TP-ICT timetable

[Guest guest]

To All,

I hope I am not abusing my priveldges by posting so much and I am

sure as I learn more I won't have so many questions. I am wondering

for those of you who have had pancreatectomy, how long did it take to

get scheduled for your surgery after seeing the surgeon. I am sure it

is a long process, and probably varies greatly from one surgeon or

hospital to the next. I just wondered if it was a period of time

measured in months, seasons, or years? Also I have seen in various

posts and internet sites that there are about three places that

perform the surgery on a somewhat frequent basis. I was wondering if

anyone knew approximately how many places here in the United States

offer the surgery at all?

Thank you all for listening to me again. Like I said, I hope I am not

being to aggressive, or abusing my right to post. But this is just

such a therapeutic outlet for someone who has been suffering in

virtual seclusion for many many years. I honestly thought that I was

an oddity. That people either had an acute attack or were usually a

victim of CP due to alcoholism. I had no idea there were so many of

you out there that were just like me.

Love and Hope, God bless and keep you all in his comfort.

Keri Beck RN

Mattoon, IL

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/7/2003 5:24:27 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

jandcsmomma@... writes:

>

>

> To All,

> I hope I am not abusing my priveldges by posting so much and I am

> sure as I learn more I won't have so many questions. I am wondering

> for those of you who have had pancreatectomy, how long did it take to

> get scheduled for your surgery after seeing the surgeon. I am sure it

> is a long process, and probably varies greatly from one surgeon or

> hospital to the next. I just wondered if it was a period of time

> measured in months, seasons, or years? Also I have seen in various

> posts and internet sites that there are about three places that

> perform the surgery on a somewhat frequent basis. I was wondering if

> anyone knew approximately how many places here in the United States

> offer the surgery at all?

>

Hi Keri, you could never abuse anyone by posting. That is what we are here

for. I have been posting for years now and when I had pancreatitis I was

constantly posting to the group. I have made so many wonderful friends here.

The

people in this group are such great people and always willing to help the

other person. They are in the same place that you are in and know exactly what

you are living with. I remember what you are living with. I remember the fear,

depression, and for me the fatality of the disease. I remember all of the

illnesses and close calls that I had with other illnesses due to chronic

pancreatitis. On the bright side I remember when I found out about the

pancreatectomy and islet cell transplant and finding hope. So Keri we all

understand your

plight and want you to post every need that you have. We are here for you.

I was scheduled over the phone with Dr. Sutherland's secretary Anne Marie

Papas. I was scheduled without ever speaking with Dr. Sutherland. I saw him

when I went for my surgery. I had to be at the hospital a few days before

surgery for test and a meeting with Dr. Sutherland. Looking back on it now I

think

it would be wiser to meet with him in person and then go back for the surgery.

I only say this because other people might not be as eager to have the

surgery as soon as possible as I was. I didn't want another pancreas attack in

fear of destroying my islets.

I could have had my surgery scheduled in two months but since I was having

trouble with my insurance company which thought that I would become a brittle

diabetic and didn't understand the surgery at all. It took some time a some

letters sent to them from other TP/ICT people that I know. Thank God that they

were good enough to write to my medical ins. CO. After approval which was

three days before my schedule surgery date we packed a few things and started

driving from Cincinnati to Minneapolis. I schedule my surgery for three months

in

advance while waiting for ins. approval. I could have had the surgery sooner

if my provider hadn't given me such a hard time. I was lucky that I didn't

have another pancreas attack while waiting for my surgery date. I was on TPN

before my surgery and didn't eat anything. I went to MN on TPN to keep me as

strong as possible for the surgery.

Anne Marie Papas. Dr. Sutherland's secretary works out everything for you.

Once you have set a surgery date then you collect all of your medical history

and that takes some time rounding up. Then I was sent to my local hospital for

testing which then was sent to MN.

IF you need anymore information in the future I will be happy to help you.

Many here will be glad to help you. I chose Dr. Sutherland because he started

doing the surgery first and has done it the longest. All of the other doctors

and hospital are just getting started. I wanted the doctor who I knew had

the most experience. I know that Bert feels that his team of doctors were very

good also. Take care, Shirley

PS I hope you can come to the pancreatitis symposium Aug 28 and 29. Dr.

Sutherland will be at the symposium on the 29 and will speak about the TP/ICT I

am

sure. It would be wonderful for you to meat him and possibly ask him some

questions.