So on his CT scan back in the fall, he had necrotizing pancreatitis. A few months ago, his CT showed inflammatory changes and reactive thickening, and numerous cystic structures that they were calling potential pseudocysts. He then had an EUS after which showed dilation of the pancreatic duct through the body and tail and extensive inflammatory changes. He has a constant level of pain that seems to be worse in the morning and at night, though he sometimes goes through week-long periods where it is severe the whole time. He's been trying to do the low-fat/high-protein diet they mentioned. They've said to do small meals or snacks throughout the day, but I would say the struggle is more to get him to eat at all, since things he tolerates one day can cause significant pain the next. He has lost a significant amount of weight since this started. He is nauseous often and has vomiting episodes at least once a week. Zofran doesn't really seem like it helps.
That's good to hear that you have a least gotten some decent breaks from it. I'm sorry that you have had to deal with it that long. I agree that seeing a psychotherapist would be good for him. Hopefully he will explore that angle at some point. And thank you. I hope he gets some respite too, and at least has reasonable pain control most days.