When to consider a TP/ICT?

[Guest guest]

,

You wrote, “I wonder is it time to go to Dr. Sutherland?â€

Knowing the seriousness of this disease, I, don’t understand why it wouldn’t

behoove anyone to examine all possible avenues to putting an end to this

madness. There is no cure, as such, and once the disease process has started, it

is light smoldering paper, which will burn until it burns itself out. Many

Pancreatologists feel that is why there is such a sense of urgency, as there is

no question that when someone has Chronic Pancreatitis, the pancreas is slowly

suffering autodigestion, and subsequent damage.

Yes, you can live without your pancreas, but it is difficult, as Diabetes is a

very serious disease. The controversy lies with the importance of harvesting the

islet cells which are housed in the beta cells within the exocrine pancreas

before they are damaged and can no longer produce insulin. These islet cells are

then transplanted into the liver, where they become well embedded and quickly

resume the production of insulin. The reason why this works so well is because

the pancreas and liver were one organ in utero before they divided becoming two

separate organs. This cannot be done without completely removing your pancreas.

The risk is that there may not be enough islets harvested.

That leaves the question to me to be, “I wonder if it is too late to go to Dr.

Sutherland?â€

I had my pancreas removed before I knew about the Islet Cell transplant. I had

also already suffered severe neuropathic damage when the surgery was done. My

disease went undiagnosed for years. Had I known what I know today, I would have

a Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Cell Transplant as soon as I was diagnosed.

The evidence speaks for itself. There are numerous people who have had the

surgery. The more successful ones were done earlier in the progression of the

disease. There are, of course, compounding considerations, such as other

diagnoses someone has, their age, lifestyle, family/friend support, etc.

I have passed your inquiry to the TP/ICT Inquiry Committee.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International