NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Former diabetic Ivy Ashworth-Crees, 59, talks about how much better her life is since her double kidney and pancreas transplant.
"About 32 years ago IÂ was diagnosed with diabetes and had to go on insulin injections four times a day. I also had to work very hard on my diet to make sure I didnât eat too much sweet food.
"After about 25 years I got kidney failure, and in 2003 I had to go on kidney dialysis. The dialysis was very uncomfortable. It was a drain, having to do it four times a day, as well as having the diabetes injections four times a day. I felt like my life was on hold.
"I was on kidney dialysis for two years when they put me on the list to have a kidney transplant. The surgeon suggested that I could probably benefit from a kidney and a pancreas transplant, which meant I wouldnât be a diabetic anymore.
"When I got the phone call to say that I was going to Manchester for the transplant, I was absolutely hysterical. I was a big bag of emotions â" both thrilled and terrified.
"When I came round after the operation, I was in intensive care. I stayed there for about three or four days, then they took me to the main ward.
"The most difficult part was getting out of bed, on to my feet, and starting to walk. They walked me up and down the ward for weeks until my legs got strong enough. That was very, very difficult - the pain was very bad. But itâs all been worth it.
"The doctor asked me to try and reduce my weight, so I joined the gym. I enjoy swimming - I think itâs helping me to keep a bit more active. The only problem is that I canât walk too far.
"Itâs very, very important that I take the immunosuppressant drugs. If I donât take them, the kidney and pancreas could reject. I have to take them for the rest of my life.
"My lifeâs changed such a lot. I now take it for granted that I can eat what I want, including chocolates! Iâm back at work, I donât have an injection after my meals, I donât have to rush home for dialysis and my kidneys and pancreas are working well.
"I feel very blessed actually â" that Iâve been through this operation and itâs worked very well."
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here
Bookmark with