In February of 2007, I had a massive attack of Acute Pancreatitis. In the hospital, pancreatitis is treated by basically starving the pancreas for two or three days, allowing the swollen organ to rest. The pancreas produces our digestive enzymes, and two of them, Amylase and Lipase, are involved in an attack. The best way to describe the pain is: your worst "tummy ache" times 100—and it doesn't stop! It is excruciatingly painful and, if left unchecked, can result in death. Basically, the pancreas begins eating itself from the inside, leading to scarring in the pancreatic duct's lining. Over time, this scarring can result in necrotic (dead) tissue, leading to organ failure and death.

That year, I had at least four or five other acute attacks, a month or two apart. “Pain management and no food" was the buzz phrase, and for the pain I was given Morphine or Demerol every two to four hours.