Whipple process

I had a malignent tumor on my Bile duct and had it removed via the Whipple Process in October 05, have never been the same.Developed major lesions in my intestines and had to have abdominal surgery last year in May.(it took them 3 years after the whipple to find this-so for three years I had been on major pain medication) have no other illness(blood presure, diabeties, overweight etc). I am a 54 year old adult male.After the whipple they found no evidence of cancer or malignancy therefore no chemo or radiation(guess I got lucky)Was wondering if anyone has or had symtoms i have and if so how they dealt with it. 

My on going issues are:

Cramping in the abdominal area, pangs of unbearable pain that disable me for 30-40 secs, constant spasams/cramps in the stomoch area which cause pain.High anxiety levels assosiated with being constantly scared of having a painfull attack in public.Loss of weight.The quality of life has gone to @@@@@

All the medical doctors just give you more pills-how many chemicals does the can the body take.

If anyone has dealt with these issues or can recommend a treatment to explore, would be very gratefull.

Thanks, 

aquillive,

Sorry about all the trouble you are having.  It happens to many people after Whipple surgery.

You don't say whether you are on Nexium in the AM and enzymes with any food intake.  If not, you should begin to take them ASAP.  Since you now have a compromised pancreas you will require enzymes, probably for the rest of your life, to properly process the food that eat.  Nexium in the AM will help to keep the acid produced in your stomach to an acceptable level.  I get that you don't wish to take more pills but these that I mention are really necessary to maintain your quality of life; the enzymes should help to prevent weight loss. 

As for your pain issues, have you been under the care of a pain control specialist?  Sometimes they can provide great relief for your suffering.

You might profit from visiting the Johns Hopkins Online Pancreatic Cancer Support Board.  I realize that your history is bile duct cancer but since you had Whipple surgery and many of those posters did as well, you share many of their physical aftermath issues.  You can google their name for their web address.

Good luck.

Joan L   

Dear Joan L,

Thank you for your thoughts. I am taking Enzymes 3 times a day, taking Protonix for acid, taking Baladonna Alkoid times 3, takeing impermine, valium and xanax before going to sleep-I guess I should just feel blessed to be alive.

Thank you for the suggestion of visting the John Hopkins site I will do that.