Guest guest Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Bert, Congratulations on just making a decision. That is one of the toughest things to do. You said, " They slated 5-10 day hospital stay and another month of recovery. " I wanted to share my experience with supporting those who have had this surgery. As someone who has watched several people undergo this surgery, it did seem that their recovery time was more like 6 to 9 months. I know that seems like a really long time, but it is better to go into something with more realistic expectations. I went back and read over the emails from people following their surgery. Though they were able to return to work, they did not feel fully recovered for much longer. There is no need to rush your recovery. It is important to give time for your body to heal. You should write up some affirmations to stick around the hospital room and your house to give you encouragement. As a matter of fact we should print some up! Blessings, Karyn , RN Founder / Executive Director http://www.pancassociation.org 1- / KarynWms@... PAI Home Office: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Hello friends, Thank you for your words of support and wisdom. I took them to heart as I thoughtfully weighed my options. Today I signed on the dotted line to undergo a Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Autotransplantation. The date is set for May 15. I will be having this done at University Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, the lead surgeon is Dr. Syed Ahmad. They have done 25 of these in 2 years with a great success rate. I was told that I have a 70% chance of being insulin free after it is all said done. They slated 5-10 day hospital stay and another month of recovery. I am in good health otherwise except I am a tricky clotter which my pose some additional risk but they will be giving me heparin and boots. They seemed to think I'd be up to short trips about the neighborhood mid-June. So what was it that convinced me to take the risk of surgery over the risk of leaving my pancreas to its own plan? 15 hospitalizations just for pancreatitis so far; 8 in the past four months. Hearing all of your stories especially those of you that have suffered the real horrors of this disease: pseudocysts, severe pancreatitis, and pancreatitic burn out; intractable pain and so on. Just because I have been lucky to escape these complications now doesn't mean I won't also fall to them. I surely would. And how can anyone feel good about 2 hospitalizations a month on average? My doc did write my a script for sleeping pills though He could tell I was really stressing over this decision. Thank you all for sharing; it means so much to me that you have. Love, peace, grace, and comfort be yours, Bert ----- Bert Bolin Idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis Need to chat? Yahoo Messenger: l10nx, http://l10nx.net/ Info and Support: Pancreatitis Association International: http://pancassociation.org may you be free if but for awhile from the pain --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.476 / Virus Database: 273 - Release Date: 4/24/2003 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 Bert, Congratulations on making your decision. Seems like once we make the decision we always feel better, I know that I do. It does ease the stress level a bit. I am glad that you are able to have it done in Cincinnati. I live in Sprigfield. here is to May 15th and wishing you the best. I will be thinking of you on your special day. take care, Lily in Ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 2003 Report Share Posted May 5, 2003 In a message dated 5/5/2003 7:01:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time, l10n@... writes: > Today I signed on the dotted line to > undergo a Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Autotransplantation. The date > is set for May 15. I will be having this done at University Hospital in > Cincinnati, Ohio, the lead surgeon is Dr. Syed Ahmad. Hi Bert, I will keep you in my prayers as you go through your surgery and recovery. I hope that they are able to retrieve many healthy islets from your pancreas. As you know I had the surgery and islet cell transplant done Dec. 8, 2000 by Dr. Sutherland in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I also was scared. I would think one would be made of clay if they didn't get scared before a surgery. You aren't alone Bert. We are here rooting for you. When I had my surgery I was so grateful for my pancreatitis friends. I knew that they were thinking about me and hoping that all would go well. I will be calling the hospital to check on you after your surgery. I will give you a few days of rest before I call you. If you need someone to talk with about the surgery or your anxiousness I am here for you. I have been there, done that and I am not sorry. In fact I made one of the best decisions of my life. I know that you will feel so much better after your pancreas is removed and you recover for a while. Peace be with you Bert. Please don't hesitate to write me if you need to talk with someone who has had the surgery. Shirley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 6, 2003 Report Share Posted May 6, 2003 Bert, you have my best wishes that alll goes well with your surgery. Kimber -- Kimber Vallejo, CA hominid2@... Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed physician or health care professional. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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