“I am so much more relaxed and stress-free, diabetes wise, than I was prior to the transplant,” she said.
Although she is experiencing some minor side-effects - such as nausea and itchy skin - and there is a cost associated with the dispensing fee of her anti-rejection medication (the majority of the cost is covered by her AB Blue Cross plan) as well as the cost of travel to Edmonton for the procedure, Pichurski said she does not regret undergoing the procedure.
She added that the costs are far less than the average $2,000 she was paying annually for her insulin, glucose strips, needles and other diabetic supplies.
“I definitely feel it was worth it and would do it again in a heartbeat if necessary,” said Pichurski, adding that her only regret is not having the procedure done while her husband was still alive.
“He would have enjoyed this wonderful change in my health so much.”
Throughout the entire process leading up to the transplant, Pichurski said everyone she consulted with stressed to her the importance of being aware of the possible risks of the surgery - which include rejection, infection and the possibility that the procedure could not work at all.
However, she said she was excited by the possibility of having her levels stabilize and requiring less insulin, even if it didn’t work like it was supposed to.
“The fact that I am insulin free is an added bonus,” she said.
“It has increased my quality of life so very much.”
Pichurski encourages other diabetics to consider the procedure which has worked so well for her and to get in contact with the Islet Transplant Office with any questions or concerns and see if they qualify for the procedure.
For more information, visit
islet.ca.
