Hi Claire. 

I found your post while looking for information for my cousin in New Zealand.

She is in her late 40's and had her pancreas removed 2 weeks ago for IPMN. She had 6 months of abdominal pain (prior to her IPMN diagnosis) which her GP diagnosed as IBS. No other past medical history.  Just heard  she got her biopsy results today and she's had a lucky save as her survival chances would have been less than a year had she not had surgery. 

She's in the early days learning about insulin and enzymes but looking forward to recovery. 

I hope you are well and have adjusted to life. Would be great to hear how you are getting on. 

Hiya,

Thanks for getting in touch! I'm very sorry to hear about your cousin, but the prognosis sounds good! It's strange to think an experience like that could make you feel lucky, but it's true.

I was lucky too and made a pretty good recovery from the surgery. I had some trouble with bowel obstructions post-surgery (very painful) so that's a useful thing to look out for! Ensure she isn't eating too much fatty foods post-surgery (which my dietician recommended for me as I'd lost quite a bit of weight and it was not a good idea!) 

It's a lot to get your head around - the insulin and enzymes - especially if she was relatively healthy before, but you really do get used to it. A challenge can be finding people with similar experiences - there are lots of diabetics (who don't take enzymes), or people with partial pancreatectomies/whipples who don't require insulin - but it's difficult to find people with both! There are some Facebook groups that can be useful at time. 

As for now - I take omeprazole, vitiamins and iron tablets each day and started on an insulin pump recently which has been great! I do struggle with fatigue at times but returned to work 6 months post-surgery and have been working pretty much ever since. 

I'm happy to answer any questions you or she may have - just drop a note here!

Claire

Hi Claire

I've just had a total pancreatectomy plus my gallbladder and spleen removed. It was all a huge shock as I hadn't had any previous symptoms either. 
I'm 4 weeks post-op and slowly getting used to the creon and insulin. I will be starting chemo in about 4 weeks.

it would be great to hear more from you on how you are coping and what it's like a few years down the line. 
 

debbie 

Hi Claire

I've just had a total pancreatectomy plus my gallbladder and spleen removed. It was all a huge shock as I hadn't had any previous symptoms either. 
I'm 4 weeks post-op and slowly getting used to the creon and insulin. I will be starting chemo in about 4 weeks.

it would be great to hear more from you on how you are coping and what it's like a few years down the line. 
 

debbie