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Post Whipple Surgery incontinence - Underwear?

Posted by judithbramson12 @judithbramson12, Jul 2, 2023

I’m 8 months post Whipple and still in maternity (I’m not pregnant) panties. The reason is I still get unexpected surprises that I didn’t feel coming. Other time, I feel something and nothing is there. It sounds like a minor problem, but it keeps me close at home. I do take supplies if I have a doctor appointment, but I’d rather go someplace fun. I’m interested how so many of you go to restaurants. What do you wear underneath your clothes? How long did it take to feel secure without any unexpected surprises? I know everyone is different, but has anyone had the same experience as I? Plus COVID is still out there.
Thank you for reading this drivel.

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judithbramson12 | @judithbramson12 | Jul 26, 2023
In reply to @markymarkfl "I agree it might help more patients to be sent home from their Whipple surgery with..." + (show)
@markymarkfl

I agree it might help more patients to be sent home from their Whipple surgery with enzymes at the outset.

I didn't get my enzymes until about 4 weeks after the surgery, and from there it took a few more weeks for things to normalize. Waking up 3-4 times per night for a bowel movement is not good for sleep quality, and fatigue was my second biggest long-term difficulty (after bowels) with recovery.

I was back to work full-time 7 weeks after Whipple, but requiring numerous mid-day breaks/naps to get through it. Still heavily dependent on coffee to get through a day. 🙁

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My oncologist asked me if I was sure I wanted to go through with this (Whipple). I know now how difficult it is, but my alternative was one year to live. I thought he was out of his mind. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the help I needed until I contacted them over and over. It was a rude awakening. I got lucky and my surgeon got it all, cancer free!

Hang in there, it does get better, just takes time.

REPLY
judithbramson12 | @judithbramson12 | Jul 26, 2023

I find it amazing that you could go to work seven weeks post Whipple. You must have an incredible immune system. I couldn’t even talk to people at seven weeks. At nine months I can communicate, but still feel I’m in recovery, not even close to normal.

Kudos to you. Whatever you do, it has to be the right thing. There are so many variables to be considered. You are a Superman/woman. It’s so great to hear recoveries like yours.

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markymarkfl | @markymarkfl | Jul 26, 2023

Being a bit younger (59 at the time) and very active physically before the surgery worked to my advantage, but I think my wife's constant cooking for me afterward made the biggest difference. That and a lot of coffee! 🙂

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