Re: Living Islet Cell Donor Transplant

[Guest guest]

Shirley,

Thanks for the support. You wrote, " I hope that islet cells are available

soon " . I want to share with everyone that I just found out that they can now

do a living donor islet cell transplant. No kidding, it's even safer than

donating a kidney to someone. All it involves is a Laparoscopic surgery for

both the donor and recipient. The doctor harvests the islet cells through a

fine needle aspiration biopsy procedure. Then the cells are injected into my

liver through a syringe. Neither one of us has to have a surgical incision.

It is safer than implanting a pain pump. The research is indicating that

there are no adverse side effects to the donor, there has not been any cases

of the donor getting Pancreatitis or losing too many Islet Cells and becoming

Diabetic.

AND, this is big news....they have created new anti-rejection drugs that do

not contain steroids. The steroids are the dangerous drugs that can cause

life threatening side effects.

I am literally overwhelmed and in tears. The chances of getting a cadaver

donor are slim to none. This...this is just unbelievable. I actually have a

chance to live.

Life. You never know how precious it is until it is in view, but outside your

reach.

Karyn , RN

Founder / Executive Director

http://www.pancassociation.org

PAI Home Office: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

Are you able to direct us to where to research to learn more

about this procedure? Indeed, it brings hope for many, and I

can't tell you how many times my husband has offered to donate

his islet cells for me! Without thinking it through, he once offered

his pancreas, too....until I pointed to him that then HE would be

walking in my shoes......haha!

This new information is inspiring and exciting. Please share

with us any research reports or medical summaries where we

could learn more about this breakthrough procedure.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

<<I want to share with everyone that I just found out that they can

now do a living donor islet cell transplant. No kidding, it's even

safer than donating a kidney to someone. All it involves is a

Laparoscopic surgery for both the donor and recipient. The

doctor harvests the islet cells through a fine needle aspiration

biopsy procedure. Then the cells are injected into my liver

through a syringe. Neither one of us has to have a surgical

incision.

It is safer than implanting a pain pump.

Karyn , RN

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/5/2003 2:03:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

KarynWms@... writes:

> I just found out that they can now

> do a living donor islet cell transplant.

Karyn, that is wonderful news. I am so happy for you. Someday I hope

pancreatitis will be a disease of the past. Wouldn't that be wonderful? I

sure understand your elation. I felt that way when I found out about the

pancreatectomy and islet cell transplant. I was flying high. I can't wait

for you to get those islets. Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! I am soooooooooooo

happy.

That's wonderful news about the anti rejection drugs also. That will be a

huge benefit for so many people who have transplants of any organs. I love

the advancement of medicine. I am rejoicing with you. Love, Shirley