9. Brandon Mouw: I had a pancreas only transplant

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I speak to Brandon Mouw. Brandon was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 3 and after living with type 1 diabetes for over 30 years became a brittle diabetic. Brittle diabetes is a rare form of insulin-dependent diabetes and is marked by frequent and severe episodes of hypoglycemia and/or hyperglycemia (DKA). This instability of blood sugar levels often leads to hospitalization and necessitates frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose, the use of an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitoring device (CGM). In rare cases, a pancreas transplant may be necessary. (Taken from BeyondType1.org). Brandon was told that if he did not have a pancreas only transplant he has less than two years to live. Brandon is based in the USA and this specific transplant operation isn’t covered by insurance so he needed to raise $250,000 in three months for this life-saving operation. At this point he had already undergone multiple surgeries for relating to kidney stones and only has one kidney. Brandon and I talk about: his life with type 1 and brittle diabetes including managing workhis transplantation journeyhow his life is has changed after receiving his pancreas transplant how he managed to raise the $250,000 which involved the kindness of strangers how he’s using his experience to help othersTransplantation is a journey that few go on and this was the first time I’ve sat down and had a conversation with a fellow transplant recipient. Brandon’s journey shows that nothing is impossible. You can find Brandon on Instagram, Twitter and WebsitePodcast Highlights: 2:30 - life living with type 1 diabetes and how he was diagnosed with brittle diabetes17:00 - the transplant referral process and finding out he needed to raise $250,000 to have a transplant, How he raised $250,000 for his transplant in 3 months.30:44 - we talk about transplant experiences and when Brandon received 'the call' and the lead up to the operation and beyond. 40:16 - Brandon’s road to recovery including overcoming organ rejection and post-transplant challenges including mental and emotional aspects.46:38 - Brandon's attitude and perspective towards his own health to get him to where he is today and how he is using his story/journey to inspire othersUseful LinksAffordable Care Act (ACA) - HealthCare.gov GlossaryWhat is Brittle Diabetes?If you would like to ask a question or be a guest on the show then you can email Daniel at [email protected]. I read all my messages and might include your question in a future episode. You can find Daniel on Instagram: Dan | Type 1 Diabetes Blogger (@t1d_dan) and Twitter: Dan (@t1d_dan)Remember to hit subscribe.