Disney Channel star and comedian Rondell Sheridan is relying on the generosity of his fans as he recovers from a recent bout with pancreatitis.
Sheridan, best known for playing family man Victor Baxter in “That’s So Raven” and its spinoff “Raven’s Home,” revealed Tuesday he was hospitalized in April for the health scare and, as a result, “will be out of work for quite some time.” and is asking fans for help with his medical bills and expenses.
Sheridan said he fell ill while on the road on April 10 and paid a visit to the hospital, where doctors thought it was a “gastric” problem.
When he was home on April 12, he immediately went to the hospital and was diagnosed with pancreatitis after many tests.
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Sheridan said he was in the hospital for nine days but continued to post from a hospital bed Wednesday.
“I got released and I thought I was on the road to recovery,” he said. “My pancreas is inflamed and there’s not much you can do about it but just wait for the inflammation to go down.”
Sheridan said he was unaware he would not be able to work during his recovery and plugged the GoFundMe page, telling fans, “I would gladly appreciate” any donation. The fundraising page, created by actor and Sheridan’s friend Isabel Beyoso, seeks to raise $35,000.
Beyoso wrote in the GoFundMe description that Sheridan experienced an “extremely severe case of pancreatitis,” had been unable to work since April 12 and would be out of work for an undetermined amount of time. She added that the “Cousin Skeeter” actor would “mostly be bedridden” as part of his recovery.
How Is Pancreatitis Affecting Him?
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, a gland behind the stomach that produces digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin. It can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and in chronic cases, weight loss and oily stools. African Americans have a higher risk of developing pancreatitis. This increased risk is linked to various factors, including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices
Types of Pancreatitis:
- Acute pancreatitis: A sudden inflammation that usually resolves with treatment.
- Chronic pancreatitis: A persistent inflammation that can cause lasting damage to the pancreas.
Symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain: Often in the upper left or middle abdomen, may radiate to the back.
- Nausea and vomiting: Particularly after eating.
- Fever and rapid heart rate: May be present in acute pancreatitis.
- Weight loss and greasy stools: Can occur in chronic pancreatitis.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Other symptoms: Swelling or tenderness in the upper abdomen, fluid buildup, lower blood pressure.
Causes:
- Gallstones: A major cause, especially for acute pancreatitis.
- Alcohol abuse: A common cause, particularly for chronic pancreatitis.
- Genetic disorders: Like cystic fibrosis.
- Certain medications: Some drugs can trigger pancreatitis.
- Infections: Viral or parasitic infections can also cause pancreatitis.
When to see a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have sudden belly pain or belly pain that doesn’t improve. Seek immediate medical help if your pain is so severe that you can’t sit still or find a position that makes you more comfortable.
How Long Do You Live with Pancreatitis?
Individuals with chronic pancreatitis experience a reduced life expectancy, often 8 years shorter than the general population. Studies indicate a 10-year survival rate of around 70% and a 20-year survival rate of 45%.
Chronic Pancreatitis and Life Expectancy:
Chronic pancreatitis, a progressive condition where the pancreas is damaged over time, can lead to a shorter lifespan.
Factors Affecting Life Expectancy:
- Several factors can influence the life expectancy of individuals with chronic pancreatitis, including:
- Severity of the condition: More severe cases of chronic pancreatitis are associated with lower survival rates.
- Complications: Chronic pancreatitis can lead to complications like pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and digestive issues, further impacting life expectancy.
- Age of diagnosis: The age at which someone is diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis can affect their overall lifespan.
What’s Next for Him?
Following his post, his Disney Channel family was sure to send him some love, including from Cory in the House actor Jake Thomas, who wrote, “Get well soon Rondell!” Raven’s Home crew member Ian Jordan also echoed the sentiment, while actor Orlando Jones chimed in with, “Get well soon fam.”
As of Wednesday afternoon, there were more than 630 donors and upward of $83,000 raised, exceeding the fundraiser’s goal.
Rondell shared an update on the GoFundMe, letting all his fans and friends know how he was doing:
“Hey there, friends. Spirits are good,” he wrote.
“Today is day 32 of this journey. On Monday, the doctors will perform a procedure that will drain fluids from my pancreas. This will be the first step in getting me back on the road to recovery.”
“I will admit I am a bit anxious about this procedure but looking forward to what it will do to help jump start my road to recovery. After that, it will be several weeks of home and bed rest and then assessment for the next procedure to follow. As always, I want to say thank you to everyone. The love and support from all of you brings me to tears every day. No joke.”
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“Oh, by the way, I threw up during my ct scan with contrast. That was weird.”
