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Whipple procedure: What is the recovery like?

Pancreatic Cancer | Last Active: Dec 12, 2022 | Replies (75)

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@elliek

I had a Whipple procedure along with removal of both ovaries in October. Large tumour in head of pancreas plus larger ovarian tumour meant a long incision from just below my breasts to my pelvis.

Spent 3 days in ICU and 2 weeks in the hospital. Sat up on day 2 and started walking on day 3. Just ice till day 3 and no solid foods till day 5. Pain management, anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory meds required up to 6 weeks post-op.

All tumours benign. Now permanently on Omeprazole to prevent gastric ulcers. Meal portion size back up to about 60% of same pre-OP. Frequent stomach muscle cramps from extended periods of driving, housework, gardening, but good mobility overall. Scarring not too bad but will need work to lessen visibility.

Wishing all of you well with your respective treatments.

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Replies to "I had a Whipple procedure along with removal of both ovaries in October. Large tumour in..."

elliek, do you have an elastic abdominal support brace for your abdomen that you use to support your stomach muscles while out driving, gardening, and doing housework?

My abdomen was opened up 3 times to have most of my large intestine removed and then subsequent 2 bowel obstructions with a revision of my anastomosis that all occurred in a span of one year.

The abdominal support really made a difference in my confidence that my abdominal muscles were being supported well and being so, I never experienced a hernia, incisional or otherwise.