The UC Pancreatic Disease Center
Specialists In Pancreatitis & Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

It's tough being 16 years old. It's even tougher being 16 when your pancreas is ravaged by disease. For Timothy Jordan, pancreatitis forced him to spend the vast majority of has early teens painfully bed-ridden and confined to his home in Macon, GA. After watching her son struggle for years and finding no relief from various treatments, Timothy's mother sought out Dr. Matthews of University Hospital where an autologus islet cell procedure was pioneered. Initially, Tammy feared the pancreatectomy performed on her son would be fruitless like the many treatments before it. But ten days after having the procedure, Timothy was running around with the other neighborhood kids. Today, you'll find Timothy practicing guitar, living proof that treatment at University is about more than science.

Hi, My name is Dyanna S. and I recently had Islet Cell Transplant surgery.  I had spent almost two years in and out of local hospitals for my chronic pancreatitis and inability to keep food down.  Finally my local G.I. doctor sent me to Dr. Steve Martin, a G.I. doctor with the University of Cincinnati.  Dr. Martin did all the usual tests on me – ERCP, SGD, etc – and treated me for my chronic pain.  Dr. Martin then referred me to Dr. Andrew Lowy, a surgeon at University of Cincinnati.  Dr. Lowy and his nurse manager, Debbie explained the surgery to me, and what all would be involved.  I am only 43 years old and felt the odds were in my favor for the surgery.  By the time I had come into contact with Debbie and Dr. Lowy I was on I.V. feeding because I was no longer able to digest solid food and morphine for the pain.

I had my surgery the beginning of July and am still healing from the operation.  I was able to eat solid food before I left the hospital and am now only on pain meds for incisional pain and discomfort.  The change has been dramatic.  I won’t say the surgery was easy but I would do it all again.  I don’t remember much of the beginning of my hospital stay, the doctors made sure I was comfortable and in as little pain as possible.  I am still on insulin but even that has been reduced little by little since I’ve been home.  I am very optimistic that the islet cell transplant has taken and I will soon be diabetes free.  I don’t know what my life would have become had I not had the surgery.  Today I even started exercising again – just a walk outdoors and light weight lifting for my arms – more than I was doing two months ago.  I can’t say enough how grateful I am to Dr. Lowy and Debbie.  Debbie has always been available to answer questions and not make me feel like I’m a bother.  I appreciate all she’s done to help me get through this.  I can even say that last night I enjoyed my first slice of real pizza – what a treat for me.  My family and friends have been very supportive of my decision to have the surgery and now that they’ve seen the results they cannot believe the difference in me.

15 September 03

Dear Dr. Ahmad,

When Ann and I returned home on 8 September following my appointment with you at University Point we received a phone call from a writer at the Dayton Daily News requesting an interview.  He had been informed of our “Celebration of Life” picnic on Sunday and wanted to do a column on the event.  I have enclosed a copy as I thought you might enjoy reading it.
            I firmly believe that the competency of your team at UC and your personal upbeat attitude played a major role in my recovery.  The treatment protocols may have improved, but I still feel that creation of a positive attitude by the patient, with a major input from the physician, is key to beating cancer.
            Please convey my thanks to Linda and others on your team.  Feel free to share the newspaper column too.  I look forward to seeing you next March for my follow-up check.

Warm regards,
Jim Wilger

{Click here to read the article}

June 11, 2003

Dear Dr. Ahmad,

            The family of Marjorie Jacobs would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for what you and your team have done for Margie.  We truly believe that we have witnessed one of God’s miracles with you and your hands as the messenger. 
            Because of you, Margie can eat, go places, and do things that she been unable to do for a very long time.  You have literally given her life back to her.  You have also given her back to us, and for that we feel truly blessed and grateful.
            Please know that you will continue to be in our prayers in order that you may continue to help others who are suffering as Margie did.  Please keep your excellent work going and may God bless you always.  Thank you again.

Sincerely,
Margie’s parents
Annie and Jerry Saun

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