I don't think a pancreas transplant is a cure. It is a band-aid - one that comes with many risks and problems. I have now been sick from an unidentifiable virus for 3 months that has caused ulcers throughout my throat and GI tract. I am on myfortic and prograf. I cannot eat enough to stay alive and had a 14 day hospital stay just to get nutrition via IV. Granted I had diabetes much longer and was much sicker than you likely before transplant, but I don't think anyone should sell a transplant as a cure.

Yes, some people are lucky and have 'error-free' walks after transplants. I was great up until about 19 mos after when I caught this virus. Now I have exhausted my short term disability and am running out of options.

People need to know that there is no cure for diabetes. Immunosuppression and the risks it carries in terms of infections (like this one which in theory is mild) and cancer (skin, lymphoma, etc.) != a cure. It is a tradeoff. It is not a cure until we are off these meds with their horrible side effects.

Hi Colleen. I was just wondering about the Pancreatic transplant. How would a person go about something like that? Can anyone have it done or do you have to be in dire need of a pancreas to have that done? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

So you live in IN and you are in Pharmaceutical Sales, do you work for Lilly?

Hi Colleen! I just came across this group! Perhaps you would be interested in joining it!

Hi Colleen. I have also had a pancreas alone transplant, but am struggling alot with constant infections due to the immunosuppression. I just wanted to point out that there are several centers in the US who do WAY more pancreases than IU. Number 1 I'm sure is Fairview! Just in 2008 alone, they've done 25 already. UCSF also does a lot (but no where close to the number at Fairview). You can check number of transplants by organ type at unos.org for each transplant facility. Check out www.transplantbuddies.org, we'd love to have you there.

Hi Colleen....sorry to clog up your page. There's a way to send you mail, but I can't seem to fiqure it out this morning.
Your dogs sound wonderful......I am partial to rescues and mixed breeds. We have rescued all 3 of our sweet dogs (just have 1, now,) and I think we get more out of it than they do. Had your dog been trained to alert you to lows? I am fascinated by that.
We live in S FL......1/2 hour west of Ft Ladeda! We have been here 2 years, gradually moving our way south from MD and then NC. It is very different here but I am a frustrated socialogist and find that I enjoy experiencing people in different parts of the country. The weather here can be a challange, but it is lovely in the winter and a pool and some palm trees is kind of fun.
Your experience with your transplant is amazing. Don't you feel so lucky! What is it with all these autoimmunes? I have friends with 2, one with 3, one with Parkinson's and who knows how many are living with undiagnosed stuff.
Have you gone back to work, yet? I know the pharmaceutical co's are great with disability and holding jobs. I have a friend who is a nurse....tough, tough profession, and way under appreciated....hoping to switch careers. It's sad that the industry makes it so unappealing for nurses to stay in the hospital, but great that your training and experience allows for other ops.
Have a fun weekend.

Thanks for the message Colleen! (Hope that you were able to sleep at some point!I)

I sort of started my PhD by accident... well at least it wasn't part of any grand plan that I had made. It was more a good reason to stay in Budapest, which was where I wanted to be. But now that I am into it, I found for a real excitement for academics and for teaching. So I am interested in teaching when I finish. I could also imagine working with research projects related to public policy, but I really love teaching. I have at least two more years left of the PhD... so I have some time to figure out what's next!

I can definitely relate to the desire just to learn for learning's sake. I genuinely enjoy being a student and think that I always will be :) I'll be interested to hear if you end up studying again some day!

Welcome to Tudiabetes!

Andrea B.