The transplanted cells work fron the liver. However, the injection, I believe, is not DONE into the liver. The cells are infused through an IV. That’s pretty straighforward.

Now, as you have mentioned, the biggie is the life-long immunosuppressant drug therapy. Granted, I wouldn’t have to take a shot anymore, but I would also not be able to work in the hospital, hence, losing my income. Not willing to go that far yet.

There is information on the University of Wisconsin’s website …. it may take some time to find it, because I cannot remember the URL anymore. I spoke with a nurse there named Nancy who was the research nurse for the islet cell program. 3 years ago the cost was only ( [INLINE] ) $36.000.00 for the transplant and all that comes with it, except transportation. The transplant is limited to 3 injections, and, from what I gather, the first is usually all it takes. Anyway, if you want more info, just contact Nancy at the U of Wis. She is awesome.

BTW, the transplant is not yet covered by insurance. I am sure it has a lot to do with the potential for infection. Once infection were to set in, there could be sepsis, then septic shock, and that can lead to organ failure, which would put you pretty much back at square one, needing all kinds of transplants. Nasty cycle. and the insurance companies don’t like transplants to start with. They’re expensive. So. I do not mean to rain on anyone’s parade. As you said, Jeff, it is in the works. There are anti-rejection drugs being developed to make the body immunosupressed to only certain things, such as rejection. But, those take time to get approval.

Hopefully, there have been more than 20 success stories. I know there are some in the US, they are just listed per each research study individually, so it is hard to find how many exactly.

Thanks for the thread, Jeff!

Whatever thy hands find to do, do it with all thy might. Ecc. 9:10

Joan Geohegan