Doctor, do you also have 'Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency' or EPI as we call it for short? Then you probably know from experience how careful you need to be about your food and drink. You need to take the prescribed medication with every meal. So, at a time like this, when you get an invitation to a friend's birthday party, or to go out for dinner with your family, it's normal to feel a little scared and nervous. Questions like "Will there be food that's right for me?", "Will I be able to take my medication on time?", "Will the food be too spicy and upset my stomach?" come to mind, don't you? But don't be afraid at all. You don't have to stop hanging out with friends and having fun just because you have EPI. With a little preparation and good planning, we can overcome this very easily. Let's see how it goes?
Step 1: Let's do a little research about the restaurant.
This is like a little reconnaissance before you go on a mission. It means researching the place you've chosen to eat before you go. This will go a long way in making your meal a success.
Imagine you are getting ready to go to a famous restaurant in Colombo with your friends. Try these things a day or two before you go.
| What to do | What is the benefit of that? |
|---|---|
| View the menu online. | Many restaurants now have their menus on their websites or Facebook pages. You can check them out to get an idea of what dishes are suitable for you. Since you have EPI, the best options for you are low-fat foods. That means looking for grilled or broiled fish, chicken, fresh vegetables, and fruits. |
| Give the restaurant a call. | If you can't find something on the menu that suits you, or if you're unsure, call them directly and ask. Simply explain your health condition ("I can't tolerate things like oil, butter, or cheese, so can you make a meal that suits me?"), and ask if they can help you. Most of the time, they'll help you if you let them know in advance. |
| Where is the washroom after leaving? | As soon as you go to a restaurant, make sure to check where the bathroom is. This will help you avoid the inconvenience of having to search for a bathroom if the food is too spicy, if you have an upset stomach, or if you have an emergency. |
Let's prepare like this at home before going out.
A little preparation at home before going to a restaurant can make your experience much more successful. These are very simple, but very important things.
| How to prepare | Description and importance |
|---|---|
| Have a little bite to eat before you go. | Don't go to a restaurant starving. Eat a small snack or light meal before you go. Otherwise, your hunger will get the better of you and you may end up craving unhealthy foods like fried cheese sticks on the menu. If you eat something high in protein (a boiled egg, some chickpeas), you won't feel like eating them because your stomach will be full. |
| Be careful with the pills. | Keep your pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) in a secure bag or container. Heat is not good for these medications. If you are going out during the day, do not leave your medication in a hot place, such as on the dashboard or in the glove compartment of your car. Temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius (77 F) can damage these medications and make them less effective. Room temperature is best. |
| Prepare the necessary additional items. | Some people have difficulty swallowing medication. If you mix the powder in your medicine bottle with something like applesauce or yogurt, keep it in a small container. It's also a good idea to carry an extra bottle of water, as you may have to wait for a server to refill your water glass. |
Think about these things when ordering food.
Okay, now you've gone to the restaurant. You have the menu in hand. Now comes the important part. It's very important to be smart when ordering food.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of the waiter.
If you're curious about a dish, don't be shy about asking about how it's made and what goes into it.
- "Do you put a lot of cream/oil in this curry?"
- "Is this fish fried or grilled?"
- "What's in salad dressing?"
Ask questions like and choose what suits you best.
Request changes to meals
Often, the chef will be willing to make small changes to the dish according to your needs.
- "Can you bring the dressing/sauce in a separate small cup?" (Then you can add as much as you want).
- "Can you grill or steam this instead of frying it?"
- "Can you make vegetables without butter?"
Remember, your health is the most important thing, so don't be afraid to ask for what you want clearly, but politely.
Don't forget to take your medicine!
This is the most important rule when eating out with EPI. You should take the enzyme (PERT) medication prescribed by your doctor with the first bite of your meal .
Simply put, these medications contain enzymes that help you digest the food you eat. If you take these medications right before you start eating, the enzymes will mix well with the food and help with the digestion process. If you take the medication after you finish eating, it won't be very helpful. So, be sure to take your medication as soon as the food is on the table, before you take your first bite.
Don't feel embarrassed about taking your medicine in front of others at the table. It's essential for your health. You can do it very simply, without causing any trouble to anyone.
Take-Home Message
- Having EPI doesn't mean you have to stop having fun with your social life and friends.
- Make a little plan before going out to eat. Look at the restaurant's menu and call if necessary.
- Before leaving home, eat a small snack, pack your medications properly, and take an extra bottle of water.
- When ordering food, don't be afraid to ask questions and request changes to suit you.
- Most importantly: Don't forget to take your enzyme (PERT) medication with the first bite of your meal.
- If you still have doubts or questions about this, be sure to talk to your doctor and seek advice.
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