Diabetic Recipes
Diabetes has had us back on our heels and off-balance since school started. Charlie has had very high blood sugars. In turn, we're doing a lot of guessing. Guessing is not a great strategy when dealing with a major disease. Such is life with diabetes.
It is during these times that diabetes likes to send a message. It likes to bring you down to size and remind you that you're not in control. Just as we were about to make changes to deal with the constant highs, the unexpected sound of panic lifts me from my chair.
"Carey! Juice box now!!! He's very low!!!"
I pop from my chair like a firefighter responding to an alarm and grab two juice boxes. I can hear Susanne's voice growing louder as I make my way upstairs.
"CHARLIE! CHARLIE! I NEED YOU TO WAKE UP!"
"CHARLIE!"
We work the straw into his mouth and he drains both juice boxes with eyes closed.
"You're doing good Charlie. A little bit more."
I wonder if our nightly interventions seep into his dreams; if he's a fighter pilot soaring through the clouds when suddenly he hears a choppy radio transmission through the static.
Pull up, Charlie!! You're too low!!! You're too low!!! Pull up!
Charlie feels a tap on his shoulder and turns his head behind the cockpit to see a giant soft-spoken smiling purple octopus.
He's right, Charlie. You are too low. Here. Have this juice box.
"Look at that," Susanne says, showing me a blood sugar of 33 on the meter screen.
I stare down at the number woefully like she's holding a dead baby bird.
And then we wait.
Carey -
You parents of dBLoville are AMAZING.
Thanks for always showing us what all of our parents went through.
Somme day, Charlie will realize everything you and Susanne did, and he'll thank you himself!
k2
It is a very sad and emotional state to have to deal with these complications of the treatment of type1 diabetes. I've been through the same as what Charlie is going through and yes, I am thankful for the aid of my parent and brothers and sisters. As a kid it saddened me that I caused so much trama for my family. It has now been over 35 years and things have not changed much: except, the fattened pockets of those that have made a industry off of the suffering of the children and parents with diabetes. Sure we don't have to piss on a stick and the horse sized needles are now shrunk down in size. The experts have less experiance then the parents; yet, they are blamed by the doctors for the complications endured from the erratic and near deadly treatment and the conditions we diabetics have to endure. My heart goes out to the parents, brothers, sisters and friends that have to endure the before and aftermath of insulin shock. Sadly you will have to deal with the mental issues us child have due to this condition. Strength and love to you warriors and to you too, Charlie.
The dream you made up sounded trippy ;)
Diabetes sucks. Plain and simple. It totally sucks.
Carey, I read this after faxing the Dr! The first 3 weeks of 1st grade have been crazy here too! Thanks for putting words to it and letting us know we are not alone!
You wondered if our nightime ministrations entered into our childrens' dreams. I often wonder the same thing.
Popping in to check the covers and plant a kiss on his sleeping forehead, his fist will come out from under his pillow and curl into a fist with one finger extended.
We need a cure.
I just wrote a comment on another post about how D hasn't made me cry in a while.
Then, as I read this my eyes started to tear up.
I hate what our kids have to go through. A cure can't come quick enough.
We too have had nothing but back to school chaotic numbers, highs.....then lows, we even had a 33 today too! Hang in there, they are bound to settle down into better numbers, just before xmas break I bet! Ahhhh!
I so understand both "Charlie" and you and your aid. Your depiction of what "33" feels like,...is incredibly spot on! Yet, you have not experienced yourself. Good for you!
I have been a 26, a 32 and a 41. I am small and alone. All of these posts help me soooo much.
Thank you.
Jill