Finally time for the big day. My blood sugars are stable. I have to be fasting for the surgery which is scheduled for noon. I am still pretty groggy from the medication and am sleeping alot. The time comes for them to take me to surgery, so I kiss my wonderful husband, and am wheeled away. I vaguely remember that there was a delay in starting. The islet cells were actually processed in St. Paul, and there was some glitch in getting them released, so the surgery wasn't done until 1:00pm. Even though I asked for the lowest dose of medication possible, because I wanted to remember it, I still slept through most of the procedure. I only remember being told that it was over and went very well. At this point, of course, I was very exhilarated and began to thank everyone in the room and say how happy I was to have this procedure done. I remember that moment very well, and probably always will. I believe it to be a life changing day. For whatever reason, all of my discomfort was gone and I was just very happy.
When I got back to my room, I enjoyed the moment with my husband, and he made several phone calls to family who were waiting for news. I was put on some more pain medication and began a long sleepy period.
This seems like a good time to mention that my islet cells came from a donor in South Dakota. All I know is that he was a 19 year old young man. I feel very sorry for the loss that his family must have suffered. And of course, I am very grateful that he was an organ donor. I do feel a responsibility to him to take the best care that I can so that the cells have the best chance not only to help me, but to provide data that will lead to the cure of Type 1 diabetes. I honestly believe that this is the path to that end.
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