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Louisa Van Velzen
Kidney-Pancreas Transplant Eases Life With Diabetes
By Louisa Van Velzen
I have been a diabetic since the age of 2. I started with one insulin shot a day and by high school, I was on two shots daily. As the years went by, my kidneys started to fail. In 1997, I went on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), which allowed me to have more flexibility than going three times a week for hemodialysis. CAPD allowed me to do my exchanges in the car while I was traveling.
After three years on CAPD, I got a kidney-pancreas transplant on July 27, 2001, which was a true miracle made possible by a generous donor named William. The surgery went so smoothly that I got to go home in eight days. I had no pain and for the first time, I did not have to take any insulin shots. I could have sweets without worrying if my sugar level would be too high. I have been taking medicine for most of my life, so taking anti-rejection medications is just a normal, daily routine for me. I lost a lot of weight during my hospital stay, but after several months, my weight and strength came back. My transplant saved my life and it was like a new beginning for me.
During the years, my family and friends were always there to support me and gave me the strength to carry on. I decided to register on the transplant list at UCSF because they have an excellent reputation and have performed many successful transplant surgeries. My experience at UCSF has been wonderful, for everyone -- especially the transplant team -- is so caring and they take the time to educate you and answer any questions you may have.
I am so thankful to the terrific surgeons, doctors, nurses and staff at UCSF who made me feel so comfortable. Without their great work, my transplant would not have been possible.
Story written in October 2001.
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