Can you live without your pancreas, and if so what ...

Hi,

Hi,

I'm living without my pancreas, spleen and gall bladder, all removed in one 7 hour procedure in January 2004.  All this became necessary due to a rare condition, mucinous duct ectasia (of the pancreas).

My quality of life has improved constantly since the procedure, assisted greatly when I changed to using an insulin pump.  The enzymes need to be taken any time I eat, otherwise its apparent at the next bowel movement.  I am able to eat almost anything as long as I count the carbs (so I know how much insulin to take).  The diabetes is definitely the worst side effect of the surgery, fortunately the research into diabetes and its treatments is well funded.  The strongest reccommendation, from all my health carers to avoid the complications from diabetes (which can be aweful), was to eat mostly healthy whole foods and have a regular excercise routine.  I'm pleased to report that they have been correct and as a result I have been able to live a reasonable, normal life.

Best Wishes 

Of course you can and very well.  Insulin in some form, injections or pump, and digestive enzymes with food are necessary, but it sure beats dying.

It sure does beat dying.  I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in Dec 07. My entire pancrease had to be removed. Luckily nothing had spread to other organs or lympnodes.  I am on my 2nd last week of chemo, which has been hell for me with the side affects.  But I am alive and at times I cant beleive it.  Good luck to all who suffer from this.  Hang in there and just do what you have to do.....

NO you can not

Jonathan is wrong, you certainly can live without a pancreas. Similar to “happy to be alive” I was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in Dec’07. I had the whipple operation Jan’08 and my Pancreas, Gallbladder, and duodenum were all removed. I was also Stage One as the cancer did not spread past my Pancreas (I hope). I’ve completed chemo and radiation about a month ago and starting to feel better now. The strange thing is that I am still not a diabetic (my blood sugar is averaging 85) and I do not take any insulin. Is anyone else living without a Pancreas and not diabetic?