Hi Folks,

 

Finally found a forum with folks living without or with a small portion of their pancreas. Most everyone I talk to about my condition, including doctors, react a though I am telling a fantasy story.

At age 49 I had 80% of my pancreas removed along with my spleen and gall bladder in January 2007 after languishing three months in the Guthrie Hospital in Sayre, PA. Left the hospital after a month of recovery for home care with eight drain tubes............for another month and a half recovery. A year later had psuedo cysts bypassed to the stomach. Then in 2009 had three failed attempts at the Cleveland Clinic to place stints in the reaining bile ducts. Returned several months later and had my apendix and 3 feet of bowel removed.

Since that time have lead a fairly normal life. I do not have diabetes and my sugar levels are normal, my enzyme levels are in the normal range as well. Pain is infrequent unless I fall off a healthy low fat diet. I do have sugar lows between meals and after bowel movements.........always carry a snack and protein drink. Also tier easy with about three hours active work endurance and then nap time.

Wondered if anyone has had memory problems since losing their pancreas and the medical trials we have gone through. After my recovery noticed that I often had a three second delay for memory especially while speaking and trying to remember facts or names. I need to have things written down when speaking before a group or making a presentation because I will momentarily forget the next item, etc. Anyone else experience this?

***this post is edited by moderator *** *** web addresses not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use

At 56 and 6 years past losing my pancreas i wonder how long a productive life one might expect. I live every day as though it may be my last.