Message to Percy

[Guest guest]

Dear Percy,

I hope this email reaches you in time. My imput would be that I

concur with our listmates. I think this doctor is trying to rush you

into a life altering procedure without letting you seek other

opinions from surgeons who have more experience in

pancreatectomies with auto islet transplantation. Unless his

haste is based on an emergency need, I think you should be

allowed the time, if it is safe for you, to seek second or third

opinions, be fully informed of all your options, and the anticipated

outcome of each.

My personal experience with this is limited to a discussion I had

with my surgeon only last week. I am already a type 1 brittle

diabetic with pancreas burn-out, but have been fortunate to

maintain control of my diabetes to this point. I asked the

surgeon why I couldn't just have a total pancreatectomy, to rid me

of the horrendous pain from my reoccuring multiple enlarged

pseudocysts. He refused to do the surgery, saying that the

resulting devastatingly uncontrollable brittle diabetes would be

completely different than what I have now, and it would always be

so uncontrollable that my life would be far worse than it is today,

and would be ruined forever.

As long as you are not diabetic and there is some chance of islet

harvest, I think you should seek consult from an auto islet

transfer qualified pancreatic surgeon to fully review any and all

options that are available to you.

My prayers and thoughts will be with you as you face this difficult

decision. I will pray that you are given the time you need to make

the right decision for your future without haste or pressure.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

HI Percy,

I have to ad my voice to the others: " Take your time. " Do not rush into a

pancreatectomy. It is a life-altering experience. I told a surgeon no once.

He had a fit and I told him, " Hey, it's my body, fella. " Two years later I

was told I didn't need surgtery, BY THE SAME DOC. Be careful.

Of course, I'm not a doctor, so you have to take my advice with a grain of

salt. But at least, get another opinion from a qualified physician.

Good Luck,

Jerry/NC