Recognizing the Symptoms of EPI
ANDY: I was having very serious lower GI problems. And I used that term, uh, to avoid being graphic.
RHONDA: I had some pretty funky symptoms.
MEREDITH: I was experiencing a lot of discomfort after eating meals, um, particularly fatty foods.
MEL: You have problems, such as greasy stool, bloating, gas, and weight loss.
RHONDA: Bloating and cramps and diarrhea and, you know, oily stools, and stuff like that.
DEBRA: I couldn’t eat.
ANDY: I could not gain weight.
JOHN: I couldn’t go out to dinner anymore. I couldn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t trust myself.
RHONDA: And I knew that was not normal. When I approached my doctor to tell him about my symptoms, um, it was kind of embarrassing at first.
MEREDITH: Nobody really likes to talk about diarrhea or gas or gastrointestinal bloating.
RHONDA: But if you come in with even one symptom you need to go and take it serious and tell your doctor.
ANDY: And be as explicit as you can.
DEBRA: No matter how insignificant you think they are.
MEREDITH: Talk to your doctor about your symptoms.