Whipple to

[Guest guest]

I understand entirely how you feel about making such a decision. I

was in your shoes just over a year ago. I had a Beger procedure

which is a whipple but spares the other organs. With the Whipple

they take part of the stomach, the pyloric sphincter, part of the

duodenum and sometimes the spleen. I was uncomfortable with all that

extra stuff coming out and then having the organs and intestine

reconnected (anastomosis). My surgeon at the time understood my

hesitation and that is why he and I decided on the Beger.

The Whipple removes the head of the panc and maybe a little of the

body depending on where the damage is but generally does leave the

middle and tail of the panc intact. If that is the case with your

surgeon, then no, you should not be a brittle diabetic, or any kind

of diabetic for that matter. Do you know why he would say that?

When was the last time you had an ERCP or an EUS? If you have damage

to the point where they may take the tail; which is where most of

the islets cells are, then maybe you should be talking with them

about a total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplant

while you still may have some viable islets to transplant. I had

that surgery as well in Cincinatti OH last NOvember.

You are very young and it is a very big decision. I think it would

be wise to explore all your options. Please let me know if there is

anyway I can help.

Warmly,

(SC)