I've had 10 bouts of Pancreatitis........mine is directly related to a mechanical issue, I had my duodenum removed and have a way, way different plumbing than anyone else (even moreso now..) and it happens, randomly.
I haven't had a bout in 3 months now........before that it was 6 months, prior to that it was multiple bouts in a very, very short period of time.
It's the worst pain I've EVER experienced. I've had kidney stones, collapsed lungs and a few other "wonderful" things but nothing compares to Pancreatitis.......glad my doctors prescribed Dilaudid pills for breakthru pain relief to get me to the hospital!