Introduction
Being told your pancreas will be removed is a lot to process. A lot of questions come up: Can I live without a pancreas? Will I ever feel normal again?
The short answer is yes, people can live without a pancreas. But it takes some lifestyle changes, a good medical support system, and a little more patience with yourself.
In this blog, we will discuss what happens when a pancreas is removed, how people manage following its removal, and what life is really like after surgery.
What Does the Pancreas Do?
The pancreas is an important organ located behind your stomach with two main jobs:
- Digestive Function: It makes enzymes that break down food, especially fats and proteins.
- Hormonal Function: It makes hormones (insulin and glucagon) that control your blood sugar.
In short, your pancreas is a superhero behind the scenes in your body until it does not do its job properly.
Why Would the Pancreas Be Removed?
Total pancreatectomy, or pancreas removal, is usually done in severe health conditions, such as
- Pancreatic cancer
- Chronic pancreatitis (chronic inflammation causing pain and dysfunction)
- Cysts or tumors
- Genetic issues or injuries that damaged the pancreas
Surgeons recommend total pancreatectomy only for patients where the benefits of the surgery outweigh the risks and when the pancreas is unable to function without injury to the patient.
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Can a Person Live Without a Pancreas?
Yes, you can live without a pancreas. However, there will be lifelong changes to your life.
After surgery, your body will not produce insulin anymore (causing diabetes), and it will not produce digestive enzymes on its own. Therefore, you will need to:
- Insulin (with either daily injections or a pump)
- Digestive enzyme supplements with every meal
- Closely monitor your diet, blood sugar, and nutrient intake.
While this might sound like a lot to deal with, countless people are managing and living successfully with this every day, all around the world.
Life After Pancreas Removal
Life due to total pancreatectomy is manageable, but it is a new way of life. Here’s what to expect:
✅ Insulin-dependent: You will develop a type of diabetes called type 3c diabetes, which requires monitoring and insulin therapy like diabetes 1 or 2.
✅ Digestive help is necessary: You will not have enzymes, which means that you can’t emulsify/break down food well. This could lead to issues like bloating or initial weight loss without help. The digestive enzyme pills will help you enter the system and will help with any undigested nutrients.
✅ A diet is your friend. A low-processed-sugar (added sugar) diet, high in protein and fiber, and eating whole grains will help you manage blood sugars and manage the biggest energy fluctuations.
✅ Routine: Routine, routine, routine. You will need to get into a daily routine that might include checking your blood sugars (BMs), taking your basal insulin, taking meals/bolus insulin, some supplements, and any digestive enzyme pills or supplements you may need to take. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but you can do it.
The good news is that if you have the tools provided, as well as support from family and friends, you can travel, you can work, you can exercise, and you can enjoy life like you used to; only you will have a few more tools in your health kit.
Life Expectancy Without a Pancreas:
Removal of the pancreas does not mean you’ll automatically die sooner in life.
When you consider your life expectancy, many things will contribute to extending or shortening your life, such as
- The reason for surgery (i.e., cancer or non-cancerous)
- How well you manage your diabetes and digestion after surgery
- Your age, health, and support system
Many individuals who undergo pancreas surgery live for 10, 20, or more years following surgery. Many of these individuals continue their lives with careers, families, and adventures.
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Coping and Support
Let’s be frank: adjustment takes time. But you are not alone.
- Speak to your doctor: Make sure you are seeing your doctor regularly so they can identify issues early on.
- Work with a diabetes educator and dietitian: Individualized support makes a difference.
- Participate in support groups: It can be refreshing to connect with other people in similar situations, and it can also help give you confidence.
- Address your mental health: It is completely normal to feel anxious and frustrated in an adjustment period like what you are experiencing; working with a mental health professional can help improve your mental wellness.
The emotional journey is just as crucial to the physical journey and is 100% justified.
Conclusion
Living without a pancreas is a huge adjustment, but it isn’t the end of the road. With good care, attitude, and support, many people do not just survive but thrive after surgery.
You may have to adjust your routines, but you can still live a full, meaningful, and uniquely yours life.
FAQ
1. Can someone live a full life without a pancreas?
Yes, with the right insulin replacement/regimen, digestive enzymes, and support, people can live a full life after their pancreas is removed.
2. What are the most concerning risks post-removal?
The most concerning risks are blood sugar issues (diabetes), digestion issues, and nutrient deficiencies, all of which can be managed with medical assistance.
3. What is the life expectancy post-total pancreatectomy?
This is dependent on the reason for removal and post-op care. Some patients go on to live many healthy years, and this is especially true if the surgery was performed for a non-cancerous process.
