PATIENTS
PATIENT STORIES
Melinda
Melinda participates in our new study testing less toxic immunosupression (Tegoprubart).
She stopped insulin 3 weeks after her first islet transplant and enjoys her diabetes-free life.
Congratulations Melinda!
" For 41 years, I have lived with insulin-dependent type 1 diabetes, diagnosed when I was just 10 years old. Over the years, I have been hospitalized six times with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
In 2001, I gave birth to triplets after a challenging pregnancy that required me to stay in the high-risk multiple birth hospital from December until March when the kids were born. Despite all the complications, my children are a true blessing. They are healthy, happy, and have never had any health issues. My kids say they can recognize when someone has diabetes because they can smell the insulin secretion. They constantly worried about my well-being and felt the pressure to protect and care for me when it should have been the other way around. They learned to recognize when my blood sugar levels were dropping and were always on the lookout for signs of trouble.
The emotional ups and downs were tough on all of us. My husband at the time also constantly worried about me. Several times, he had to help me get to the kitchen for sugar and administer it to me when I was not coherent.
Diabetes controlled every aspect of my life. I had to make sure I always had enough pump supplies, backup needles, insulin, ketone strips, and testers as backups to sensors. I needed enough snacks in case my blood sugar dropped and always had to have something in my hotel room in case my blood sugar dropped overnight. Traveling extensively for work was challenging because I had to be prepared for anything and everything.
The last four years have been some of the most difficult as new complications arose. I had lost hope that I could ever improve or be in control of this disease. I no longer recognized any lows unless the phone or pump beeped. My control was gone, and the highs and lows seemed constant. The frustration of feeling like I had done everything right but not seeing any improvement, only further deterioration, was overwhelming. My kidneys started to show signs of deterioration. I always believed there would be a cure, just not in my lifetime.
I traveled with a dear friend two weeks ago, and she said to me, "I think this is the first trip we have ever taken when your insulin pump was not alarming at different times throughout the trip."
I cannot explain the sheer gratitude I have for Dr. Witkowski and the care team. I have spent a lot of time in doctors' offices over the years, and I have never experienced a more caring, vested, and unique team. I have been given a new lease on life that I will never take for granted. Not having tubes and equipment tied to me at all times is the most liberating feeling. My attitude, energy level, and overall health are improving, and I have this islet transplant, the anti-rejection drug Tegoprubart, donor, and Dr. Witkowski and his care team to thank for this amazing and life-changing opportunity!
At day 75 follow up H1BA1c dropped to 5.4% from 7.8% prior to transplant, The lowest ever!
Hugs with Sally, nurse from our Clinical Research Center.