To whipple or not to whipple? What is quality of life like after?

@bilas I’m following along. Really feeling for you. ❤️ How nice of those ladies. I had an experience like that once - also went to car to break down. People can be kind which is heartening! Thinking of both you and Jamie and hope for improvement and answers for him. - Rose

@tomrennie Yes at times I am falling apart. I was visiting Jamie in the hospital Saturday. I decided to go to my car and just let my emotions go. Three ladies came to my car to ask if there was anything they could do. I told the ladies I am just falling apart. We talked and prayed for a moment. A short time later one of the ladies came back to the car with a Starbucks Gift Card and a muffin. I will never ever forget this act of pure kindness. Jamie is home now and sleeping.HUGS, Carole & Jamie

@gamaryanne Hi. I think to see if I have and treat SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth) which I might have. Who knows. I have constipation with soft stool, and I have diarrhea. I feel like I have to go all the time and struggle to maybe go a little and then I also have explosions of diarrhea and bad cramps. This goes on constantly. And this is after about 9 months of only diarrhea all day everyday. I don’t think the doctors know what anything is or what to do. Sorry I’m so negative but I’m fed up with this. LN100

@ln100 what was Rifaxin prescribed for?

To @tomrennie, Thanks for your concern. So far, no. I’m hunting for a new GI doctor. This whipple is no joke. I had complications with the surgery, in the hospital and still a year later. I’m overwhelmed. The dietician said on the spectrum of difficulties after I am on the very high side. I don’t believe that. I can’t be the only one. Oh well. I’ll keep on trying to solve this as best as possible. I don’t want to scare anyone who needs the surgery. It’s just that it’s hard to fathom I had pancreatic cancer because I went in feeling fine physically and came out a wreck. Ln100

@ln100 Sorry to hear about your post Whipple challenges. They sound difficult. Have you found anything that helps with any of them?

@bilas I hope the results of the liver biopsy go well. I have had one myself. Waiting on the results can be difficult. I would be surprised if you weren't falling apart. I sometimes think it is easier to be the patient than the caregiver. All you can do is your best. If your best is falling apart, then fall apart. I know what it is like to feel like Humpty Dumpty. Sometimes, we need the support of all of the king's horses and all of the king's men to put the pieces of ourselves back together again. Do you have help putting your pieces back together again?

@bilas

Has anyone taken Rifaxin. I tried it for one day and I was so sick I thought that was the end. My gi doctor said to continue it but I’m not taking it ever again. I had constant liquid diarrhea bad, terrible hemmorhoids, chills, pain in my legs, pain in my belly, panick, nausea, cramps, stiff joints, everything. It’s been a year since my whipple and I’m still a total mess. Ln100

@tomrennie Biopsy was done on the liver yesterday. Results may take days. As for me I an falling apart. I don't show Jamie my emotions. He has enough to worry about. Thank you for asking.