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← Return to Spasms after Whipple
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I have had these spasms, last about a minute. I had Whipple a year ago. I had them more at the beginning, very infrequently now. Mine cause pain across my back, similar to gall bladder or pancreatitis attack, and sometimes referred pain up to my shoulder. I notice if I eat at night, and lie down or lie back soon after, this can bring it on - have to get up and walk around. Someone suggested holding arms above the head, I do that too. It does go away in about a minute, but painful while it lasts. My doctors don't know the cause.
Replies to "I have had these spasms, last about a minute. I had Whipple a year ago. I..."
@dalegantous
Hello,
I have just seen this thread and so glad about that. I have spasms, too, and glad I’m not the only one. I thought I was having a heart attack the first time it happened. My cardiologist said no.
I had a Whipple surgery 1 and 1/2 years ago. ( I still have my pylorus.) My spasms occur across my midsection and often up into my shoulders and chest. They last about a minute. I usually stand up and walk through them. I can’t see any pattern to when they occur, but they sure do hurt. My doctors don’t know the cause either.
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The spasms you are describing are very similar to mine. Mine are felt across the upper abdomen and the more severe ones, do go up my shoulder. They do last about a minute as well. Keeping my torso straight and breathing through them has helped. The more severe ones have happened late in the day after dinner. I consulted with my oncologist Dr. but she did not know cause. Will follow up with my surgeon as well. Thank you, for sharing your experience with these spasms! Hopefully they'll go away with time.