It's Diabetes Awareness Month.
My son was dx 2 years ago with Type 1 Diabetes. I thought that instead of going on about statistics and such-which can get boring- I would just share some things I've written or some experiences we've had along the road. So I'll probably be bumping this post up throughout the rest of the month.
I would love if anyone who has diabetes in their lives-no matter the type-would share their stories with me.
There is so much misinformation about diabetes in general-so I would also be happy to answer any questions.
Humor me ladies. : )
Ok-so this is something I wrote yesterday. I took my son for his bloodwork. The last two times, he fought and screamed. So we've been playing doctor to prepare. He did so good. But he did cry as I held him in my arms, and begged both me and the lab tech not to do it. It was heartbreaking. Afterwards I took him shopping, and blew money I didn't have, but I would do anything for my brave little man.
I always knew I would play pretend with my child.
I never imagined we would be practicing for the multitude of doctors he visits instead.
I expected bumps and bruises.
I did not expect pinhole fingertips and bruises from needles.
I looked forward to my baby growing into a responsible young man.
I didn't think he would have to be so responsible before he even turned 6.
I carried him in my womb and dreamt of the endless possibilities for his future.
I now have nightmares thinking of what his future could hold.
I just knew we would share the same unquenchable sweet tooth.
I didn't know someday candy would be like medicine for him.
I looked forward to all the cuddles and hugs.
I can't even look him in the eye after holding him down so he can endure more pokes.
I pictured him sleeping soundly in his room as I quietly slip out his bedroom door.
I now visit him in the middle of the night to disturb his peaceful sleep with more pokes.
I was aware that nothing is ever certain in life.
I have no doubt now that with diabetes, nothing will ever be certain for him.
I knew children got sick.
I just never dreamed it would happen to my son.
Today, as we prepare to join our families in Thanksgiving, let us remember this young man, and pray for peace for his grieving family.
Yes-Type 1 diabetes can take a life at any moment.
This is a reality check for me : (
http://www.dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=167&SubSectionID=468&ArticleID=74902
| ||
Monday, November 23, 2009
Our
beloved son, Alec Hayden Temple, died in his sleep in his home with his
family, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009 as a result of a diabetic seizure.
He was born in Prescott, Ariz. at YRMC on April 6, 1992 and lived there all his life.
He attended Primavera School for eight years of primary school and then went to Mile High Middle School.
He
grew up loving sports - baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football,
volleyball. He even tried swimming and competitive cheer.
Alec
was in his senior year at Prescott High School and was a pitcher for
the baseball team. He was a peer mediator and always wanted to help
anyone with a problem. He was planning to study psychology in college.
He was also a volunteer coach for the Mile High Middle School
basketball team.
But most of all Alec was a caring, gentle giant
who looked for the best in everyone he came in contact with. He will be
greatly missed by his friends but, more than anyone can imagine, by his
family, Greg, Wendy, Grant, Raphael and Harris. His beautiful spirit
will always be remembered by his grandparents, Robert and Jeanenne
Temple of Greeley, Colo. and Marci Jones of Prescott, Ariz. and the
rest of his extended family.
A Celebration of his life is being planned for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009 in the PHS boy's gym.
Hampton Funeral Home is helping with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please support Primavera School and PUSD Athletics.
Information provided by survivors.
My husband is one of the rare cases of adult-onset type 1 diabetes. I've seen him shaking at 3am while trying desperately to swallow orange juice, seen him pass out and be taken to the ER in an ambulance, seen him have to turn down a lot of things many of us take for granted- desserts, cocktails, etc.- because they could literally kill him. Diabetes is a scary, scary disease and my heart goes out to parents with children who suffer from it.
My SO has had Diabetes since the age of 6 and he is now 25, it is a hard thing to deal with but with the support and love from me and his family he gets through it day by day. It is so hard to hear him talk about how he is so sick of the pokes and the insulin, I just wish that they could find a cure. I wish you all the best, god bless!
Learn from yesterday.. Live for today.. Hope for tomorrow...
Proud mother of Debbie 
& Ashley 
What an adjustment for your husband. Sometimes I think it's better that my son was diagnosed at 4. This is all he knows.
Quoting prayingforsnow:
My husband is one of the rare cases of adult-onset type 1 diabetes. I've seen him shaking at 3am while trying desperately to swallow orange juice, seen him pass out and be taken to the ER in an ambulance, seen him have to turn down a lot of things many of us take for granted- desserts, cocktails, etc.- because they could literally kill him. Diabetes is a scary, scary disease and my heart goes out to parents with children who suffer from it.
My cousin went in last monday for what he thought was an eye exam to get glasses because over the last few months he couldn't see as well. He has had diabetes almost all of his life and has not taken care of this disease since he became of age and stopped living with family. Well from that appointment he went directly to an eye center and they drained the blood from the back of his eye. This last monday he went in to have the blood drawn off of the other eye. With the realization that he has already lost some vision that they MIGHT be able to fix with lazer surgery. But if he didn't begin taking care of himself that he holds a future of blindness. This was his wake up call. Hopefully he will stick with the diet and exercise regimen they worked up for him.
How scary for him! Managing diabetes is such a huge responsiblity, and people without a good support system (both personal and doctors) are setting themselves up for failure.
I really hope they are able to save his vision!!
Quoting beka83:
My cousin went in last monday for what he thought was an eye exam to get glasses because over the last few months he couldn't see as well. He has had diabetes almost all of his life and has not taken care of this disease since he became of age and stopped living with family. Well from that appointment he went directly to an eye center and they drained the blood from the back of his eye. This last monday he went in to have the blood drawn off of the other eye. With the realization that he has already lost some vision that they MIGHT be able to fix with lazer surgery. But if he didn't begin taking care of himself that he holds a future of blindness. This was his wake up call. Hopefully he will stick with the diet and exercise regimen they worked up for him.
My mother, grandmother, 2 uncles, and great aunt have type 2. My 2 closest friends also have diabetes, one type 2 one type 1. I don't have any good stories about it. I watch my mother who is 42 years old not bother to take care of herself or her health at all. I see how sick she is, I see how much she's suffering, and I worry about how much longer she'll be with me when she doesn't take care of her body. So I have a lot of negative feelings associated with diabetes.
But I'm glad for all of those out there who have happier stories. And OP I pray that things continue to go well for your son. It must be so hard to go through that with such a small child.
Ashley's Husband Made it Home From a Deployment in Iraq - And Then Tragedy Struck
- shabby.chic
on Nov. 18, 2009 at 3:02 PM