Barry woman celebrates her ‘old’ pancreas
Rachel Johnson was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of seven
A BARRY woman recently celebrated the 13th anniversary of her pancreas transplant in the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff.
Rachel Johnson was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of seven and was very ill, with serious life-threatening complications. Later in life, and now enjoying working as a nurse, she was told by her consultant that she had to have a pancreatic transplant. This was a huge blow for Rachel, as she was thoroughly enjoying her career.
The transplant operation is a long and complicated one, but Rachel headed into it with her usual sense of humour and wonderful support from her husband Andy, daughter Evie, her Mum Elizabeth and her sisters Ruth, Hilary and Abi.
The transplant was expected to survive roughly 4-7 years if looked after well, yet Rachel is celebrating its 13th anniversary now. She said: “The Cardiff Transplant Team are an amazing group of professionals who deliver their care in such a committed and positive way. They have cared for me like I was family. They’re just wonderful.”
Rachel celebrated her 50th birthday this year. She was told at her last transplant clinic appointment that she is in the top one per cent of people worldwide who still have surviving pancreas transplanted organs of this age.
“It’s something to celebrate most definitely” says Rachel, who has always retained a positive outlook on life, despite the life threatening and serious health problems.
She added: “I have amazing support and love from my husband Andy and family, and this makes it so much easier to cope with all the problems. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.
“Well, that and anti-rejection drugs!”
- This story first appeared within the printed edition of the Glamorgan Star dated Thursday 17th October.
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