Whipple recovery

I hope this helps people recovering from Whipple Procedure. We are all different of course in how we react long term. I had the operation over 2 years ago at the age of 67. For many I suspect it is life changing but I remind myself I am still alive and to be grateful for that.

Changing diet is crucial I feel. I experienced extreme bloating for 2 years until a Dr suggested I tried the Fodmap diet. I eliminated dairy especially milk and foods such as onions and garlic (that was hard!) because they ferment in your gut leading to gas and bloating. It has been very helpful though and exchanging onions for the green parts of spring onions and garlic chives meant I still get the flavour. It is a matter of trial and error. Oat milk was a great substitute also. Eating little and often rather than big meals is kinder to the insides and chewing food thoroughly also helps the digestion.

I take Creon - 35,000 before each meal but if I fancy a dessert I may take another 10,000 before I do. Life is too short for complete denial of treats!

Have nerve damage and it is a trial and nothing to be done except when it gets too much take a couple of painkillers at night. Helps me sleep without being woken by the pain.

Also take a pre/probiotic twice a day and CBD oil to take the edge off anxiety and the latter seems to help take the edge off the nerve pain also.

Can still experience dumping for no apparent reason so increase the Creon by 10,000 at the evening meal which seems to help. It is a daily challenge though and all one can do is listen to the body and what it is telling you. I do still work 4 mornings a week and walk every day to increase the stamina. Acceptance that Whipple is a life changing operation is difficult but for me crucial to come to terms with living a somewhat limited life now but at least I am living a life!

Wishing all Whipple patients and their families as positive an outcome as possible and heart felt sympathy for those who have lost loved ones.