Creon and stomach pain

I had a lot of pain when I was first diagnosed with pancreatic. They finally checked out my gallbladder and ended up removing it. I haven’t had anything else removed because my tumor is wrapped around arteries, but I don’t have that pain anymore. Just my experience.

I already have gallbladder removed glad that worked for you

Creon is to be taken with food, not in advance. If you are taking it along with food and still having issues, Registered Dietitians and the manufacturer suggest trying an alternate brand. The Rx enzymes are sourced from porcine pancreas, so if there are sensitivities with pork, there are alternate sources of enzymes used for those that are vegan.

Each of the Rx brands while contained enzymes from the same organ source, differ as a result of the manufacturing process in how the enzymes are extracted, purified, concentrated, lyophilized as well as the composition of the gelatin capsule. One brand may work fine in one patient but perform differently than in another patient. It is for these reasons it is suggested to evaluate another brand if one is not perming optimally. There are also OTC brands and the two most often recommended by R.D.’s are Vital Nutrients and Digestive Gold.

Hi , it’s nice to meet someone who has had their whole pancreas & spleen removed ( amongst other organs!) like me - quite a challenge when it comes to digesting nutrients for my body from my food food..

it’s pretty disheartening for you having to restrict what you eat to just having broth in order to have no tummy pains.. you must feel pretty wiped out …. do you take any other brands of enzymes to help absorb any fats or protein from the broth ?

i’m having issues with tummy pains at the moment on Creon — it has helped a bit by drinking plenty (2 glasses) of water with food & the tablets —because i read that people’s pancreases add 1-2 glasses of bio carb alkalising fluids with many helpful enzymes in it (including the 3 in Creon) to help neutralise the acidic food from the stomach & help it’s digestion down the small intestine

I am really grateful to find this support group offered by the mayo clinic here & to read the helpful reply you just got -
about RX enzymes & also Vital Nutrients & Digest Gold

as i’m wondering if i can try a break from creon myself now & replace it with a tablet that has a fuller variety of enzymes & nutrients in it ( from pancreatic tissue of pigs or grass fed cows beef )

I'm glad I found this thread!

I am experiencing similar pains after eating. I wouldn't really call it pain but more of a feeling of not being well. Just plain crappy. This typically starts about 20 minutes after eating (with Creon) and could last for several hours. I figured it was due to my new anatomy and it working through the process of digesting and never thought it could be the Creon. I'm still struggling with the right dosages on the Creon for snacks and meals. I was told 1-2 for snacks, 3-4 for meals. I've heard some people are taking 7 -8 per meal. I'm just eating really small meals as well. Plus I'm still on tube feedings because I can't eat more than 1 - 2 small meals a day yet due to this discomfort and not feeling well. I am only eating bland foods at the moment, when I can eat.

It's interesting @riva that you say drinking lots of water with meals. I read some where to limit intake to before meals when on Creon but what you say makes sense. I will try that to see if it helps.

I recently was given a book from my wife, "The Pancreatitis Cancer Cookbook" which has given me a good idea on foods and meals especially with Type 1 diabetes and having had a total pancreatectomy. I"m anxious to get started with it.

My story: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1168048/