What I Did Over My Summer Vacation...

Well... where to begin... at the beginning I assume.

Our trip to Japan was amazing; filled with so many sights and pieces of history and culture. I am in awe of such an interesting and beautiful place. I really hope to go again someday. I missed so much...

During our trip it became very obvious to Randy and me that Abby was going through something odd. She was always thirsty and had to use the potty ALL the time. Inevitably when we were waiting for a train. She was tired too, but we thought that was because of the time change. So many things going on at once.

Things got better when we came home. She was feeling some better, but was still thirsty and running to the potty. Over the month of July she changed. She grew thin and tired and grumpy. Finally, one weekend she stayed over at her Grandmothers and Grammy indicated she was worried about how skinny Abby was. I was taken aback- She's not skinny I thought. But then I really looked at her. She had a big growth spurt, but this was too skinny. I booked a Dr's appt. for that Wednesday.

When we went in that Wednesday we learned that in the past 4 months, she had lost 4 pounds. Approximatley 10% of her body weight. If any of us had done that, we would have noticed, but she is so small and had had a growth spurt.The Dr ordered several blood tests that would have to be done the next morning and Abby had to be fasting. She was worried about several possibilities.

So the next morning Randy and I took Abby to get her blood work done- poor girl had to go through 2 needle pokes and 6 vials of blood.That was at 9 am. By lunch time we were starving again and had decided to go to Ikea. While we were in line for our yummy lunch Randy get a call. He beckons us outside and by the look in his eyes I know my life has changed forever.

We were instructed to go directly to the hospital. Don NOT feed her. Go. GO NOW.
We were admitted and sent up to the Peidatric ward. No one told us why exactly we were there. We kind of knew, but no one had told us explicitly. It wasn't until I spoke up to a nurse that she explained... Abby was diagnosed as Type 1 Diabetic.

I HATE needles. HATE. Go into vapors HATE. I used to think having to give myself daily shots would be my own personal hell... ha ha fooled you. Having to give my child shots daily IS my own personal hell.

We spent 4 days in hospital. Abby adjusted quickly. I kept crying at inopportune times. I'd have to go into the bathroom and silently sob. Sometimes, as I drove home to shower, I'd simply leak sound. Like a keening weeping moan. It was weird and I couldn't help it.

In 4 days we were expected to learn how to give injections, carb count and use the glucose meter. We were given so much information and became totally overwhelmed. On the night before 2nd grade we were discharged with a stack of paperwork, prescriptions and a "good luck with that." To be fair, the nurses in the hospital were AMAZING and supportive, but no parent can ever feel prepared enough for this.

So now were are no longer a "normal" family... We are "Abby-Normal". We carb count religiously. Carry around a kit of insulin and other diabetic need everywhere we go. I have gotten used to giving as many as 4 shots a day. We know what the different kinds of insulins do and what new technology is coming. We've decided that our life has changed, but our life hasn't stopped.

Abby is the most amazing little girl I've met. She approaches her Diabetes with a light heart and a shrug, "It's just Diabetes" she says. She hugs ME and tells ME everything will be ok.

Some days are better than others, but we are learning. We've learned what to look for when she she may be having a low blood sugar. Abby can test her own sugar level and prep her insulin pen. She knows more about eating healthy than any kid I know.

My parent and In-laws have all taken a proactive approach. They learn everything they can and know how to care for our special needs child. Alexander is still concerned for his sisters health. He wouldn't stop holding her hand when we brought her home.

We've learned about the common misconceptions between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. It's so odd to realize how truly ignorant we were before Diabetes touched our lives.

I pray that the new advances in research will find a cure. They say we are close and it may happen in our life time. I pray it does, but until then, we will carry on. Because really, there is no other choice.