• Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 432

Topic: Digestion/Creon question

Sorry guys, but I have a poop question.  sad

Since surgery, sometimes when I eat at restaurants I get some abdominal pain.  I'm assuming because of the high fat content in restaurant foods. I told my oncologist about this and she said she wouldn't be surprised if I had some digestion issues after all my treatment.  (I had liver resection, gallbladder removal, radiation and chemo)  She asked me if my stools float.  I said no.  Then I actually started inspecting them and yes the majority float.  I know this can be from a high fat content in stool.  But you would think I would have other symptoms.  I don't have diarrhea and only have bowel movements once a day.  They don't look greasy.  (again, sorry for the gross topic)
My oncologist prescribed creon.  I know lots of our whipple patients take this, but I didn't have a whipple.
I think I'm going to my PCP to see if I can have my stool tested for fat prior to taking these enzymes.
I did have a low Vitamin D level so, maybe I do have some absorption issues. (or maybe I need to live in a sunnier climate)
What are your experiences with creon?  Any non-whipple patients have to take them?
I don't like to take medications unless I'm certain I need them.

Thanks and take care!
Susie

  • Lainy
  • Lainy
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  • From: Phoenix AZ
  • Registered: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
  • Posts: 8,200

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Hi, Susie. I can't help on the Creon but it sounds like something Superman would use! I can help on the Sunshine. Come to Phoenix anytime, I have room for you!

Teddy ~In our hearts forever~ATTITUDE is EVERYTHING
Any suggestion I offer is intended as friendly advice based solely on my own experience. Please consult your doctor for professional guidance.
  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 432

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Thanks, Lainy!

  • Registered: Fri, 15 Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1,733

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Hi
It is actually a very good habit  to check the stool each time when we have a BM.(color,texture,and quantity). I do that daily.
Creon,Viokase are pancrelipase (pancreatic enzymes) to aid digestion (breaking down) of the fat contents in the food and to improve the absorption of it.
But when in doubt, ask your doctor.
God bless.

Please know that my personal opinion is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If  provided, information are for educational purposes.Consult doctor is a MUST for changing of treatment plans.
  • eli
  • eli
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  • From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: Tue, 08 Nov 2011
  • Posts: 561

Re: Digestion/Creon question

My wife doesn't take Creon even though she had Whipple. Her surgeon was adamant that she doesn't need it. He said the remaining part of her pancreas can produce enough enzymes on its own. I think he was right; Marina didn't have any digestive issues in the first 2 months after Whipple. Her digestion got messed up later on, when she started chemoradiation. She actually tried Creon for a week or so during radiation. She thought it made her diarrhea worse, so she dropped it and never touched it again. 

My understanding is that Creon packs a very large dose of pancreatic enzymes. You can get a much smaller dose of the same enzymes over the counter without prescription. Marina took OTC enzymes in the month before Whipple, while she was stented.

BTW, Marina follows a very low-fat diet. That might explain why she doesn't need extra enzymes. She had trouble digesting fats her entire life, so low fat diet is a like a second nature to her.

Not sure if I said anything helpful, so I better stop rambling.

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,157

Re: Digestion/Creon question

We were told that due to the "re-plumbing" of the intestinal tract fatty foods may be difficult to digest. Over the counter enzymes worked well for my husband.  We used one per regular meal and increased to two or three enzymes for meals with higher fat content or for those meals containing even small amounts of meat. 
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 432

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Thanks everyone!
And yes, Eli, your response was helpful!
I just don't know why I would need pancreatic enzymes if I didn't have a Whipple.

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,157

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Susie....My husband had a Roux-en-Y anastomosis, not a Whipple.   We were told that this procedure often presents with problems related to protein and fat mal-absorption.  Pancreatic enzyme replacement was advised.  It worked.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • Registered: Mon, 27 Jun 2011
  • Posts: 432

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Eli,

Was your wife ever tested for Celiac disease?

  • eli
  • eli
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  • From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: Tue, 08 Nov 2011
  • Posts: 561

Re: Digestion/Creon question

No, she wasn't.

  • From: New Zealand
  • Registered: Wed, 31 Oct 2012
  • Posts: 19

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Hi all, I also had a Roux-en-Y when they did my surgery. I have had terrible problems with my digestion and find myself bloated and windy and generally have a lot of pain in my stomach.  I take 40mg of omeprazole morning and night which does help a bit. Should I be asking for something else?

12 Reply by marions (edited by marions Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:16:50)

  • Registered: Fri, 12 May 2006
  • Posts: 8,157

Re: Digestion/Creon question

moowal...I don't want to make light of the situation however; the issue of flatulence, post surgery, continues to be one of the most discussed problems on this board.  Some of our previous discussions may be of help to you and may also bring a smile to your face.   
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … php?id=373
http://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/punbb … hp?id=1763
I am hoping for others to chime in and share some thought with us.
Hugs,
Marion

THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED NOR IMPLIED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
  • From: New Zealand
  • Registered: Wed, 31 Oct 2012
  • Posts: 19

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Marion, It certainly did bring a smile to my face, a good bit of humour really is great stress relief!!!!   And It also adds to the list of things to talk to my Doctor about!

  • Gavin
  • Gavin
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  • From: Scotland - Dundee
  • Registered: Tue, 23 Sep 2008
  • Posts: 4,831

Re: Digestion/Creon question

Thanks for your links Marion. They don't make light of the situation at all and I feel that humour and a smile is always a good thing.

Our Kris learning how to say Gas in Swedish as her first word learned, that is so Kris!

And Jeff, "Rather let it out and bear the shame ,than keep it in and bear the pain." Superb!


Miss them both loads. What cracking senses of humour they both had!

Hugs,

Gavin