SPK (simultaneous pancreas and kidney) transplants

@benlam11 To make your life easier before/during/after transplant, get yourself as healthy as possible. Stop tobacco and alcohol, eat a healthy and natural diet (cook things from their natural state), reduce caffeine and sodas, and get as fit as possible (walking or swimming daily are the best start). Begin practicing cleanliness: sanitize countertops before, during and after use; designate separate cutting boards for vegetables and meat; stop using wooden cutting boards for meat; wash hands well and often; get used to having and using sanitizers; reduce use of perfumes, air fresheners, etc. (that may be masking odors rather than cleaning them); review your live plant situation and reduce to minimal care house plants; review your pet situation and arrange for someone else to manage bathing, brushing and urine/feces; look for and address any mold issues anywhere in your house; and set a schedule for cleaning heat/air vents/covers.

Issues for transplanted organs should be provided by your doctors at the time of transplant. You will be informed of the points of mismatch (for example, my donor was +CMV and I was -CMV) and instructed if/how to manage them. You will also be instructed what symptoms to watch for and report.

I have experienced many unexpected issues following my transplant because, I believe, I was a brittle Type I long-term diabetic and all this underlying issues that had been attributed as secondary to diabetes were now jumping out of the cupboard and saying, "Me! Take care of me now!"

Since I have a pancreas only, I cannot address any issues with any other organs. I do understand that each organ has it's own issues and each person has their own individual experiences and expectations.

You have a healthy interest in your personal health. One thing I would suggest, if you are interested, is to begin journaling. Many people have found it helpful. You can expect lapses of memory throughout the process, as you will be given anesthesia and pain medications that may alter your memory functions. A journal that you keep, even in an altered state, can help you piece everything together later.

Primarily my advice (and what works for me) is to turn your will and your life over to God and trust that He will take care of things when you cannot. That underlying belief, faith and knowledge has always served me well and helped me calm myself and press on. Blessings to you and all your supporters.

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

@nikkispk, @benlam11, @marvinjsturing

Here is more information about Pancreas transplant from Mayo Patient Care & Health Information
Tests & Procedures>Pancreas transplant
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/pancreas-transplant/about/pac-20384783
Here is a dicussion about multiple transplants.
Transplant, multiple.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/transplant-multiple/

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

I am very excited, there is a woman in one of my support groups that just had her SPK at Mayo Jax a few days ago!! I hope to see her up there soon!!

I was deferred at the Mayo in Phoenix as they found my lt carotid artery blocked 90% and my rt 50%. Additionally my A1c was over 10 and it must be brought down as well as losing 20lbs. So next it will be off to the Mayo and cardiology in the next few weeks. I'm thankful they are so thorough and give me and themselves the best chance for success.

I was deferred at the Mayo in Phoenix as they found my lt carotid artery blocked 90% and my rt 50%. Additionally my A1c was over 10 and it must be brought down as well as losing 20lbs. So next it will be off to the Mayo and cardiology in the next few weeks. I'm thankful they are so thorough and give me and themselves the best chance for success.

Short history: Ten years ago, I was diagnosed as a Type II diabetic. Five years ago I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In my Whipple procedure, the surgeon removed most of my pancreas. The pancreas was not reattached to my digestive system and I became a Type I diabetic. A rare reaction to the chemo gave me a disease that damaged my kidneys. For the last 4 years, I have had Stage 4/5 CKD. Last August, I asked Mayo Rochester about a pancreas/kidney transplant. The doctor told me that because of my size (6 feet 3 inches/230 pounds) that a transplanted pancreas would not produce enough insulin to cover my needs and I would still have to give myself insulin shots. He also said that internal scarring from my Whipple would make the pancreas transplant very difficult. Still working on a kidney transplant.