Chrissy is in good spirits

[Guest guest]

I just got off the phone with Chrissy at the Vernon Manor. She was in very

good spirits and had a lot to say about her experiences and getting adjusted

to taking insulin. Since I also take Lantus and a fast acting insulin like

she's

using right now, we had a good discussion about this and she seems to be

quick to learn what she needs to take, how much and when. Although she's

taking the insulin now, it's her hope (and mine, too) that her islets will kick

in

and she'll eventually be taken off it. Only time will tell.

She sends her love to everyone, and as you know, has found the hotel guest

computer downstairs, so I imagine we'll be hearing a lot more from her first

hand. I can mentally picture her sneaking down to the computer room at all

hours of the night, when she's bored with her lovely room.......lol!

We talked about the bonds that people have formed just by being members of

this group and how special these relationships are. It's been through these

relationships and ongoing support from each other that we gain the strength

to deal with all of the issues that we face with this disease.......many of us

just

can't handle the stresses this disease brings without help, and that's what's

made this group so unique.

Chrissy still has significant post-op pain, but she said the Oxycontin helps

take off the edge, and she also has Dilaudid. Understandably, because of the

many pancreatic surgeries she's had just within the last year, the doctor's feel

that it will take her much longer to heal. Just judging by her demeanor on the

phone and her positive attitude, I think she'll do well in the healing

process.....if someone can keep her from trying to overdo!

She's already talking about what she'd like to do professionally with her

personal experience, medical training and knowledge in the field of

pancreatic medicine, and I think she's already pictured where she'll be and

what the surroundings will look like! I'll let her tell you all about it.

She's

clearly on the mend and I hope she continues as well as she is right now. Our

conversation was often puncuated with laughter and lightness, and I took that

as a positive sign of a woman with a lot of determination to make this work out

the best that it can.

We should all be hearing more from her very soon.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina State Rep.

SE Regional Rep., PAI

http://pancassociation.org/anthology.htm#Heidi

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experience or opinion,

and should not be substituted for consultation with a medical professional.