PATIENT STORY :
ASHLEY NICHOLS HAS A HEART OF GRATITUDE FOR HER RARE KIDNEY-PANCREAS TRANSPLANT
PANCREAS
ORGANS – PANCREAS
OVERVIEW Over the past 30 years , UAB Medicine has performed over 420 kidney / pancreas and pancreas-only transplants . In addition to outstanding outcomes , one thing that sets us apart is our willingness to perform pancreas after kidney ( PAK ) and simultaneous pancreas and kidney ( SPK ) transplants in suitable patients . We also perform pancreas transplant alone ( PTA ) procedures for patients whose glucose levels are not controlled with insulin pumps and other modalities .
UAB is a leader in caring for patients with serious complications related to insulin-dependent diabetes . Alabama has a disproportionate number of people with diabetes , so we are committed to staying ahead of the curve to better serve the health of our population . For that reason , we will evaluate potential transplant candidates with type 2 diabetes who are insulin-dependent , in addition to those with type 1 . Providing pancreas transplants to patients with type 2 diabetes often gives them the ability to produce additional insulin , thereby making them insulin-independent and reducing their risk of diabetic complications . In fact , new data show that their outcomes may be just as good as with type 1 diabetics , who traditionally have been considered for pancreas transplantation .
PATIENT STORY :
ASHLEY NICHOLS HAS A HEART OF GRATITUDE FOR HER RARE KIDNEY-PANCREAS TRANSPLANT
Ashley Nichols , 32 , had learned to manage her type 1 diabetes . Diagnosed when she was 6 years old , diabetes was but a backdrop to Nichols ’ life . She grew up in Fayette , Ala ., got her nursing degree , married her husband , Blake , and went to work as a labor and delivery nurse in Tuscaloosa , Ala . When it came time to start her own family , Nichols sought and received approval from her medical team before getting pregnant .
EXCELLENCE IN ONE-YEAR PATIENT AND GRAFT SURVIVAL
Nichols was vigilant about her
Ashley Nichols prenatal care . “ I had all the tests to ensure I was healthy for pregnancy , including eye exams and blood tests to check diabetes control and kidney function ,” she said . Despite her precautions , preeclampsia – a blood pressure condition that can affect both mother and baby – led to complete bedrest when Nichols was 24 weeks pregnant . “ I was vomiting , had headaches , and eventually noticed decreased urine output ,” she said .
Nichols ’ kidney function rapidly declined , and she was hospitalized until delivering baby Grant prematurely at 31 weeks . Still , she had lingering high blood pressure .
Emotional rollercoaster Two years later , Nichols was feeling more like herself . Her blood pressure medication had helped stabilize her condition , and she was exercising daily . “ I was at a level of fitness and endurance that I thought I ’ d never reach
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