4 weeks post Whipple - struggling with post surgery pain

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Hello all

I am 4 weeks post Whipple and struggling with some of the post surgery pain that I am experiencing and wonder if others on this group have experienced similar. I am 55 (fit and have no other health conditions)

My ribs ache and are delicate to the touch making lying down, turning, or any other action really painful. 

I get really painful griping pains very low down in my intestines, this pain intensifies when I need to go to the toilet for a number 2. I can sit on the toilet for half hour crying before I actually go. I am not going every day but I am getting to a point where I don’t want to eat as much as I am fearful of the impact this has. 

I have been told that on the whole I am recovering remarkably well, I was discharged from hospital within a week, I am mobile and can do some basic chores around the home. Yes I am tired, and trying to rest as much as I can. I don’t know yet about whet the plan is for Chemo as I am meeting my Consultant this Friday. I am nervous about what he might say, however just need to get on with it and working towards a plan as at the moment I feel in limbo. 

I know I am one of the lucky ones, my diagnosis and treatment from having a stent fitted to then going straight to surgery for the Whipple  2 weeks later has been amazing. I am financially okay, have a very supportive family and network of friends and am healthy as can be. 

Any feedback about your post op pain would be most welcome 

  • It’s taken me a while, I’m three months out plus having chemo. I also have SIBO and now eat low fodmap, that’s what was giving me so much digestive pain Heart️

  • Hi sorry, what is SIBO? And what is low fodmap? 

  • Small intentional bacterial overgrowth 

    not sure what fodmap stands for but it’s diet to address that.

    works for me- is supposed to be temporary- do you have a dietitian? Ask them x

  • Hi.  I’m almost 10 weeks out of whipple surgery. I think it’s early days for you. The lower stomach pain in my case was just the food going through it. I’m doing pretty well now in terms of eating and doing no 2.  The hospital should be able to give you something to help you.  
    i think it’s a time thing. You just need that to heal. I’m wishing the best for you. Nx