Hi everyone. My name is Cora and I was diagnosed with type 1 in 1966. My Mom was the one who made the diagnosis. I was getting hysterical before going to be if I couldn’t get a drink of water and began having “accidents” again at the age of 2 1/2 (having been potty trained for a long time). Her Dad had diabetes and she did a urine test. Sugar! So she took me to the ER, handed me over, and told them I had diabetes.
I’m one of the old timers that is just so grateful for things like glucose testing, smaller needles, and pumps. Urine testing was the pits. Despite having taken pretty good care of myself (never ended up in hospital with DKA) my kidneys failed in 2001 and I got a transplant from my cousin in 2002. She gave me the kidney on her birthday, if you can believe it. In 2008 I took the plunge and had another surgery. I had a pancreas transplant and have been insulin free since April 27, 2008. I still test on occasion, but no unexpected highs like I had before. It’s wonderful, although I wouldn’t recommend the transplant unless you need a kidney too - it’s a tough surgery. My new pancreas is working wonderfully and my a1cs are great. I had a glucose tolerance test a few months back to check on the function and I peaked at the half hour mark at 144, and then was down to 86 by the 1.5 hour mark.
While I have other health problems, life is basically pretty good and I hope I can help others with my 40 + years of experience.
What an amazing story. Thanks for joining us. I think many of us dream about one day waking up and having a working pancreas. I’m sure it has its downsides, but still.
what is involved with a pancreas transplant? Do you have to take rejection drugs…forever? I only know a little bit about it. What is the recovery like? How did you “qualify” for the transplant? What about beta cell antibodies? I’m curious!!
Congratulations on your new beginning! I was dxed in 1959 and like you am amazed at the new technology that has helped tame this monster. Also like you I have some comps but kidneys are still working with some limitations but thankful to have made it where I am. Enjoy your new beginning and welcome to Tu!
Thank you for sharing your interesting story and joining us on TuD. I’m so pleased that you and others have had Successful transplants and survival. I can imagine it being a scary and turbulent journey indeed. You have ONE Remarkable Cousin there. Blessings to you both.
Thank you SO much for sharing your story. It’s like you’ve been to hell and come out the other side. I understand that the anti-rejection meds you have to be on also prevent your body from attacking the new pancreas? It must be a lot of fun for you to get to experience the non-diabetic side of life, since diabetes is all you ever knew before the transplant. And I respect you for your continuing dedication to the diabetes community, and willingness to share your experiences and knowledge!
I am sure you will love your cousin for life and beyond! What a gift!
It is just a shame that they have not yet come up with an artificial pancreas and kidney! I am sure it will happen one day (probably not in my life time) but meanwhile live donors should be lauded through the roof tops, and so should the relatives of dead ones for allowing such transplants to take place!
Hi Sweettooth. Basically, they don’t do a pancreas transplant (or islet cells either) unless you either need a kidney too (and will be immunosuppressed anyway) or you have such severe hypoglycemic unawareness that you are a danger to yourself and others. Yes, I am on anti-rejection drugs, but not any more than I was on for the kidney alone. The drugs do have side effects, but I don’t really experience much so it’s no great burden.
It is wonderful to hear of success stories like yours. If you need a kidney transplant, our diabetes center also recommends kidney/pancreas dual transplant and it does sound like that is the way to go. It must seem surreal not to have to test all the time after so many years with diabetes but I am happy the transplants worked out so well. I am glad that your life is finally carefree after so many years with Type 1. Enjoy it!
WELCOME!!! I too had the pancres transplant back in the early 90’s when it was still expermental after 2 years of being diabetic free (remember it was still expermental and yes it was really hard to go through) I went back to being a diabetic. GOOD LUCK!!!
They were trying the islet transplant in monkeys when I 1st went for the Pancratic Transplant. They weren’t even sure atthat time if it would work on humans. WOW! How far we have come! Huh???
Welcome. Joanne