This afternoon we went to a grand opening at an indoor baseball arena that Bekah's best friend's dad is part owner of. Bekah had her doll complete with an insulin pump with her. J asked to see it. Bekah is a bit shy and doesn't readily show off anything let alone her diabetes stuff so he had never seen a pump up close and was very curious about the doll's pump. As J was playing with the doll and pump I over heard him say "oh no it's giving her too much insulin" he proceeded to, in 7 year old boy fashion, punch the pump. "Ok that's better, now it's just giving her 1 unit, " he said. He was able to act out what I have wanted to do to D since the day Bekah was dx. (punch it in the face) The doll's pump was just representing the disease in this case. He didn't say it in so many words but I think he hates D as much as I do some days.
We then had a few errands to run. We stopped at the store where I had left Bekah's D bag in the car because I keep a glucometer and candy in my purse and we were just running in real quick to get just a couple of items. The older kids got distracted by the airsoft guns and I had to check out the purse selection because mine is getting a bit small for all of the stuff I carry in it on a regular basis. Bekah was pushing David in the cart and looked at me with that pale face and glassy eyes that I recognize oh so well. "Mom, I feel low". I quickly scrambled for the glucometer in my purse and handed it to Bekah. I took a deep breath as she was checking and I said a silent prayer of thanks that I am able keep D stuff everywhere, 'cause you never know. The meter beeped, 55. I dug out the four Starbursts that I had in my purse and as I handed them over to Bekah, David chimed in "I lo, I need tandy" Oh how quickly they learn. Luckily I had some smarties in my purse. He was not happy that he didn't get a square one but decided the smarties would do. I really didn't want to deal with a toddler tantrum and a low BG right in the middle of the store. Bekah began breathing in short deep breaths, almost a moan so I escorted her over to the display couch to sit and finish her candy. Her symptoms were getting a little more severe. Bekah laid back on the couch and continued to moan a bit and I just held her. I hated D at that moment. I let the tears stream down my face, I could not hold them back any longer. I flashed to a few of my friends who have had to use glucogon recently and cursed my self for leaving the bag in the car. I almost started shoving more sugar in Bekah's mouth but decided to see what happened in 15 min. This was one of the most symptomatic low BGs that she has had. It took almost the full 15 minutes for her to perk back up and begin feeling better. The 15 minute re-check showed a 193. I will never get the complexities of BG levels and how they can rise and fall on a dime and sometimes are so stubborn that it takes several treatments to get barely above 80.
Tonight I did a midnight BG check and got a 315 with 0.2 ketones. I gave a correction bolus. I'm pretty sure the HBG is from cashews. I don't usually bolus for them but I'm thinking I might have to start. I came up to my computer to quickly catch up on FB and blogs before entering slumber land. The radio in my room was playing "No Matter What" by Kerrie Roberts. It just fit where I am at today with D. I'm so thankful for God's grace to see me through each and everyday. Here is a youtube version of the song with the lyrics:
Oh Heidi...I hate those lows. They are ugly and they are one of the few things with "d" that still reduce me to tears regularly. To watch the misery our kids go through while waiting for their blood sugars to rise is difficult.
ReplyDeleteI like that you write your BG numbers from Bekah's day...they make me feel a little less alone. I hope Bekah's night was smooth sailing.
Love that her friend hates "d" and punched the pump. I am sure it was therapeutic for him to have something "tangible" to take it out on.
Big hugs to you!! I LOVE that song! I just heard it on the radio and fell In love! I was planning to do a post on it, too! It's just perfect!
ReplyDeleteI don't have the same "disease" as your daughter.. I think it doesn’t matter what “health problem” you have.. We would all feel the same way.. because everything I guess will be a struggle.. And sometimes it’s a little lonely. I can’t imagine being a mom and having to watch your daughter go through things.. I can’t imagine what my mom thinks with me. Just know that your not alone and your daughter is never alone.. That there are people here to support you the caregiver because I do think its just has hard for the loved ones as it is for the actual person ----Anyways. I wanted to thank you for giving me more insight and respect for those who battle with Diabetes. You are all in my prayers. Sincerely, a pathetic 15 year old ;)
ReplyDeleteLove that song!!! What a rough day!
ReplyDeleteCrud. Blah. Yuck.
ReplyDeleteThe lows that stop life in it's tracks. I hate them. I don't care what the number is...if my baby feels so bad that all she can do is slump into a heap of low sugar, I feel my heart being ripped in two EVERY time.
Hold your head high. You are doing a great job.