Can you live without a pancreas? You can live without a pancreas if you take the proper medication to replace what it does in your body. The pancreas helps your body digest food and makes substances that control your blood sugar levels. The pancreas is in your abdomen and underneath your stomach.
Can you live without a pancreas? iStock-photo credit: magicmine
Some of the chronic disease that could warrant pancreas removal surgery is the following:
- Chronic pancreatis- This is when you have high inflammation and surgery is needed to remove the pain.
- Pancreatic cancer- This is when tumors spread in the pancreas and other parts of your body. When cancer spreads to the pancreas or to other organs it most likely will require surgery to remove it.
- An injury to the pancreas- If you have severe damage due to unforeseen health circumstances then you will have to it removed.
It is important to know If you end up having a pancreas surgery it is a very extensive surgery. The surgeon can potentially remove the following when performing this surgery which is:
- Gallbladder
- Spleen
- Your Bile Duct
- Part of your small intestine
- Lymph nodes near your intestines
Before the surgery you may need to consume clear liquids and take a laxative the day before your surgery. When you are on a liquid diet it cleans out your bowels. You will avoid blood thinners or any type of aspirin or medicines before surgery. After surgery you will be in the hospital from a couple of days till up to 2 weeks to recover.
Some of the changes you will have to make without a pancreas are the following. Your body will no longer produce a normal amount of insulin to control your blood sugar so you will have diabetes. You will have to monitor your blood sugar levels and take insulin regularly. Your body also won’t make enough enzymes needed to digest food so you will have to take an enzyme replacement pill.
You will have to follow a strict diabetic diet and really watch your carbohydrates and sugars. It is important to avoid low blood sugar levels when you are on your diet. It will be a big adjustment dietary wise in your lifestyle and nutrition post pancreas removal.
The Bottom Line is you can live without a pancreas, but you will have to make a lifestyle adjustment change, take medication, and monitor your blood sugar levels. Exercising regularly will help you regain your strength and balance your blood sugar levels.
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About Author- Obi Obadike
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