Friday, August 29, 2008

In an effort to provide support...we all have SOMETHING...

I just found out that a VERY GOOD FRIEND (who never updates her blog :)) is at the major hospital in our area with her youngest of two boys who is 15....he was just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

This news makes my heart break. It makes me think of the struggles and challenges he will have for the rest of his life (until they find a cure). It makes me think back to my own diagnosis 17 years ago.

But it also makes me think this...we all have something! Some of us wear glasses, some have hearing aids, some have to take cholesterol or blood pressure meds, some have a limp when they walk, allergies... whatever. We all have SOMETHING. This is now his "thing".

And while I wouldn't wish this on my very worst enemy...I hope that I am evidence that you can make it WORK. I have NOT (PTL!) been back into the hospital since my diagnosis. I have NEVER passed out from either blood sugar that was too low or too high. I have maintained my weight and tried to stay healthy. Have my sugars always been perfect? No. Is it a struggle EVERYDAY? Yes. Have I gone through denial? YES. Have I learned from all of this? Yes. Do I love my pump which enables me to control my sugars like I never dreamed possible? Yes. Are they always coming out with new stuff? Yes.

His Mom is doing a great job trying to keep the perspective. Her son is not going to die, he does not have cancer, he has not been in a very bad or worse, fatal, car accident. Yes, he will have to manage a life altering disease. But all things considered... he is ok.

While I'm on this topic can I just give a shout out to my parents. For putting up with me, for standing by me and for offering 5-6 years ago to pay whatever I needed to get me on the latest and greatest pump. (My insurance at the time covered the ENTIRE AMOUNT!!! :)

Can I just lift my Husband up who was the initiator of getting the pump....who wakes me up to check my sugar just about every night. He gets my whole kit ready so all I have to do is open my eyes, get my blood on the little strip and I am back out like a light....who helps me with my site changes whether it be filling insulin reservoirs or actually doing the injection in my behind because I can't reach that well... but really he know that because if he is doing it... I get a "break" from the disease for that site change. I couldn't/wouldn't do all that I do managing this disease if it was not for this man everyday.

Diabetes is a balance. It is finding what works for your own body and what doesn't work. (I can't eat cereal or drink milk... I can't TAKE enough insulin for it!!) :) BUT he will figure it all out. And while you bounce around, overwhelmed, frustrated, annoyed, mad, upset, unknowing, unsure, scared... I'm here for yah babe... he will be OK... and I'll be right here to support you! I love you!!

2 comments:

Mama H said...

We all have something...I love that notion, Country Mouse...it's so true. And what makes it even better is that sometimes we are given 'things' so we can help other people during their times of distress with the same 'thing'.

I do wish this family the very best. Until I met Country Mouse, I didn't know a lot about diabetes. I have learned one very important thing from her though...she is an amazing support system for someone who is going through this. I trust that she will be a valuable resource for their family.

JJ, J, CJ and L said...

We are praying for the family. Just another fine example of how important Country Mouse is everyday life and how she does make an impact in many ways to may people. WE LOVE YOU! :)