View Full Version : Pancreas transplant - so far so good!!
KatieJane'smom
03-19-2009, 11:34 PM
A young friend of ours just had a pancreas transplant. Here's the latest update. Please keep her in your prayers.
Jen had the surgery last night. Operation complete around 3:30 am your time. She was matched with a 21 year old doner. (Remember to pray for their family as well as.) The operation is successful. She has been insulin free since!!! The first time in over 20 years. She also had her appendix taken out. (They thought there might be some problems for her down the road, so as a precaution and to keep her new pancreas, they took the appendix out. (This is not for all transplant patients.) She was alert around 4 am. And she has been having a terrible mirgraine that even the pain med is not relieving. The doctors think that by tomorrow some of the tubes will be removed. Her swelling has come down all but her tummy. They are a little concerend about this. However, her terrible dry pealing skin on her feet and hands are healing wonderfully. (that's a plus).
Wow. I hope her recovery smooths out and the migraine goes away. How weird that must be for her to be insulin free after so many years; great, but so different.
sisterbeth43
03-19-2009, 11:40 PM
She will be in our prayers. Hope she continues to do well.
I know that pancreas alone transplants are very rarely done. If you are able can you share how and why the person decided to agree with the transplant? I will pray that she recovers over the next year. It is a long road folllowing transplant surgery. :o:)Ali
grantsmom
03-19-2009, 11:43 PM
I will keep her and the other family in my thoughts and prayers...
Please keep us updated on how she is doing.
KatieJane'smom
03-19-2009, 11:50 PM
I just got this update. It doesn't sound good at all - please pray!!
Jen is back in OR. Blood clot in pancreas. Trying to fix it. May have to take organ out. please pray.
This girl is only 22 yrs. old. She's having the transplant as a last resort. She is already having multiple problems from her diabetes.
Lots of prayers going out.Ali
moco89
03-20-2009, 12:01 AM
Oh No!
God Bless this girl, she's already been through a lot. She deserves a break.
I will keep her in my thoughts, and I wish her the best of luck.
grantsmom
03-20-2009, 12:10 AM
I just prayed for her...please keep us updated
Kaylee's Mommy
03-20-2009, 01:23 AM
I will continue to pray for her.
betty6333
03-20-2009, 01:27 AM
We are so sorry. I hope things will go better today!
Kalebsmom
03-20-2009, 11:59 AM
That is so sad. I will say a prayer for her as well. Please keep us updated.
Alexa's Mommy
03-20-2009, 12:01 PM
Sending lots of prayers and good thoughts....
KatieJane'smom
03-20-2009, 12:30 PM
Good news - blood clot removed successfully, they did not have to remove the transplanted pancreas!! Everything seems fine for now. Dad & one sis on their way back home today. Mom will stay with Jen.
Thank you SO much for the prayers & please keep praying. I will posts updates as they come in.
KatieJane'smom
03-20-2009, 02:54 PM
thank you all for your prayers and emails. the operation last night went well. they drained about 3 liters of fluid and the new pancreas seem to be working fine. she has been having alot of pain and alot of concern over how low her blood pressure has been. she has developed pancreatis (that's the best i can spell it) she is not out of the woods yet, but is showing some improvement. please continue to pray for her.
sorry updates are slow, but its been busy here.
KatieJane'smom
03-21-2009, 03:29 PM
Jen has received one bag of blood now and working on the second. Her blood pressure is wonderful, heart rate is down, and all readings look good. especially the blood sugar which tells us the pancreas is working. yea!
Jen is improving. numbers looking good. they got her up and walking a few feet. against her will. (now I know why Mary didn't want to be here with her.) she didn't go far. they are concerned about her lungs and laying flat and still for so long. with her continued improvement plans are to be dismissed in a few days. I really need her up and going. they are going to train me this weekend on how to take care of her. its like learning about diabetes and giving shots and recording keeping. we'll be keeping track of blood sugar, blood pressure, temp, weight, etc. and giving about 6-8 pills twice a day. but so worth it.
StillMamamia
03-21-2009, 03:53 PM
Sending positive thoughts her way, hoping that everything will go smoothly. Thank you for the updates.
Abby-Dabby-Doo
03-21-2009, 03:59 PM
More prayers coming her way. :cwds:
Thanks for sharing.
I know this surgery is a rarity but how wonderful for her & the future possibilties of this! This thread caught my eye right away. Every time something like this happens, we get little closer to miracles. I will be keeping both families in my thoughts. Please wish her a speedy, HEALTHY recovery. :cwds:
sisterbeth43
03-21-2009, 09:18 PM
More prayers going out for your friend.
Colleen
03-21-2009, 11:11 PM
Prayers are being said that all goes well.
Kalebsmom
03-23-2009, 02:07 PM
I was just wondering how she is doing now?
KatieJane'smom
03-23-2009, 07:18 PM
I got this last night along with some pictures:
Jennifer is doing well. Two IVs were taken out today. and her cath. She has been up a little more today. Things are looking good. Blood sugar readings are great!
I'll keep you posted. The Mayo hospital is so very very nice. If Katie Jane ever needs a place for care, this is the place to come. I've been thinking about her through this whole process.
heamwdevine
03-23-2009, 07:57 PM
I'm praying too!
Judy&Alli
03-23-2009, 11:19 PM
Praying here too Kristi.
heamwdevine
03-26-2009, 08:48 PM
wondering how she is?
tiffanie1717
03-26-2009, 10:36 PM
Wow. That is amazing. I hope that Jen continues to do well! What a blessing if it all works out!
KatieJane'smom
03-26-2009, 11:45 PM
I haven't heard anything today. The latest is she will have to stay near Mayo clinic for 6 weeks after her release.
RosemaryCinNJ
03-27-2009, 08:04 AM
They are getting her up and moving so now more clots form, they do that after major surgery much to the protest of the patient..who could blame them for wanting to not move right?? Ahhhh, shes in my prayers..this is an amazing young woman...keep us posted...