Islets Anyone?

This is a great day for my diabetes care. I finally made the call to the University of Illinois, Chicago to request inclusion in their islet cell transplant Research Study.

I passed the first phone interview.

Next step is to complete all the doctor appointments that need to be done before my first appointment up in Chicago.

OBGYN, Mammogram, Eye Doctor, Dentist

I was due up for all of these annual/biannual checkups anyway and was being lazy about seeing them since I HATE going to the doctor. In the month of March and April I will do all these appointments and also see my endocrinologist for blood work and her approval to join the research study.

WOW. I feel as if it will be a manic month but I am not bipolar?

The nurse asked tons of questions, nailed down my uncertain answers and then spent alot of time explaining the particulars of the visits, the transplant, and the follow-up care. These people are thorough!

I will have the option to watching the islet cells drip into my body via a tube inserted in the portal vein of my liver. You may not realize just how exciting this can be? As a Type I diabetic, my islet cells deserted me over twenty years ago… or should I say, my body attacked them?

SO, the idea of watching them be put back into my body is amazing.

I can lovingly accept them back into my life and give them the positive vibes they need to stay. I will be able to tell them I want them to stay and that I appreciate them so much more than I did when I was younger…

While acceptance into the study is not guaranteed, I will be ever so proud if I pass all the test and criteria. If I am finally accepted into the research study My Life Will Change.

Here is a link to the Chicago Project website.

I had my islet transplant at UIC in May 2006. I think you’ll like the transplant team there. I’m constantly amazed at the thoroughness and care I’ve recieved. I know I’m probaby biased but imo UIC’s islet study is exceptional and I really can’t say enough good things about Dr. O and the team of researchers working behind the scenes. They are truely dedicatated. The whole process was challenging and rewarding at the same time.
I won’t say it was easy, but I’d do it again in a heart beat.

If you have any questions feel free to email me at parrotletzoo@gmail.com

Thanks. I will need patience and low expectations for the next 2 months. Pray.

Wow, this is wonderful!. Congratulations and good luck! Don’t give up!

I’m currently in the same stages at UIC as you were in this post! I’m going for the first actual screening next month. I passed the phone interview and met with Dr. O for about 4 hours. I’m so excited and nervous! So what happened with you - seeing that this post was in March?