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!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Pancreatic Cancer Support Group.

lbhownslbh1 | @lbhownslbh1 | Sep 16 8:42pm
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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1 reply
c2pricorn66 | @c2pricorn66 | Nov 2, 2023

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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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 2, 2023
In reply to @c2pricorn66 "Hello & good day. Hubby had lap distal panc & spleen on the 6 Sept. and..." + (show)
@c2pricorn66

Hello & good day. Hubby had lap distal panc & spleen on the 6 Sept. and on regular diet. A few weeks after, he was put on 25,000 creon 3x a day but he's been getting abdo pain @ times esp when he doesn't snack or pass meal times. How long can you go on it? and should Dr lower its dose?

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@c2pricorn66, how is your hubby doing? Have you been able to find the right Creon dosage?

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jk77 | @jk77 | Oct 25, 2023

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.)

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jk77 | @jk77 | Oct 25, 2023
In reply to @mnewland99 "Also, bananas are very high in sugar and any sugar substitute would cause diarrhea. Have you..." + (show)
@mnewland99

Also, bananas are very high in sugar and any sugar substitute would cause diarrhea. Have you tried Ensure protein drink?

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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.

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