1. < Pancreatic Cancer

Foods after Pancreatectomy/Splenectomy

Posted by flashbackfcr @flashbackfcr, Aug 19, 2022

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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joiedevivre | @joiedevivre | Feb 17 7:13pm
In reply to @vector "Is your husband taking Creon when he eats?" + (show)
@vector

Is your husband taking Creon when he eats?

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He takes 3x150mg per meal. That allows him to put on a bit of weight. He dropped it to 2 capsules a meal about 4 months back and weight dropped by 1 kg in 3 months - does not sound alot but still not ideal. He has gone back to 3 capsules a week back. It’s a bit trial-and-error. He dropped it because he thought it would not affect him too much and he’s so sick of tablets.
How is your wife doing? Latest markers this month?

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vector | @vector | Feb 17 11:01am

Is your husband taking Creon when he eats?

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1 reply
joiedevivre | @joiedevivre | Feb 16 7:16pm
In reply to @young60 "First, I want to say thank you for all the information provided regarding the surgery for..." + (show)
@young60

First, I want to say thank you for all the information provided regarding the surgery for the spleenectomy, removal of the gallbladder, and tail end of the pancreas. My surgery is scheduled for 3/11/2025, and this group has been very informative and helpful. Its a lot to take in, but I am so grateful to know that I am not alone. Is there anyone who has suggestions for pre-surgery? I have approximately 4 weeks until my surgery and am wondering if there is anything I can do physically and nutritionally that would be helpful prior to surgery.

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Moderate exercise, eat nutritiously and for a couple of days before surgery shower with an antiseptic soap such as Joycare or Octenisan. Just do things that make you happy or feel good - to go in to surgery positive. All the best!

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young60 | @young60 | Feb 15 10:14am

First, I want to say thank you for all the information provided regarding the surgery for the spleenectomy, removal of the gallbladder, and tail end of the pancreas. My surgery is scheduled for 3/11/2025, and this group has been very informative and helpful. Its a lot to take in, but I am so grateful to know that I am not alone. Is there anyone who has suggestions for pre-surgery? I have approximately 4 weeks until my surgery and am wondering if there is anything I can do physically and nutritionally that would be helpful prior to surgery.

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1 reply
lbhownslbh1 | @lbhownslbh1 | Sep 16, 2024
In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome, @flashbackfcr. Food, digestion issues and recovering from pancreatectomy are things that fellow members @luckyone4321 @wrolsen..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Welcome, @flashbackfcr. Food, digestion issues and recovering from pancreatectomy are things that fellow members @luckyone4321 @wrolsen @beachdog @kay2 @kyaeger @drileymn @buckslayer and @marvinjsturing know about first-hand either as patients themselves or caring for someone living with pancreatic cancer.

While we wait for others to offer tips and support for you and your husband, I think you might find some useful posts in these related discussions:
- Total Pancreatectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/total-pancreatectomy/
– Help…need guidance on eating after whipple https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/help-need-guidance-on-eating-after-whipple/
- Life after Pancreatectomy: How was your recovery? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/life-after-pancreatectomy/

No warning diarrhea and stressing over it don't go well together do they? Would wearing underwear for fecal incontinence make him feel more comfortable and confident? It could be helpful to reduce the stress and likely a temporary need.

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I had a full pancreatectomy and spleenectomy a little over 10 years ago which made me a type one diabetic and I'm very interested in getting to know everything I can in this group.

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marienewland | @mnewland99 | Dec 11, 2023

I'm not sure how that would work, but thank you for the suggestion. Currently, I am getting Creon from the pharmaceutical company.

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lgk2948 | @lgk2948 | Dec 11, 2023
In reply to @mnewland99 "I took 36,000 3x per day for the first 8 mos. Then took papaya pills when..." + (show)
@mnewland99

I took 36,000 3x per day for the first 8 mos. Then took papaya pills when creon became unaffordable ($2500 per bottle). I didn’t experience diarrhea but did experience pain if I didn’t take it before eating. After taking papaya pills I found out I didn’t need to take those either and now I take nothing. However due to my now diabetes type 1 situation I’m careful with what I eat which is mainly low carb and low sugar. Maybe low carb and sugar diet would help?

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Have you tried purchasing Creon from a Canadian Phamacy? I purchase 300 units for about $460.

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tpoplin | @tpoplin | Dec 10, 2023

yea unfortunately raw vegetables are very hard to digest, unfortunately veggies are major and we struggle with that

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 10, 2023
In reply to @tpoplin "my wife Teresa had a total pancreatectomy in 2018, the first year was very difficult for..." + (show)
@tpoplin

my 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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Hello @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?

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tpoplin | @tpoplin | Dec 9, 2023

my 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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