Pancreas Transplant

Community Share Your Stories
1

I have been a type 1 diabetic for 20 years. When I was younger I never took care of myself. My endocrinologist always warned me about the complications I would have later on in life. I let it go in one ear and out the other, I was young I thought I was invincible. At 28 I have had to have three laser surgeries to prevent blindess and I am in the beginging stages of kidney disease. I still have 100 precent function of my kidneys but just in the past three months my protein levels have tripled. I am doing everything my Dr’s are advising but nothing seems to be working. About 2 months ago I was refferred to I.U. Medical center for a pancreas tansplant. I just got a call last week that I have been approved! I can’t believe it. I have so many different emotions running through me. Has anyone ever had a pancrease transplant…is it worth it?

2

Hi there, I haven’t had a transplant or any experience of knowing someone who has, I have a friend here in the UK who is waiting for a kidney transplant and her team is also toying with the idea of doing a pancreas transplant at the same time, She’s a similar age to you. I shall ask her if she’s got any advice. Sorry I can’t be more help but I didn’t want to read and run x

3

Wow April...how VERY EXCITING!! Do talk with as many people as you can who have had the procedure, read read read all the info you can get your hands on. There is a lady I know of on tu. who has had it done...I'll look it up. Thanks for the invite...looking forward to chatting with you! I now have 2 "April" friends.
4

Please keep me up to date on this. I have been type 1 for 25 years and like you when I was younger I let it go in 1 ear and out the other. I have neuropathy and hypo unawareness now. My eyes are good but kidneys are getting worse. I just changed endo to one that is up to date on transplants. I am very excited for you!!!

5

I go August 26th to meet everyone on the transplant team. I have a lot of questions so I will fill you in.

6

Just to give everyone an update: I have completed all of my testing! Everything seems to be going smoothly. I will meet the rtansplant team on Friday September 11th!

7

Oh April...I'm SO happy for you! Let's keep those prayers coming!
8

April - with a pancreas transplant - does that mean you will be off insulin? Or just taking a small amount of insulin?

9

Its been a while since I have been on here. It has been 1 year since I had my pancreas transplant. It was a long recovery, I was in the hospital for 4 months and still deal with some side effecs but I have been free of insulin shots for one years and have b loodsugar readings of a non diabetic. It is amazing, I feel like a new person.