It was me -- I was the pixie hog!! About This Page:

[Caldercup]

Yep... I and my family were the grateful recipients of all your kind pixies and hugs and lovely comments when Karen posted a pixie request here, feeling we could use a little karmic help!

(For his privacy, I'm not going to use my DS's name in this particular thread and would appreciate it if you did the same.)

On Tuesday, I had taken our DS to the pediatrician for a routine check-up that included some specimen tests. The next afternoon, they called us with an urgent requst to come back in for a recheck. The nurse did a blood sugar test and rushed to get the doctor -- apparently, his sugars were so high, the glucometer couldn't read it.

Long story short, we all ended up admitted to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for three days of intensive education on Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes while they worked to stabilize his sugars. Luckily, he was not so bad that he actually showed symptoms other than increased "output." This was only caught because of the specimen checks at the routine check-up! What this means is that his pancreas is still functioning a little bit and that reduces the likelihood of the scary hypoglycemia (or "sugar lows") spells.

I can't say enough great things about the staff at CHOP, many of whom have Type I diabetes themselves and who have an amazing rapport with kids and great skill at training nervous parents.

As for my DS, he oh-so charmingly reminded me that now -- with this diagnosis of Type I Diabetes for him -- between he and I, we can REALLY pour on the guilt to our beloved Miss Karen (zacksmom_1993.) We practiced several times during our hospital stay and can now do a synchronized swoon saying "oh, I can't possibly do that - I have a diseeeeeeeeeease!" (Anyone remember the guilt trifecta a pulled on her last Mousefest?! Heeeeee!)

All joking aside, my boy is a trooper and, despite bouts of tears and much time cuddled against my side, he's also been cracking jokes, charming the nurses, enjoying time with his grandparents and generally just accepting the massive changes to his life (mostly eating and medicating) this Dx will entail.

He's very intrigued by the "math" and puzzle-solving of it all, not to mention the scads of new gadgetry he'll get to mess with. Luckily, the needles are so microscopic that he says they really don't hurt and doesn't even seem to mind the finger-sticks.

I think the fact that one of his training nurses is a vibrant 26-year old woman who's had diabetes since she was 16 has been an amazing boost to his confidence in how little he can allow this disease to affect him, should he take that fine attitude. He's also been extremely interested in the science of it all and has impressed everyone with how well he's grasping the principles -- and all on only about 4 hours sleep for the last several nights.

The school nurse has impressed me with her record-keeping and what looks to be an amazing computer system in the school district. I meet with her tomorrow and have prepared a school "kit" for DS at the mutual direction of the school and the hospital.

His buddies at home have also been impressive -- doing research overnight to get a "handle" on what the disease is and what it will do to their getting together. Luckily, the answer to that is "pretty much no change at all." My DS just has to make smart choices and has to medicate whenever he eats and must check his blood sugar frequently. Hopefully, he'll be able to go on an insulin pump early next year, and that will make it even easier! They're thrilled that he can still be active (in fact, it helps control his sugars if he's active) and he can still take part in sports and can still swim and enjoy tae kwon do and everything.

In fact, I think he's taking it far more calmly than either my hubby and I are!

I'm pretty stunned by all the changes with this diagnosis but, thanks to you all, I'm also overwhelmed by all the wonderful posts of support and encouragement from my fantastic PassPorter family! You guys are simply the best and I'm truly, truly blessed to have you in my life.

I will probably be a bit scarce (and a special thanks needs to go to my fellow guides for picking up the slack in my forum ) but I hope to be back and posting tons in the near future. I've also had to pretty much ignore my PM box so I can concentrate on my family and I'd bet that will continue for a bit longer as well.

But... thanks again, you wonderful group of warm and witty people. I can't properly express how much your support has meant to me!


Eileen

[iamgrumpy]

Sending continued !

[Luvsun]

I am so glad to know that your son is doing so well with the new changes in his life!
Continued pixies and hugs for all of you!

[disneydani]

First, here is a few extra....

I am sorry to hear of the events of the past few days but so grateful that you have a wonderful resource in CHOP (we have spent a fair amount of time there on second opinions for Izzy). It sounds like you all are handling this as well as can be expected given the circumstances. I am glad to hear DS and his friends are taking much of this in stride; it seems like DS has a great group of buddies to support him! I will keep all of you in my thoughts as you continue to synthesize all of this.

danielle

PS...Your ability to remain upbeat during times of adversity is definitely something DS will benefit from and probably adopt, too....if he hasn't already. I truly believe that sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.

[bau8]

Glad to hear that your DS and the rest of the family are doing better.

Continued for the adjustments to come.

[Eeyoresmom]

Oh Eileen,

We've just been worried sick about your little Stitch fan! Please give him our love and let him know that he (and you and Bob) are in our thoughts and prayers. He's an amazing young man, and I know that he'll do wonderfully managing his disease. I love that he’s already working on playing the guilt card with Karen.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if there's anything I can do.

My mother was diagnosed with Diabetes 5 years ago. It's definitely an adjustment, but it's controllable.

And, keep in mind . . . we are not going to permit you to not finish you’re TR. We will, however, give you some extra time before we start hounding you about it again!

Continued

[ariel14]

More pixies and hugs your way! I am really happy that your son is taking everything in stride! He´s an amazing kid!

[Tigger1221]

Sending the little guy as well as you and your DH many continued

[SuperKate]

wow Eileen. My DBF Nick (mynameisnick) is type 1 diabetic...diagnosed at age 24. His diagnosis story is similar to yours but he had some major symptoms. I'm so glad to hear DS is doing okay and taking everything in stride. He's got a great support system in you and your DH...and it sounds like his friends too!

continued

[Ceara's mawmaw]

Many more and a great big for you........

[Teresa]

Eileen - pixies for you and your DS, and your DH. It's a life-altering diagnosis. DH was just diagnosed last week. My Dad has been insulin dependent for most of my life (and I'm 41), and is still going strong.
With proper management, it's a livable affliction. Thank goodness for insulin!!

I will keep your DS in my thoughts for a very long time.

Sounds like you're all coping very well with this change. That's wonderful!

[koalamom]

Wonderful that he is doing so well. My nephew has type 1 and has the pump and is VERY active in all kinds of things so I am sure your DS will adjust just fine.

[CountryTink]

Sending tons and tons of your way. I applaud your dear dear son for his outlook on things and I pray that it will continue. With a mom like you, I don't see it going any other way. I truly admire people like you who can look adversity straight in the face and tell it to "pack sand!" You are an inspiration.

[WDWfan]

Eileen- I'm so glad you're all home. I know your DS is going to adapt to this without too many bumps in the road. All of you have wonderful attitudes and great senses of humor - and those are the best tools I know of to handle major life changes. Many hugs and pixies to all of you.

[mcc0313]

Continued for your DS and a extra big for you and DH as many times the parents take a child's diagnosis much worse than the child. It is amazing that children are so strong and resilient even when a disease can alter their entire life...it sounds like your DS is way ahead on the postive outlook already and he has a great support system in his friends and especially you and your DH...

You all will be in my thoughts....