jyyne_2000

I can remember the time when I had my worst low blood sugar. As diabetics, we all have a "hypoglycemia story". Some instances stand out more than others. Some of us can't recall our bad moments because we were probably passed out from being so low. I can actually say, proudly I might add, that I have never once lost consciousness in all my 13 years of living with this "AWESOME" (sarcasm) disease. I have never actually had to use the infamous glucagon kit. However, that's not to say that I haven't had some darn scary times.

My father and I have made numerous father and son fishing trips to Canada, but one year in particular definitely sticks out in my mind as the most memorable. I remember that it was the first trip that I had taken up there since being diagnosed at 14. This year on the trip I was equipped with TONS of stuff. The main reason why I packed so much was because we were going to be basically in the middle of absolutely nowhere or "BFE" if you will. So this meant no hospitals, no nurses, and definitely nobody in our group of 6 fishermen that would no what in the heck do if I got low and passed out or something. It was just us and the squirrels. Anyway, my dad I were fishing, and all of a sudden I remember getting more and more mad. By the time we had finished fishing and we were pulling up to the dock, I could hardly hold my own head up and I was basically screaming at my dad for no reason whatsoever. I recall not even knowing what was happening to me. And since I didn't know, I didn't tell anybody else, even my dad as he was leaving. Finally, just before I felt like I was going to pass out, I managed to pop about 5 glucose tabs that I found in the boat. I remember searching for them in and panicking that I wouldn't be able to find them. After 15 minutes or so I finally came to, and realized what had happened. I spent the next day or so trying to apologize and explain to the other men what had happened.

Looking back I realize how close I was to having a "really bad vacation". I was a newly diagnosed diabetic; I didn't recognize the symptoms as I was getting low. I should have made sure that I told my dad what to look for and what to do. I should have had a better emergency plan, rather than just 'winging it'. Things could have gotten real ugly. None of us had a cell phone signal. We were in the middle of the woods in Canada and at the mercy of nature and God. Thank goodness it all worked out and that I had the fortune to learn from my mistakes. Another life lesson I guess. That was a close one! Thanks,... Andy. Please feel free to comment below about one of your close call lows!