Marina C's Page

I originally was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the summer of 2008. However, I have had chronic pancreatitis since I was 14 and in January of 2009 finally decided to go through with a total pancreatectomy (getting my pancreas removed) and auto-islet cell transplant. The surgeon during an auto-islet transplant takes all the islet cells he can from my pancreas and harvests them to transplant them into my liver. If successful, the auto-islet cell transplant would allow my liver to grow islet cells which would create insulin and they could live there instead of my pancreas and I wouldn't have to be diabetic. However, I waited too long to go through with the surgery (I should have had it 3 or 4 years ago) and they couldn't salvage enough islet cells (10k when typical is 300-700k... ouch!) so I am now a Type 1 Diabetic.

It is a struggle learning to deal with Type 1. I had a much easier time with Type 2, and even though I was on a stricter diet I didn't have to deal with insulin shots and hypoglycemia. I have a tough time dealing with the lows, and counting carbs, and am thinking about a pancreas transplant. I cannot get one for a year, so perhaps once I go on the pump and get a CGMS (was recently denied because they said I needed to be a pumper, but I just got my Omnipod so it's in appeal) I will be stable enough and am able to manage the Diabetes where I won't have to have another drastic surgery. I am at this point leaning towards the transplant, but only time will tell!

Update June 10th: I am living an easier life now that I'm pumping! I love my Omnipod and have received my Dexcom system, but am waiting for the training next week. I have to admit it's been sitting here for at least a month but have been so busy I haven't been able to get the training in! I am hoping it will help with the spikes though and improve my A1C!