What is the TP/AIT

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
 
~ Let me say, I don't know for sure I am a candidate for the surgery, yet.  Based on what I've read, and what the doctor who diagnosed me with CP says, I'm pretty sure I am, but there will be a lot of testing before I know for your sure. This is good as I certainly don't want to do this if it won't help! 
Having said that.....here is some general info about THE Surgery.....I will know more once I talk to the surgeon.


     The Total Pancreatectomy with Auto Islet Cell Transplant (TP/AIT) is not a surgery you just casually decide to have.  As my GI states, it is one MASSIVE surgery.  I have been told it is the most painful surgery they do. YIKES! But, I've also been told that the first few days after surgery, you don't remember, so I pray God will sustain me through those days, and then I can forget about them.  The surgery usually takes about 10-15 hours. They remove the entire pancreas. They usually also take out part of  the small intestine, the duodenum,  stomach and the entire spleen.  All of these organs share a blood supply and are connected so without the pancreas they will not survive.  Your pancreas , through the Islet Cells, makes insulin and controls your blood sugar.  They now can isolate those cells from the pancreas once it is removed......isn't that amazing?!  The hope will be that the amount of damage to my pancreas has not destroyed the number of good islet cells the transplant team will be able to harvest.  Once the cells are harvested and the surgical team has reconnected everything, the islet cells will be transplanted into my liver through the portal vein....I think via an IV. ( I will know more later) At first, I will be a diabetic.  The hope is that the Islet Cells will LOVE their new home and not forget how to function and get off their lazy bum and go to work. The outcome varies with this.  Some people are able to come off insulin fairly quickly, some have to take a moderate amount of insulin, some a lot, and then the worst case scenario , is that I could be a brittle diabetic. ( in others words, blood sugar that is VERY difficult to control.)  I will also need to take enzymes for the rest of my life to help digest my food since my pancreas won't be around to do that job either. ( But, he's already gotten lazy and isn't doing his job very well anyway!) 

This surgery is very specialized and is only performed at a few centers around the world. It is still considered somewhat experimental.  If it weren't for insurance reasons, it would be nice to be at one of the centers where they have performed 100's of these. I don't know yet how many Dr. Christein at UAB has done.  I hope a lot!  It will be nice to be close to home.......it will be easier on my family and will make follow up visits much easier.  Keep praying please!!! :-) Love y'all.