50 Years of Type 1 Diabetes and 30 % Kidney funtion left
My best friend is a T1 since he was 2 years old.
His parents began shots way back then.
He started his own shots when he was 9 or 10.
He is now 50 years old, and over the last year his vital kidney function has declined from 40 to 30 %.
His kidney doctor nearly started crying when she explained the news to him, as there was so much more she wished she could really do for him.
She explained that in a couple or so years, he would require dialysis.
My friend called me - and thought that it was the 'end of the road for him'
Dont worry I explained, you will surely be around with us for a long long long time.
(He just wanted the re-assurance from someone other than his doctor,
who I am not sure he really trusts (especially if they nearly broke down and cried!).
They did explain to him that a kidney transplant is an option for him down the road.
And at that rate, perhaps even a pancreas transplant at the same, which they said would 'cure' his diabetes.
I confirmed with my friend that a kidney transplant surely is an option,
but am not really knowledgable about pancreas transplants.
PS I explained to my friend that with the joy of gaining new life if he receives a transplant,
there is the sorrow of a life lost of the donor at the same time .
His parents began shots way back then.
He started his own shots when he was 9 or 10.
He is now 50 years old, and over the last year his vital kidney function has declined from 40 to 30 %.
His kidney doctor nearly started crying when she explained the news to him, as there was so much more she wished she could really do for him.
She explained that in a couple or so years, he would require dialysis.
My friend called me - and thought that it was the 'end of the road for him'
Dont worry I explained, you will surely be around with us for a long long long time.
(He just wanted the re-assurance from someone other than his doctor,
who I am not sure he really trusts (especially if they nearly broke down and cried!).
They did explain to him that a kidney transplant is an option for him down the road.
And at that rate, perhaps even a pancreas transplant at the same, which they said would 'cure' his diabetes.
I confirmed with my friend that a kidney transplant surely is an option,
but am not really knowledgable about pancreas transplants.
PS I explained to my friend that with the joy of gaining new life if he receives a transplant,
there is the sorrow of a life lost of the donor at the same time .
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on -
Am so sorry for your friend's sad news. Something I live in fear of hearing.
There are several members who've had pancreas transplants. It can be a devastating experience waiting for a transplant. My nephew with cystic fibrosis has been waiting for a lung for what feels like forever. Waiting for the phone to ring in time to save his life.
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Permalink Reply by Terrie on -
Aww that news is Very Sad. Sorry that he had to hear that. Yes, a pancreas/kidney transplant is getting to be the norm, I think.
That would be a Fabulous new Life for him alright. We do hope that things go Well for him in the future. Yes indeed your words are true about the loss of the donor.
Gosh Gerri that is heartbreaking. :( I do wish him the Very Best in receiving a lung(s) soon.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Hutch on -
Thanks for your kind comments
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Permalink Reply by Michael Hutch on
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good luck to you too gerri
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on
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Thanks, Michael. Can't fathom how people decide who gets a transplant. Not a role I'd want.
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Permalink Reply by Jan on
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Heartbreaking. There are definitely worse diseases than Type 1 diabetes. Will pray your nephew receives a lung soon. Everyone interested in donating organs should just check it on the back of their drivers license. Can't think what use organs are to us once deceased anyway and why everyone does not do this.
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Permalink Reply by Gerri on
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Thanks, Jan. Appreciate your good thoughts. Wish more people would consider donating their organs.
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Permalink Reply by DC Reporter on -
A transplant may not be available; most people who need them do not get them now. UNOS is considering new rules that would make it even more difficul... I agree with the proposed change, btw.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Hutch on
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we are in australia, and i dont know what the thinking is down here.
other than that, my friend looks after himself as best he can...
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Permalink Reply by Leo2 on -
Give your friend many hugs from all of us.
Kidney dialysis is not the end of life, tho it seems so at first, and sometimes along the way. It is a 3 x a week, 3.5 hour procedure if done in a center; it can be done at home overnight. One friend hooks himself up over lunch hour. Most keep working at their jobs and work in dialysis around their lives. They're the real, brave, stick-with-it heroes. When holidays come, they get appointments in other centers where they're vacationing.
Transplants, pancreas/kidney, are done in university centers in many parts of the world. Kidney transplants alone are a real waiting story unless one goes to India or an area where these are sold. That is a whole area for study if in Australia.
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I am so sorry. Is there noting they can do to prevent further progression? Dialysis can be done overnight at home while the pt is sleeping, and this is a less invasive and very successful form of dialysis. I would rather do the overnight version than the 3 times a week in a dialysis clinic version. Kidney transplants are often successful; pancreas transplants are more tricky. Columbia Medical Center in NY offers kidney/pancreas transplants to diabetics who must receive a kidney anyway.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Hutch on
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hi Jan,
how does the overnight at home method work?
do they leave a machine at one's house?
thanks
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