Questions about pancreatectomy

[Guest guest]

I have read many messages on this site concerning pancreatectomy

with auto islet cell transplant. I am very curious. My doctor has

always said that it was only a last resort, when the pancreas was

totally destroyed. He implied I wouldn't gain anything from this

procedure. I am not so sure.

My CP is idiopathic, every test I have had comes back without any

explanations as to the cause. I have been tested and do not have the

gene for it. There are no structural abnormalities. I have had

numerous ERCP's with manometry and even though my pressures were near

normal, I had the sphincter of Oddi enlarged and stents placed " just

to be sure " .

My daily pain, nausea, and vomiting have made work impossible, and

made it impossible for me to take care of my two children (both under

four years old) by myself. If the surgery could help rid me of the

pain, then I would call it beneficial. I would give anything to live

a half way normal life, to be a wife and a mother.

What I would like to know is, other than the obvious risks of

surgery, and diabetes; what are the draw backs to surgery? At this

point I am willing to try anything to live again. I dream of making

plans some day without having to add... " if I'm not sick " .

Any comments are appreciated,

Love and hope to all,

Keri Beck RN

Mattoon IL