Misdee - is there a good transplant forum that you have used?

[CantSleepWontSleep]

Brother has been deemed a good candidate for a pancreatic transplant, and he wants to do some independent research on it before deciding whether to go on the list or not.

Said I would ask you where he should look.

Thanks.

Bump in case misdee is still around.

Another bump.

i never did find one. i would get in contact with the ladies at livelifethengivelife as they may be able to help.

pancreatic transplant isnt one i have come across.

Ok thanks .

The pancreas is because of his diabetes btw - think they are quite new.

oh right.

well i think its a caser of weighing up pros and cons of transplant against diabetes.

how bad is his diabetes?

Pretty bad I think (we don't speak much). He's had it since he was 8, and is generally in poor health - extremely high blood pressure, poorish eyesight (has had laser treatment once already), err, not sure what else .

He saw a consultant this week about just having an eyelet transplant, but he wasn't a good candidate for that, but was recommended for a full pancreas. I think (and the site you mentioned seems to suggest) that the pancreas is commonly done at the same time as kidneys, but AFAIK his kidneys don't need to be done.

I think maybe it's just the eyelet thing that is new, rather than the pancreas itself (but I may have been mislead by my parents!).

The consultant gave him stats about failure and mortality rates within 5 years of transplant, so he has a lot to mull over.

I have had 2 kidnet transplants and know quite a few people who have had pancreas transplants as they are quite closely linked.The 2 men i know are doing brilliant and also the pancreas being done has saved their kidneys and possibly their sight aswell.I think some of the diabetes forums would probably be useful and have discussion about the pros and cons.Diabetes is so dangerous because it affects every bit of you but the drugs for transplants are also quit harsh at times but not sure which ones he would be on.Having said that I had my first kidney in1985 and teh second in 2000 and I have had a great life and am thankful every minute in spite of the ups and downs xxx

Oh thank you noddy, and glad to hear that you and the men you mention are all doing well. Don't suppose you know of a specific diabetic forum that they use do you, as I don't think db uses any at the moment?