Thank You and Questions Answered
Since I have a few minutes this morning, I wanted to say thank you for all your good thoughts, prayers, concern, comments, and get well wishes. They mean more than I can say. I also thought I’d take the moment to answer a couple questions I’ve been asked.
Is he diabetic?
He wasn’t before. He was the picture of perfect health before, nothing more than a cold, and even those were very rare. He is now. Type 1, or juvenile, diabetes. His body’s insulin production has shut down, so he’s going to need daily injections from here on out. I’ve already met his endocrinologist and we’ll work on the schedule at his first appointment.
So this was sudden?
Completely sudden, at least from the outside. I think he began not feeling like himself late Sunday afternoon, but he still ate dinner and played around like normal. Monday morning, though, he wasn’t having it when I tried to get him ready for school. He looked horrible: sullen, gray, dry, exhausted. We assumed it was just a bug and he might have been getting better that night. Obviously not. All he’s talked about for 2 days are drinks, what can he drink, what he’ll drink next. Seriously, that is ALL he’s talked about.
Are you going to watch for it in your other kids?
We’ll be changing our diet pretty drastically after this and we’ll definitely keep an eye on it. I have to say, our food intake has never been the healthiest. That’s going to change. They say it’s not necessarily from poor eating habits, though, but most likely genetic or could even be caused by a virus. I guess anyone is susceptible.
How is he doing?
He was able to sleep some. When I called this morning, J told me his blood sugar was at 180 and, since he’s stabilized, they’re thinking of taking him off the IV and getting him used to shots. He’ll also be allowed to eat today, after not having anything all day yesterday and just a few bites of chicken noodle soup the day before. I’m going up for a few hours this afternoon, but it sounds like he’s doing a lot better.
I'm Crystal. A 30-something mom to 3 young kids living in the Midwest USA. When I'm not chasing my children, I'm a freelance writer and web designer. I like to tell stories from our days and share what we enjoy...
12 Responses
on September 01 2010
This whole thing is so mind-boggling to me! I had no idea it could suddenly change so quickly. I can’t imagine how freaked out you were yesterday. I’m glad you at least got some quick answers and you have a plan… hope he’s home soon!!
on September 01 2010
I am with Jen.. I really had NO idea that it could suddenly appear this late in life too.. How crazy and how scary!! I am so glad he is looking better and that your doctor did blood work and knew to send him in right away. I hope he adjusts to the injections and new diet pretty easily, usually kids are pretty resilient so hopefully that works in your favor. I hope today is a little more easier on your heart. Love you lots girl *hugs*
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on September 01 2010
Wow! Crazy! No idea t1 could start like that. So so glad he’s ok. Good luck with all of the changes. It isn’t easy, I’m sure. I’ll be thinking of you guys
on September 01 2010
You sound like you are handling a big situation very well. It is scary just how quickly health can change. Thank goodness for modern medicines! More hugs.
on September 01 2010
The one thing that is amazing is how fast your body feels so much better once the sugars are stabilized. It’s the constant swinging of very high (or very very low when on insulin) that makes you feel so horrible. I’m glad his sugars are lowering and he’ll feel much better very soon.
My one diabetic tip is to avoid sugar-free food. When I was first diagnosed I had so many well-meaning people gift me with buckets of “sugar-free” candy, chocolate, yogurt, etc. Most of it used malitol instead of sugar which is still high in carbs and can cause diarhhea too. It’s best just to get used to eating normal food (including sugar) in a reasonable manner. Bonus is that it tastes better and doesn’t give you the runs.
One other thing: The injections suck. No question. But I thought as a mom you might like to know that they don’t hurt as much as most people think.
I hope he’ll be home today.
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on September 1st, 2010
@Marilyn (A Lot of Loves), Thank you. He’s on a general diet. They said no food is off limits, the balance just needs to be monitored more closely. For instance, he had a sausage and cheese pizza for lunch today.
Hopefully, the syringes we have to use at home will be better than those at the hospital, because he absolutely hates those. He also hates the fingerpricks. His poor little fingers are all bruised and bloodied.
on September 01 2010
Oh my gosh…I have been absent from bloggy world for a few days so I am just now reading your previous post. This sounds so scary. I hope he is feeling better. I hope you are doing okay.
all the best,
Tina
on September 01 2010
Diabetes is a strange beast – amazing how very quickly it can so deeply affect a child as it has in your son’s case. The good news is you have a diagnosis and this is something that can be controlled.
I hope he is back home with you soon and again, so not beat yourself up over diet or anything else, this was not something you could have stopped from happening.
So sorry again you are all going through this – any sudden illness with a child is so very frightening for everyone. Sending you bloggy hugs.
on September 02 2010
Hoping he’s up and about soon. I had no idea this could happen so quickly.
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on September 02 2010
Wow. What a shock for your family. I’m glad they caught it when they did, and that he’s beginning to feel better.
on September 04 2010
I’ve been following along as much as I can on Twitter and been thinking about you all lots. I guess by now the worst is over, but the learning curve has just begun. I can’t imagine the shock and stress. Hugs to all of you, especially you mama! It’s been a rought week.
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on September 07 2010
What a rough week C. I missed so many posts last week and am playing catch up. What a shock, but I have no doubt you will ensure the best care for him.
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