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Occasional sharp back pain after whipple
Hello! I had Whipple for cancerous tumor in head of my pancreas on February 9th. Some lymph node and nerve tissue involvement, but margins clear. I've had 5 rounds of Folfirinox, 7 more to go. After my Whipple, I would occasionally have very sharp pain in the upper middle of my back, similar pain to a gall bladder attack (I have no gall bladder). The pain is debilitating, but only lasts a minute. This seemed to go away, but kicked off again with my 5th round. Surgeons checked my bloodwork, no issues. No one seems to know the cause of this. Anyone have similar issues or ideas as to the cause? Thank you.
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Hi Teresa,
I have had some post complications ( bleeding ulcer at anastomosis , abdominal pain & digestion issue ) but after CT & endoscopy it was determined that removing the pancreatic stent may help some of the issues. It was removed in late October & I have had some improvement. Unfortunately none with the back issues but Abd sharp pain is gone .
Still have Abd & bowel issues but it to is improving.
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2 ReactionsHi, Judi here discussing continued lower back pain following my Whipple surgery that was completed in April 2025. I feel very blessed to be 16 months post surgery but the lower back pain continues. I was given an opioid which helps a lot but my oncologist wonders why my back pain continues.....I do too! I was a Stage 1 when the pancreatic cancer was found.
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2 ReactionsI forgot to add, I have scans every 3 months and there has been no sign of recuring cancer.
Judi
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2 ReactionsHello @judiwells
I am sure you are pleased to be 16 months post-surgery and that the scans show no signs of recurrence. I am sorry to hear of your back pain; that sounds very uncomfortable. Have you consulted any other doctor regarding the back pain?
Perhaps an appointment with an orthopedic doctor specializing in the lower back would be helpful. This pain might be related to another condition.
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Is there anything that seems to trigger the pain? Is it better when you stand up or sit?
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1 ReactionI will definitely see an orthopedic surgeon for his advice. I will also ask for PT to see if this will help relieve the back pain. I have the pain in my middle to lower back every morning when I get up. and the pain goes down to my middle thighs. It gets worse walking around and doesn't get any better sitting in a comfortable chair. The opioid last about 7 hours, but the pills recommend taking every 4 hours. It is definitely frustrating. I am a very active person and hopefully I can find a solution for the back pain. I didn't have much pain after the Whipple procedure, but I was kept appropriately sedated to any pain for several days after the surgery.
Judi
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2 ReactionsHello @judiwells
I look forward to hearing from you again as you continue to look for answers about this back pain. Will you keep posting and let me know how you are doing?