[tazzdevl1]

Well, new to this forum. Not new to diabetes. I was diagnosed at age 2. I'm now44. Back in 1995, I received a kidney/pancreas transplant. But, after about 2 years the pancreas failed and I was back on insulin again. Then, in 2000, I got another tranplanted panxreas. This lasted until abput three weeks ago. Back on insulin again. But, I've managed to keep a postive attitude about it and started looking for more info this time around. Alot of progress has been made in the 10 years or so! I look forward to gaining new knowledge from this forum.

Cliff

 

[Richard157]

Hello Cliff, welcome aboard! I have read about several people who have had two pancreas transplants. Do you intend on trying for a third transplant? How are your kidneys? Ask all the questions you want, we are here to help.

I have been Type 1 for 64 years and I am doing very well. I certainly hope you will be successful with your insulin treatment. Have you considered an insulin pump? I have used one for30 months and I have the best control I have ever had.

Richard

 

[tazzdevl1]

Hello Cliff, welcome aboard! I have read about several people who have had two pancreas transplants. Do you intend on trying for a third transplant? How are your kidneys? Ask all the questions you want, we are here to help.

I have been Type 1 for 64 years and I am doing very well. I certainly hope you will be successful with your insulin treatment. Have you considered an insulin pump? I have used one for30 months and I have the best control I have ever had.

Richard

Hey Richard good to meet you.

I am, in deed, trying for another transplant. In fact, they are reviewing my insurance now to see if I have coverage for a third try. My kidney is doing great. No worried with that.

I have been asked about using a pump. I have met a few folks that have used them and they, too, seem to like them. But, I think I'd rather not. I've been managing my B/S pretty well so far.

I'm a bit curious about how long you've been type 1. 64 years! That's amazing! If you don't mind me asking.... have you had any complications? I've had retinopathy(sp) in both eyes. But, my vision is still good. And as mentioned above my kidneys failed. If you'd rather not post your reply here, please send me a PM or e-mail. I know it's none of my business. But, I'm curious because diabetes runs in my family. A grandparent on both sides had type 1 and my sister and her daughter are type 1 as well. Both grandparents are gone now. My sister is on dialysis because of the damage from diabetes. My niece is doing well thus far. She is managing herself well.

Thanks for the warm welcome to the forum.

Cliff

 

[Richard157]

I had some retinopatyy and some neuropathy several years ago. That was caused by my having too much high blood sugar. Several months after I started pumping all the symptoms of those complications disappeared. Pumping, if used properly, can greatly reduce the number of highs and lows.
So, at the present time, I do not have any complications. I have always used very tight control.

I am the only Type 1 on my family tree. I had measels, mumps and chicken pox when I was very young. Those diseases could have caused damage to my pancreas and triggered my diabetes. I have read that child diseases like that have caused diabetes. There were no vaccines for those diseases in the 1940's.

You may ask any questions you want. I do not mind at all. I have written my autobiography and diabetes history in the Diabetes forum. It is a sticky near the top of the page.

 

[tazzdevl1]

I've not had any problems with neuropathy so far. But, I should be able to stay that way by keeping my b/s under control.

Thanks for sharing.

I had some retinopatyy and some neuropathy several years ago. That was caused by my having too much high blood sugar. Several months after I started pumping all the symptoms of those complications disappeared. Pumping, if used properly, can greatly reduce the number of highs and lows.
So, at the present time, I do not have any complications. I have always used very tight control.

I am the only Type 1 on my family tree. I had measels, mumps and chicken pox when I was very young. Those diseases could have caused damage to my pancreas and triggered my diabetes. I have read that child diseases like that have caused diabetes. There were no vaccines for those diseases in the 1940's.

You may ask any questions you want. I do not mind at all. I have written my autobiography and diabetes history in the Diabetes forum. It is a sticky near the top of the page.

 

[tazzdevl1]

Hello all! Thought I'd update my intro thread. I had the THIRD transplant about a year and a half ago. Had a rough time of this one. The doctors say that some third transplants tend to have more complications and/or failures. I had a few complications and took a while to get back on my feet. But, it seems to be working enough to give me A1C's of 5 to 6 and only taking 6 units of Lantus a day. Rarely have to cover anything with Novolog.

 

[silvertiger]

Very nice! So glad it's working for you! Thanks for the update.

 

[fenix92]

Hi there! What does it take to qualify for a transplant where you're from? On the two previous occasions, did you manage without taking any insulin?

 

[tazzdevl1]

Hi there! What does it take to qualify for a transplant where you're from? On the two previous occasions, did you manage without taking any insulin?

My medical/surgical team looked at my overall health. Tested my heart and lungs. Made sure I could survive the surgery and continue to take care of myslef afterward. Financial advisors check my insurance and to see if I could afford to pay for the transplant meds.

Yes, I was off the insulin completely the first two transplants! It was great and I got a little spoiled eating anything I wanted. It showed too. I gained about 60 pounds within 3 years. Never had weight problem up to that point. that's when I learned moderation.

This third transplant was my last. I agreed with the doctors that enough is enough as far as pancreas' are concerned. If this kidney ever konks out - l'll need to get another one. It's way better to live on insulin without a fully functioning pancreas - than to have to be on dialysis.