Life Changing

My wife and I have been traveling to Jamaica since the early 90's. Started off in the Ochi area but have migrated to Negril for the past half dozen trips .
About a month ago I got violently ill and was hospitilised for Pancreatitus. An increadably painfull condition. Doc says it could be from gallstones but most likely from steady everyday drinkin over the last 30 years. Not drunk everyday but at least a few every night,just beer. Said to eat a low fat diet and avoid the booze.
Well I gave things a rest for a few weeks and was managing to eat well so I thought I would have a few beers. Next day pancreatitus round two. Ten times worse. Thought I was going to die. It can kill you,has 2-4 percent mortality rate.All so permanent damage is done every time you have an attack.
So I cant drink or it will kill me. I have to eat a non spicy bland diet.
Ive tried a few subs and I used to enjoy but get so paranoid now.
Can I vacation in Negril now? Can I eat non spicy. Can I find subs that wont make me paranoid.
If I had a beer there I could end up in hosp for 2 to 3 days. Not something I want to experience.
Should i vacation in florida now instead?
What would you do?

That's terrible news.

That's a tough one for sure. I've only been to Negril once but I know not much will keep me from returning over and over. The drinking thing is a killer, but perhaps you could just stick to subs and feel it out for a while before you decide whether or not to book. If they aren't giving you physical problems, perhaps the paranoia will go away. I find in that particular case Negril is much more accomodating at making me feel comfortable with it. Either way, the vibe in Negril beats the pants off Florida every time. So if you can't have the fun you're looking for, what makes Florida a better choice? Is it temptation?

Don't give up Negril just give up the Red Stripes. There is plenty of food that is not spicy but is still flavorful. There will be just as many temptations in Florida. A little self discipline is all you need and you will still have a wonderful time.

They need to do the test to determine if you have gallstones. There are foods that aggravate that. Would not want to be in Jamaica and have an attack. If it is gallstones they can remove them. You should get some answers. Wish you luck getting to felling better and gong back to Jamaica.

I would get all the the right information before worrying about how to get my buzz on. Health first. Confirm or eliminate gallstones. Find a good nutritionalist. Explore alternative diet. Internet has mountains of advice on spicing up recipes without the spice. Then you can go to your beloved Jamaica without worry. Don 't want to be preachy but although I had some great times in bars and pub crawls, the times that were most memorable in Jamaica were " jus natural". Early morning beach walks. Waiting out a downpour with Jamaican conversation. Meeting good people. Getting close to people I've known for decades. Getting close to people I 've known just hours. Jamaica can heal. Fresh fruit and vegetables. Innovative chefs. Stress soothing scenery..and then maybe a teeny weeny sub with someone you love.........Wish only good things for you Treefrog

Sorry to hear that Treefrog. If you can manage your condition, I would still go to Jamaica. There is being alive and there is living. If you can't enjoy life, what's the point? We've been faced with a similar decision, I don't want to hijack your thread so that's all I'll say about that, and we've decided to live life to the fullest. Don't let the disease win!

I live in Destin Florida which is a resort town, as for food you can for sure find healthier foods in Negril than Florida. There are many places in Negril to get Ital food like Ras Rody's and places like Sharks and De Bar that would cook to order on spices no problem.

As for alcohol, THERE IS ALCOHOL IN FLORIDA !!! Maybe more so than in Negril. I know this from living in Florida. LOL.

There are other things in Negril to take the place of alcohol if you know what I mean.

Don't give up on Negril just be wise while you are there and all should be well. Florida is a great place to, check out Destin Fl which is a hidden gem. Not to bash Negril we love it there but they say seven mile beach is white sand and being from Destin Fl we call it tan sand because our sand is sugar white here and our water is emerald green bath tub clear, actuaaly as clear if not clearer than Negril.

Go to Negril, have fun !!

good news, i'm pancreatitis sufferrer for many years . . . you'll have to give up the booze altogether for you not to have attacks . . . every time you have a drink, your stomach gets inflamation and the pain is unbearable . . . good news is, i've travelled to ja 3x during winters without having attacks = no booze . . . the food is easily obtainable . . .

definitely would not want to be in ja with an attack. . . .

I am sorry to hear you are having health problems. It is challenging to manage but you can because it is the best way to honor yourself. As someone that doesn't drink hardly ever I can tell you it is possible to have LOTS of fun in Jamaica without alcohol. The free feeling here is what is so good for our soul. I would definately get all the information about your condition before traveling and purchase trip insurance that included emergency medical service to give you piece of mind. Then come down and enjoy each day with fresh juices, blended fruit, lemonaide, pepsi light, whatever you like. Health is most important though so if it was me I would put my focus on that first before I vacationed. I wish you good health and peace.

Good advice from everybody, esp. Dash & Sweetness.
Best of luck treefrog, don't stop reaching. :-)

Treefrog, Please take your Pancreatitus seriously. A very good friend of mine died from it. He sounded alot like you lamenting about the life change asn thinking it would not effect him. He was a big guy and healthy as a horse. One day he went home from work feeling sick. Something he never did. A little more than a month later after a long agonizing time in intensive care much of the time unable to speak or be concious he passed away.
Loved his spicy food and drinks. In short he like you loved life...Don't we all? I would give alot to have my friend back and would have loved to have him go along with us to Negril if he were still with us. Unfortunately he lift a wife and 2 young children behind as well.
I would focus on what you have and what you would like to do. I would still think you could go to Negril and even visit bars with friends. Most offer juice or soda. Anyone hearing your condition would certianly understand and continue to party with you. I would think the food issue might be more diffacult. I would leave that up to someone more experienced than me.

Don't forget..... Life is the BEST high... Embrace it and use every second you got here man.

I would go to Negril and NOT drink. What would be the point of going to Florida instead? Stay healthy and enjoy wherever you go. I do not like the taste of spicy food but I eat well in Negril avoiding all spicy stuff. You can do it. Get trip insurance too.

Negril is plenty of fun without alcohol. Indeed, life in general works quite well without it. Total abstinence can be a tough concept for a lifelong drinker to wrap his head around, but if you do it a day at a time it isn't that hard. (if I can do it, anyone can:)

and as was mentioned, some of the "other" things besides alcohol...may actually make you feel a little better...I have been on
such heavy painkillers for so long that my stomach is shot, and alcohol is just about to go on the "NO" list.....THANK GOD for the other......

Keep Jamaica, Drop the alcohol. YOU CAN DO IT !~~~
Wishing you the BEST of luck !~~

Thanks for all the support guys!
I got goosebumps reading all your replys!

Treefrog, hang in there, my brotha! Enjoy the subs, drop the drink...Negril all the way... The really cool thing is that food in Negril is often cooked to order,
so they'll make it like you want/need! Try just one good bite of your sub, then save the rest...That'll give you time to get with the vibe!


Happy Travels!

SKB

Stick with the subs. The paranoia will go away.
I lost my mother inlaw to a pancreatic attack about ten years ago. We were in Negril when it happened. It was the first morning we were there... The hotel manager came running into the restaurant... There is a call for you from Canada... I hope no one else ever has to hear those words. We left that evening. Shortest Negril trip ever. 24 hours.
SO - take care of yourself.