Hi my name is Fatima Jackson and I had Necrotizing Pancreatitis. I was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in September 2011; after having my first and only child. I have been living with disease for over four years and it has definitely changed my life in so many ways.

 

On a normal summer day after feeding my baby, I got a severe sharp pain in my upper abdomen, left side of my body, and my back that would not stop. I went to the hospital where I was originally diagnosed with gas. So, with that diagnosis I went to Greenville, South Carolina to be with my sister for the birth of her first child. However while traveling it seemed that my pain was worsening. I went to the local hospital emergency room. They diagnosed me with appendicitis. However nothing they did worked. I went from bad to worse. I was transferred to another hospital. My situation seemed to constantly get worse because within twenty hours of going to the hospital in South Carolina I was place on an incubator in ICU for two weeks.

 

I was in this hospital for a month. At the beginning of my stay at the hospital I nor my family had a clue what I was up against. Then the doctor came into my room and explained to my mother, fiancé and myself that I have necrotizing pancreatitis and need surgery. This doctor was very humble. Explained that my pancreatitis was so severe that he could not perform the surgery. So, I was transferred to another hospital (MUSC). I was hospitalized for a total of three months and was hospitalized at three different hospitals.

 

I have had so many surgeries and still to this day doctors are not certain of what caused my pancreatitis. It was not my gallbladder which is what they thought was the caused. However, it may have been the birth control that I was on at the time. This disease has changed every aspect of my life. I had to change my diet,I take medication everyday and I have had numerous surgeries. I have also become a type 2 diabetic because surgeons had  taken the majority of my pancreas out. I live with chronic pain day to day and it's sometimes hard for me to do normal daily activities.

 

Many are unaware of this disease just like I was. So, I've made it my duty to inform as many people I can in the world about pancreatitis. After going through these difficulties I have a better look on life.

 

I spend a lot of time with my son and I try to communicate with family and friends that I don't see or talk to often. I realize time is too short and even forever is not forever. So, I am working to stay positive and enjoy life while I can.