Guest guest Posted May 8, 2005 Report Share Posted May 8, 2005 I went to see my Dr. at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco last Thurs. He said that I needed to see a pancreatic surgeon. He called over to the surgeon's building and got me an appointment for later the same day(for which I was very thankful. Since I'm about 5 hrs from the hospital. I could hardly believe he could get me in so soon, the surgeon couldn't believe it either! He said he's in surgery almost every day)Anyway, his name is Assad Hassoun he was a wonderful man & seemed very caring and knowledgable, explaining everything as well as he could since I was totally unprepared with any questions. He says that because of the material they found when they attempted to drain my Pseudocyst in March and the pain & nausea I've been having. He feels they need to remove the body and tail of my pancreas, leaving the head (about 30%-40%) of the pancreas so that hopefully I will not become diabetic and won't need enzymes. They will also remove my gallbladder and my spleen and they will also do a biopsy of my liver while they are in there. He believes that this should give me the best results. They will leave an external drain for approx 3 days. I should be in the hospital about 5 days if all goes well. They hope to do this as soon as possible. But because I do have a low immune system I will have to get three different immunizations that need to be given about 2-3 weeks before the surgery to boost my system since they will be removing my spleen and hope to prevent any infection. If anyone has any comments or suggestions I would really appreciate your input. Thanks, Rhonda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2005 Report Share Posted May 8, 2005 Rhonda, I am glad he managed to get you in to see the surgeon that same day. It's amazing how sometimes a mountain can be moved to accomodate us patients... I hope this surgery works for you. As I haven't had this type of surgery before, I am not the best person to give you any advice, however there are many others who will be able to help you. Just let me know as the time gets closer, where and when your surgery will be, so we can send cards and/or call you there... Regards, Ward PAI Administration Support dceward@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 2005 Report Share Posted May 11, 2005 Rhonda, Glad to hear you got such fast appointment at Cal Pacific, and sounds like you have good rapport with the surgeon. Sorry I don't have any new advice for you, other to wonder if a second opinion is warranted before proceeding. I guess I'd wonder if its necessary to also remove gallbladder and spleen " while they are in there. " My last MRI and visit with surgeon provided no new info on my pseudocysts. He would only say surgery to drain them was up to me, and would not tell me what type of surgery he proposes until I agree to surgery. So we agreed to wait to July for another scan to see if cysts enlarge by then or I have lots of pain again. I've had little or no pain the last two months so decided to take the vacation + relative visit trip to Minn & Dakotas, that I'd planned before my attack last spring, and trust my pancreas behaves itself. I wish you the best with your surgery. Kurt (CA) > I went to see my Dr. at California Pacific Medical Center in San > Francisco last Thurs. He said that I needed to see a pancreatic > surgeon. surgeon ...says that because of the material > they found when they attempted to drain my Pseudocyst in March and > the pain & nausea I've been having ...they need to remove the > body and tail of my pancreas > If anyone has any comments or suggestions I would really appreciate > your input. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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