistated in the beginning.

 

Please give Wallace a big smootch from me!!!

Hi Donna

Thanks for your support and smootch for Wallace.  He is a big sook and loves his hugs.  Since his diagnosis rules have been much more relaxed and he is getting too comfortable taking up most of my bed!

So relieved he has gained some weight but we were really anxious about the visit to the vets although we could see a difference in him. 

Our main concern is how young Wallace has been diagnosed.

The morale and help so far has given me the confidence to accept the diagnosis although we are still  very anxious.  Its reassuring to know we have friends out there who will help and support us.

Kind regards

Fiona & Wallace

Hi Fiona

My girl Anja was diagnosed at 8 mos. also. Back on Jan. 26 of this year. I like many others was freaked out at first, and tried to take it one day at a time and be patient. ( That is the hard part). It has been a roller coaster ride by times, but i think we are finally getting it. Paws and fingers crossed. she was  54.5 lbs. at the time and she is now 64.9. as of a week ago. Her weight never  went up in leaps and bounds and by times when we went to the vet it would be down a little. I worried to about being so young and her growth too. but she is full of energy and her coat is very shiny. ( And if i could ever get my pictures posted i would show you). Maybe one of these days i will suceed . Hang in there. and fill yourself with informationon EPI.  Best of luck.

Wanda.

Hi Fiona

Said I would let you know how Nyle was doing when I changed him over from pancreatic enzyme to Lypex. So far, so good. In fact there doesn't seem to be any difference, still "lovely poos" but the real advantage  I must admit is for me - no more mixing in powder and waiting till it's ready to feed and no more pong. Glad to hear Wallace has put on a bit of weight. I can remember how anxious I was at first and used to get my husband or son to weigh him each week. Not an easy task and Nyle I'm sure felt very undignified.  Really pleased you found this website.  I owe some much to it for all the information and help I've had from various people. I see you have also volunteered to help "spread the word about EPI".  I think this is a marvellous idea from Olesia. 

Kind Regards

Jane and Nyle

Fiona ....and Jane and Becky .... and as Donna & Becky stated... WOW!!! you all have such great news to tell us about your EPI'rs- - Awesome News!!! 

........ and just so you know,,, i have a REAL BIG SMILE on my face now... thankful to everyone who participates on this FORUM giving their time to help others along the way......isn't it amazing?!... so many dogs are doing well now... and we get the extra benefit a=of making new friends too!

I am pleased that you found the website helpful but this FORUM is the real heart of epi4dogs

Hey Fiona, it has been 3 days since we heard from you and Wallace.   Just hoping for a positive update.

You out there??????