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SPK (simultaneous pancreas and kidney) transplants
Transplants | Last Active: May 16 8:41pm | Replies (77)Comment receiving replies
Hi Rosemary. That was informative thanks. I'm 50. Type 1 diabetic for 39 years. Was always pretty good with it but an athlete my entire life not an excuse but I did struggle at times. Also a successful happily married athlete at age 40 when I had 4 unexplained strokes. I'm lucky to be here. Had to learn to talk and walk again. Took 2 1/2yrs of therapy. Was told I would need a cane or walker for life. Have 3 kids. My only daughter was 5. She couldn't run to me and jump into my arms. That was my motivation. I can run now. Stage 2 dementia and a multitude of other issues. In September I fell 10ft landed on head cracked my skull. Has given me a lot more to deal with. So I'm 5 for 5 surviving brain injuries. I'm not religious at all but so very appreciative to be here. Everyday is a great day. A lot is difficult and I do get bummed. I miss working but I worked hard and thankful I provided. My awesome wife took the opportunity,since I love being a Dad, to further her career.
I want to get a pancreas transplant. I'm very nervous i won't qualify so I haven scheduled an appt.
Well that's most of my story I think. What do you think? You can say anything it's impossible to offend me. Thanks
Replies to "Hi Rosemary. That was informative thanks. I'm 50. Type 1 diabetic for 39 years. Was always..."
@realisticdad, I think that you have an admirable attitude and an inner strength to achieve what you have, in spite of the barriers that have been set up in front of you. I can feel the love and support that exists between you and your lovely wife and children. And I can certainly understand your desire for a transplant (if needed) and your hesitancy about scheduling an appointment. My 'thinking' is that I don't know anything, except to encourage you to make some phone call inquiries about appointment, and to let the medical experts decide whether or not a transplant is in your best interest. Does that sound reasonable to you?
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@realisticdad Your story is amazing, you are very lucky to be here. I hope you are able to get your pancreas transplant. As @annmariaa said, you won't know if you don't try. Some regions can transplant at lower scores so look into that too. I was told when I first qualified for a liver transplant that I might want to look at a couple of other regions. Happily, my transplant came through sooner than anticipated in September 2016 and all is well.
JK