Cramps and painful gas 3 months after Whipple: Thoughts?

@matt2024

Good idea talk to your doctor, also ask about a nutritionist. I had to bump up my creon dosage when I started on chemotherapy 7 weeks post op Whipple.

I've noticed quite a few people here are using digestive enzymes. Did you have to go through any specific tests to get a prescription for them? If you don’t mind sharing, which test did you take? I just did the elastase test myself.

@azsunshine7 my surgeon told me how to get it free. Go to Abbvie.com.pas and ask for a application. Your doctor also has to fill one out also. They approved the applications pretty quick. They send me the enzymes (creon) by mail as to the prescription the doctor wrote. It is free. No tests.

@johnny1955

If my doctor prescribes it I will go to the site.

Did you take a test to indicate you needed digestive enzymes?

Thanks so much.

@azsunshine7 do you still have your pancreas? Mine doesn't work so I have to have the enzymes. I did not take enzyme test.

@johnny1955

I had the whipple surgery which included taking out part of the pancreas, and stomach.

@azsunshine7 is your pancreas still functioning? Your doctor should have told you if you need the enzymes.
When did you have the whipple?

@ Johnny 1955 Hello Johnny. I had Whipple Mid June this year. I had similar issues with cramps and BAD smelling gas. Doctor increased CREON to 2- 36000 unit capsules before each meal and then I take 1 more before going to bed. This has helped me. The doctors nursev also suggested I take one before an oily or greasy snack (whichbi avoide). If I don't take CREON the gas comes back. Good luck and have faith. My cancer has re appeared in my liver and i am back on chemo.

@hugo1313 thanks for the input. That makes sense. I wake up in the morning with gas. I will take the creon before going to bed. I am sorry that you are having more chemo.

@johnny1955
Hi Johnny. Did you have laparoscopic Whipple procedure? Mine was open surgery. Although took a few more days at hospital, the recovery was minimal. I was back to office work in 8 weeks. And travel in 10. Reason I went with open sugery was surgical experience. Lapa has only been around for only a few years and experience is limited. Also with Lapa I was told they remove part of your stomach. Which can lead to other issues. Hope the Crayon works for you. Keep us posted.