Whipple Procedure QuestionI am 3.5 mo... - Pancreatic Cancer...

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Whipple Procedure QuestionI am 3.5 months after surgery and wondered how long other people take to fully recover from this procedure?

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Spring
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Duchess profile image
Duchess

My husband had the whipple procedure and he took about 6 mnths before he was feeling back to his normal self and getting all his strength back. Hopefully it will not be too long before you are back to your full strength. I wish you all the best. Duchess ,

steffy12 profile image
steffy12 in reply to Duchess

Hi... Hope it's ok me contacting you... My husband had whipple procedure just under 3 months ago... For none cancer... He is taking creon tablets and its still trial and error finding how many to take... He was told that 2-3 months after surgery he will start to feel better.... However that doesn't seem to be the case... He is aching alot around the bottom of his back and his shoulder... I just wondered if this is something your husband had...he's struggling to find any advice...he's definitely not ready to return to work... He does a physical job. I hope you can give me some help... He had the top of his pancreas removed.... Thanks

Lingvespa profile image
Lingvespa in reply to steffy12

Hi I had whipple procedure in November 2019 had a few problems with leaking bile duct and ended up staying in hospital for 1 month, its been a rocky ride while being at home I only had my 2 remaining drain bags removed 3 weeks ago, they had been in for a total 14 weeks because of leaking bile duct. I was struggling to eat any amount of food over Christmas, then at the beginning of January my appetite picked up however I've only put on 4lb of the 3 stone I've lost. Over the last week I have had problems with nausea and sickness after eating, also struggling with very bad upper middle back pain and delayed stomach emptying, I'm taking creon before food but struggling to find the balance with amount. The back pain is deep inside and I've become a little concerned, I will be getting in touch with the hospital on Monday just to find out if this is to be expected. I was lucky to have had a 2.5cm ipmn pre malignant cyst found on the head of my pancreas in September 2019 then strongly advised to have whipple procedure. I hope you manage to cope and make a full recovery.

Lingvespa profile image
Lingvespa in reply to steffy12

Hi, I had the whipple surgery in November 2019 to remove premalignant ipmn in head of my pancreas, I spent 3 nights in ICU and 1month total in hospital. I was sent home with 2 drains attached to carry away the waste from a leaking bile duct, I had the drains removed in February. Iam now 9months into recovery I have regained 1 stone of 3 stone I lost, I have difficulty with fatigue after eating and after going for walks. I am taking creon with meals and still have issues with some food, it hasn't done my mental health any good either, although I am very grateful that I was diagnosed and operated on at an early stage. Wishing you well with your recovery.

Spring profile image
Spring

Thanks for that. I still get very tired and my appetite has completely changed since the operation.

Sunloving76 profile image
Sunloving76 in reply to Spring

I agree. It's almost 3 months and I surely don't feel myself . My appetite is way off. I'm likely if I can eat the size of my fist of food. I feel tired so much of the time. Any suggestions?? I love the beach but after being there I'm exhausted.

Duchess profile image
Duchess

So did my husbands appetite. He did not like the smell even of some foods.. The only thing he would eat at first was ice cream and lollies. He gradually got his appetite. but this took a good 6-8 mnths.. Hopefully it will not be too long before your appetite comes back. My husband was advised to eat little, but often, say 6 small meals a day. It is a hard procedure, but it works in the end. Also he had to take tablets which helped digest his food better. Take care and if there is anything else you want to ask me, I shall try my best to answer you, Duchess.

lindy1lou profile image
lindy1lou

I am now 9 months post-op whipple and eating a normal diet (taking 2 creon enzymes before each meal) and can increase the creon if the meal is more fatty. I lost 3 stone after the op but have put on a few pounds in the lat few months. It is best to at small meals more often. I do have "toilet" mornings if I've eaten too much wrong food!! - are you diabetic too now? - regards - Linda

Spring profile image
Spring

I am now 8 months post whipple and my appetite is improving. I lost a stone after surgery, which I was quite happy about, and so far it has stayed off.

I did not have all of my pancreas removed, so am not diabetic and do not need to take any special enzymes. My appetite has changed, I get full up quicker and find that I am more careful with what I eat. But I don't get as stuffed full as I did those first few months.

My internal muscles are still healing, and I still get to know about it if i lift something too heavy or have a sneezing fit! I still do get tired if I do too much, but seem to be heading in the right direction, to which I am very grateful! My next scan is in June and I hope it will remain good news.

Nicds profile image
Nicds

My Mum had the whipple proceedure in April this year. She is ok apart from a pain in her upper stomach, just above the scar, at one end of the scar, it is very hard. She is finding it very hard to get out and walk about. Have you experienced this?

Chichichan profile image
Chichichan

I am 6 months post whipple surgery. My pancreatitis is from pre-cancerous nasties-as my surgeon said. However, I am still unsure about food, still have pain and nausea. Is this common? I take generic creon tablets, I try 1-2 before and 1 or 2 after I eat. I still have pain. I've been kinda on my own about this and need some advice. Any one have these problems?

Sunloving76 profile image
Sunloving76 in reply to Chichichan

I have the same pain. I also feel nauseous and have a big fight to eat. I'm only just 3 months out since the surgery. I hope mine doesn't take 6 months. Good luck and if you find anything that works please let us know.

Chiapet profile image
Chiapet in reply to Chichichan

Take 2 before you eat, and one with every snack.

Freespirit59 profile image
Freespirit59

It took me a while... I take a digestive enzyme that is plant based.... I opted to avoid pig based enzyme... It works well... I have good days and bad days but I feel better than I did before the surgery... Be patient that is all I can tell you and you will be fine