1 year post Islet transplant

[parrotletzoo]

Monday was the 1 year anniversary of my islet transplant. So far, so good. Metabolic testing that they did monday suggests that I have impaired glucose tolerance but not diabetes. My a1c was 5.9 which is also typical of impaired glucose tolerance. So, its not perfect, I'll admit that but a year later do I think it was worth all of the hassle? Yes, definitely. Would I do it again knowing what I know now? Yes, definitely.

I think that might be saying more to those of you that have listened to me whine over the past year and a half then to those of you that dont really know me. haha. It hasn't been easy, the protocol is strict, there were days I wanted my pump back, and days I wondered "what the **** did i do, was this a huge mistake" particularly in the begining. But I'm so glad I did it. No more lows, and no more uber highs!. My bs still goes up occasionally over 180-200 but for the most part I stick around 90-120 before meals and 100-150 after meals. And I feel so much better now then I can ever remember feeling before! Plus they found my cancer! lol I never would have found out I had thyroid cancer and had it removed if I hadn't gotten into the program and been poked and prodded and scanned from head to toe repeatedly. So if for no other reason, I'm glad I got into the study for that!

So for 1 year later I'd say I'm glad I did it and I'd do it all over again. Ask me again next May and I'll let you know if i still feel the same way.

[CaptainMike]

Congratulations! It sounds like it's been quite a struggle. I'm glad you are doing so well and feel the effort was worth it.

[Cyborg]

Awesome :congrats:

[June91]

I am so happy things worked out for you. And thank you for having the courage to be a pioneer, for all of us.

[kgm0612]

Happy One Year Anniversary!

Karen

[mg_2204]

It's always great to hear a great success story. Congrats! And here's to great levels, no more lows and no more highs. The very best to you!!! :top:

[gettingby]

That's wonderful Parrot !!!!!!!!
Wishing you continued success.:)

[BriOnH]

That's awesome :) . I want cell based therapy!

[Mich]

Congratulations on your one year. I've been watching your progress, thanks for sharing with us. I too, consider you a pioneer and a brave one at that! I'm so glad to hear it's working out and appreciate your honesty in your report. My best to you!
Mich

[valc3]

Congratulations:)

[ladytaz]

well *happy anniversary* Parrot!! :)

[shockme]

hi parrot!:elefant: :elefant: :elefant: congrats!it sounds like you've been thru the wringer...take care and keep us updated,trish

[BriOnH]

What about the immunosuppressants parrot? Can you tell us what the downsides are of them? Obviously they seem to pale in comparison to having the transplant, but are a concern.

[lgvincent]

It's great the cancer was found.

[BriOnH]

It's great the cancer was found.

Ditto !!!!!!!!

[Jak]

Plus they found my cancer! lol I never would have found out I had thyroid cancer and had it removed if I hadn't gotten into the program and been poked and prodded and scanned from head to toe repeatedly. So if for no other reason, I'm glad I got into the study for that!


Congrats, Parrot.

I haven't been following your story, so maybe you've answered this already: When did they diagnose your cancer - before or after you were taking immunosuppresive drugs?

Since the anti-rejection drugs increase a person's risk of cancer, I'm wondering if the drugs "caused" your cancer, or if it was a pre-existing one.

Jak

[am1977]

Awesome :) And so glad that they discovered your thyroid CA early- that's tough news to hear, but better to know and deal with it then to let it go.

I wish you continued health and happiness :)

[parrotletzoo]

What about the immunosuppressants parrot? Can you tell us what the downsides are of them? Obviously they seem to pale in comparison to having the transplant, but are a concern.

The downsides of immunosupressive therapy for me have been relatively minor. I've had mouth ulcers, minor anemia (hemoglobin level around 10.5 instead of over 12), an increase in blood pressure (addressed with upping the dose of cozaar I was already on), and increase in cholesterol because the cholesterol med i was on interacted with one of the immunosupression meds and I was off of lipitor for a while. There are other issues with immunosupression meds like increased risk of infection, increased risk of osteoporosis and increased risk of certain cancers. The meds are monitored weekly for the first three months and then once a month for a year. After that once every three months.

I think the worst side effect for me has been the mouth ulcers. They're painful, really painful, like can't sleep for days kind of painful. lol but they only happen when one of the meds is too high so when they show up, I call and have bloodwork done. Once that medication level is correct they resolve.

[parrotletzoo]

Congrats, Parrot.

I haven't been following your story, so maybe you've answered this already: When did they diagnose your cancer - before or after you were taking immunosuppresive drugs?

Since the anti-rejection drugs increase a person's risk of cancer, I'm wondering if the drugs "caused" your cancer, or if it was a pre-existing one.

Jak

The cancer was diagnosed about 8 months after the transplant. It was thyroid cancer and is a very slow growing kind of cancer. The doctors I've seen, some involved with the study, some not, think it was most likely there for a long time before it was found. Immunosupression medications don't increase the risk of all types of cancer and this isn't one of them.

[E-NICE]

Congrats on your success and hopefully your trial will be the next step past the following. No more insulin shots? Mixed results in tests - Diabetes - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15032083/)

[KickStart101]

Congrats on your 1st Anniversary Parrot. Thankfully
they found the cancer also. Sorry that you had to go
through all that. I sure hope that you have continued
success. Good Luck...God Bless. :)