my status: total pancreatectomy w/ islet cell autotransplant

May 4, 2003

Hello all,

It has been a while. My flurries of attacks stopped in March, and then I had

one mild attack with a 3 day hospital stay about 2 weeks ago (7th attack of

the year). Having recovery time between attacks has helped so much. I no

longer have pain as I sit here in between attacks. And the pre-op tests show

no chronic changes...I do not have chronic pancreatitis; just recurrent

acute panc.

The doctor called Friday to bump up my appointment and they called it a

pre-op meeting. Then another doctor called; someone who is to evaluate my

islet cells. I was told when we go to that stage surgery would be close at

hand.

I have had much fear all along; I fear becoming a diabetic and I fear the

many complications which can occur. Sure, I fear dying on the table, too.

I wonder which is the right way to go: wishing the frequent attacks away has

not worked -- do I go on take all these risks to stop these attacks that

threaten to steal my life activities and career? or do I opt out of the

surgery because I am blessed to be free of chronic pancreatitis (for now)

and I do not live with intractable pain?

The doctors stress to me that I am in a great position to have great success

because of my limited damage and that waiting will make it riskier...

I just know that I am scared...

-----

Bert Bolin

Idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis

Need to chat? Yahoo Messenger: l10nx, http://l10nx.net/

Info and Support: Pancreatitis Association International:

may you be free if but for awhile from the pain

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