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Pancreatic Cancer Group: Introduce yourself and connect with others
Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (1418)Comment receiving replies
Hello, my father had chronic pancreatitis and had to go through the Whipple procedure as it was the only option for him according to every doctor we visited, the operation was nearly three years ago but unfortunately he’s still losing an enormous amount of weight as he lost nearly 120 lb, he is still not able to eat a complete meal without getting diarrhea and stomach pain, he is a walking skeleton and people get terrified of the way his body and face looks, he’s not taking any vitamins or supplements and his diet is so light, any information that helps his case would be much appreciated, thanks.
Replies to "Hello, my father had chronic pancreatitis and had to go through the Whipple procedure as it..."
Hello @mohammed01 and welcome to Mayo Connect. I can understand your concern about your father's continued weight loss and inability to eat without pain and diarrhea. As @gamaryanne has suggested, a digestive enzyme like Creon might be helpful to him. Most patients who have had surgery use this type of enzyme. Is his doctor willing to prescribe this type of medication for your dad? Here is a link with information about Creon, https://www.creoninfo.com/.
You mention that your dad is not able to eat a full meal without symptoms. Has he tried eating multiple, small meals throughout the day?
Since his surgery was three years ago and he has lost 120 pounds, have you considered getting a second opinion? If you do get a second opinion, it would be good to get that consultation from a Pancreatic Center of Excellence. Mayo Clinic would be a great place for this type of consultation. Here is a link with appointment information,
http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
If an appointment with Mayo Clinic is not possible for any reason, then the Pancreas Foundation website might be helpful. Here is a link where you can input your location and find the nearest center of excellence, https://pancreasfoundation.org/patient-resources/npf-centers-of-excellence/
I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you continue to post with any questions or concerns?
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Is your father taking Creon with each meal? Does his doctor have a dietician in clinic?
My surgeon does and I find it extremely helpful to work with her. Especially after surgery.
If he cannot afford creon there are alternatives. The key is to learn how to manage it as one eats. This is not normal; a doctor should be addressing this pronto