What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

My hubby had CT for hernia repair and the specialist at the Gold Coast private found lesion in his pancreas, hernia has to wait. He's had ERCP and gastroscopy and confirmed pNET but encapsulated. PET Scan didn't appear to have spread. Eversince, lots of frustrations, stress, tears, fears and the outcome be like. He is having distal pancreactomy + spleen removed on the 6/9/23 at the GCUH, Australia. I'm his partner n a carer so taking time off from the hospital. As I read through peoples experiences, I am hoping that hell recover quicker,

Good luck ti you and your partner. My husband just had 50% of his pancreas removed and his spleen removed; plan on 6-8 weeks recovery but so far he is doing well! No heavy lifting but lots of walking helps.

Gall bladder too ?? wow
why was that ?? all during same op ? and how long ago ?

Theres very few dieticians in regional cities like mine and ive found Naturopaths suggestions are not really suitable for the double banger of diabetes and a poorly functioning pancreas. Op was Oct and in june i developed a fungal rash in 6 places. Weird !! Before that in march I got a Staph infection --giant multi headed boil from the "post splenectomy" Meningaccocal injection and in April had the last compulsory vaccine for Pneumonia-- which caused my remaining bit if pancreas to start throwing clots !!
My pancreas had centre removed & head & tail stapled together but tail is dying so it weeped a fluid that caused severe infection. Hence 3 overnighters in hospital. January, March & April
Now feeling pretty normal --except finding correct diet is tricky--conflicting advice
All the best to you too--we are lucky to not have had the dreaded sorry we cant help talk

wow you ladies have sooo much courage yoir treatments & operations were wsyyyy eorse thsn mine
I think i was so shocked after 30+ years of good health that a 6.45 hrs op was horrifying--but i'm even mire shocked by what you are enduring. God bless or whatever works for you 😘🌹

Fingers crossed for him & peace of mind for you.
Its all very scary
Not familiar with these terms what is an ERCP ? and a pNET please ?

Endoscopic Retrograde cholaniopancreactomy-a procedure to diagnose n treat problems in liver, gall bladder, pancreas n bile duct. pNET means pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour

The best you can do for him is make sure he is healthy as possible going into the surgery. Eating greens, protein (!) and vegetable. Multi vitamin at least. Walking, swimming, or whatever every day! And, most important, find thriving survivor stories. They are out there in many places.

Lastly, remember there is a Great Physician that works through our doctors. Give Him the glory and your trust. It will be okay
If he is already healthy he shouldn’t need you home more than 2 weeks after hospital release. He will be sore but not incapacitated!

Your courage is impressive.

Great n good news. What are the recommended diet? Is probiotic good too ?

I had the distal panc/splenectomy. Dr Kendrick did an amazing job laparoscopically and had veins to reconstruct. Unfortunately, I had pancreatic leak with the small remaining piece of pancreas and developed fluid pockets and an abscess. I was in the hospital for a month and out of work for three months recovering and dealing with drains, infections etc. a friend of mine just had the same only with open surgery and her recovery has been very difficult as well. Much more so with an open wound from chest to belly button. If you can get it done laparoscopically, it’s an easier recovery from a wound healing perspective. Keep in mind that you may also have diabetes after surgery depending on how much pancreas is taken. That’s a challenge to manage at the beginning as well.