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Foods after Pancreatectomy/Splenectomy
My husband had a total pancreatectomy/splenectomy and gall bladder removal on 8/11, so he's now a Type1 diabetic (was a Type2 for a couple of years before). He was in the hospital for 6 days. They started him out on clear liquids (1 day), then moved to soft foods for a couple of days and then put him on their "regular" diet. I absolutely understand that he needs to eat whatever he can in very small amounts, but we're definitely struggling. Nothing appeals to him and even eating small amounts causes diarrhea. I'm trying for high quality protein, low fat, low fiber foods. This morning's breakfast was 1/2 hard boiled egg, 1/2 slice cinnamon bread (no raisins), 1/4 banana, and no sugar added cherry juice diluted 50/50 with water. Can anyone offer any suggestions of what foods might be good to offer at this point? He's beginning to stress over the diarrhea because he says he has no warning and many times can't make it to the bathroom 12 feet away. He doesn't move around much, and I'm wondering how to motivate him to do more of that too? I know it will be a LONG road ahead, but today it seems longer than he will tolerate. Any advice or tips would be much appreciated!
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Also, bananas are very high in sugar and any sugar substitute would cause diarrhea. Have you tried Ensure protein drink?
Ensure is very high in sugar + assorted lab chemicals.
I use Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus shakes, and I dilute them with equal parts dairy milk and soy milk (bc these shakes also contain too much sugar, but they're less synthetic than Ensure, Boost, etc).
I also recommend Orgain shakes or Orgain powder + fluid.
I realize that you posted 3 mos. ago, but in case this might be of use: White rice? (A bland, low-fiber food that has binding properties.)
@c2pricorn66, how is your hubby doing? Have you been able to find the right Creon dosage?
Hi Colleen
Creon 25000 mg 3 x a day and 10000 mg in between meals (snacks) seems to settle his tummy ache. But the drain still attach exactly 8 weeks today. Surgeon pull out and cut 4cm of the drain and re-stitched last night stitches came undone and 10cm came out now in severe pain -off to see hospital again.
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1 Reactionmy wife Teresa had a total pancreatectomy in 2018, the first year was very difficult for her. Getting the amount of enzymes correct is key, the Dr started her out with a very aggressive amount according to body mass, after 4 months of struggling to eat without pain. she was admitted into our local hospital due to all the weight loss and major complications. The Dr felt maybe she was overdoing the enzymes and cut it back drastically and that helped. she went a full year before getting back to a somewhat normality and was getting very weary and discouraged , but began to gain weight and on the road to recovery,she also had some issues of diarrhea or some oily stools and we found most of that was because of too few of the enzymes in relation to the fatty or sometimes just eating any, i know it's difficult but hang in there and it WILL get better. as a caregiver it's hard to watch the one you love hurt and suffer so much, be tough and know it will be better soon
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6 ReactionsHello @tpoplin and welcome to Connect. I appreciate your post and your encouraging words. It sounds like your wife is showing improvement now, and it is good to know that being patient with the process of healing is important.
What type of diet plan works the best for her? Has she found that some foods need to be avoided?
yea unfortunately raw vegetables are very hard to digest, unfortunately veggies are major and we struggle with that
Have you tried purchasing Creon from a Canadian Phamacy? I purchase 300 units for about $460.
I'm not sure how that would work, but thank you for the suggestion. Currently, I am getting Creon from the pharmaceutical company.