The waiting time for a pancreas depends on several factors, including tissue and blood types, as well as organ availability. Until the time for transplantation, patients visit the pancreas transplant team annually.
There are many things patients can and should do while waiting for a transplant, including:
- Continue to exercise regularly to promote endurance and speed up recovery after transplant.
- Follow dietary guidelines.
- Carry a cell phone when not at home. The Penn transplant team needs to be able to contact patients on the waiting list at any time.
- Find ways to manage the stress of waiting and coping with chronic illness in order to maintain a positive outlook.
- Notify the transplant program about any other surgery or hospitalization.
- Set up a support group of family and friends to help post-surgery.
- Pack bags and make arrangements for transportation to the hospital in advance.
- Become familiar with post-transplant care.
Pancreas Donor Becomes Available
When a potentially suitable pancreas donor becomes available, the on-call nurse coordinator calls the patient, who discusses the offer and screens the candidate for any new health problems, and provides information regarding when to stop food and drink and details of when to report to the hospital for admission.
Upon arrival, the patient and the transplant team begins preparing for surgery. They complete paperwork, review medications, check vital signs and draw blood. Patients wait in their hospital room until it’s time for surgery.