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Creon - am I taking too much or too little?

Posted by stillaround @stillaround, Sep 27, 2025

Hi - pancreatic cancer person here. (Surgery 14 years ago removed tail, recurrence on head a year ago, currently in remission after treatment including hi-dose radiation.) Started Creon several weeks ago. I THINK I am taking enough as I am finally putting weight on, stools are proper color etc. But I am quite bloated with distended belly and a bit constipated. If everything else is good could this mean I'm not taking enough? Or does constipation with normal stools mean I'm already taking too much?

I take 36,000 with my smallish calorie-dense meals, my weight is 108. The PERT calculator indicates I need closer to 48,000 at breakfast but other meals I'm in range.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 2 days ago
In reply to @tomrennie "@valerina30 Good luck with the results of the cat scan. Any idea on when you might..." + (show)
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@valerina30 Good luck with the results of the cat scan. Any idea on when you might get them?

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@tomrennie tommrow I should.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 2 days ago
In reply to @artistrose "@valerina30 The fecal elastase test is a “stool” test. It is ordered by a doctor and..." + (show)
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@valerina30 The fecal elastase test is a “stool” test. It is ordered by a doctor and done by a lab. It’s purpose is to test your stool for pancreatic insufficiency. Depending on the number you get for pancreatic insufficiency, depends on how much Creon (or other brand enzyme) you need. After the test my doctor prescribed me 2-24,000 units of Creon per meal. However, my EPI number is in the moderate, not severe range. Those in severe range would have higher doses. Your weight also figures into the calculation.Either a GI doctor or dietician should be able to help you. Hope this helps.

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@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one.

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artistrose | @artistrose | 2 days ago
In reply to @valerina30 "@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one." + (show)
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@artistrose Thank You I’m gonna ask my doctor for one.

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@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop taking them for five days before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

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valerina30 | @valerina30 | 1 day ago
In reply to @artistrose "@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop..." + (show)
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@valerina30 According to Medline: If you are taking pancreatic enzyme supplements, you may need to stop taking them for five days before the test. Don't stop taking any medicines unless your provider tells you to.

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@artistrose ok Thanks for the heads up!

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margaretbannan1948 | @margaretbannan1948 | 1 day ago

16 months creon taker after a Whipple. Yes, it is trial and error. I take 3 creon 25000 for a major meal and 1 if just a light meal eg a nut bar or toast. It has taken ages to get to the point of no urgency to go to the toilet. Slightly delayed now but hoping to negotiate a better regime for outing safety sake. If you don't take enough creon as I understand it, then valuable nutrients are not being absorbed for best health and subject to weight loss.

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margaretbannan1948 | @margaretbannan1948 | 1 day ago

Someone mentioned 'dumping' . Is that letting all the sheep out in one sitting. Like completely emptying the bowel after a compulsory 15 minute sit. Whipple and creon is a whole new world of pooping. Guess I just want to know what is normal after Whipple and creon. Thank you for sharing your experience 😊

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