You will need to stay in bed and take it easy. When the pain stops, you can start drinking clear liquids and gradually progress to eating a diet of low-fat foods. If you have gallstones, they may be removed while you are in the hospital to prevent another attack of pancreatitis. Your health care provider may decide you can leave the hospital when you no longer have pain and are able to eat. Most people treated with nasogastric suction and IV fluids start feeling better in 1 to 3 days and go home in 5 to 10 days.
Most people recover completely, especially if the disease is diagnosed early enough.
Severe pancreatitis can be life threatening. Follow the instructions your health care provider gives you. This includes how you take any medicines he or she has prescribed. Don't take any other medicines, including nonprescription drugs, without asking your health care provider. Pancreatitis can recur and may become an ongoing problem.