10 Years Ago Today-Part 4

After all the lessons and getting Ethan's blood sugar under control, it was time to leave the hospital and try what we learned in the real world. The only problem was, Mark and I were not ready to go. It was like leaving the hospital with a new born baby for the first time all over again. What if? and How do we? and Will he? were just a few of the questions which filled our timid minds. We didn't get a mile from the hospital when Ethan bellowed out, "I'm hungry!" He wanted a corn dog. Great! Just great! That meant giving him insulin and than what if... and...the questions resurfaced all over again. We gave in, since starving him wouldn't end up any better, and he happily chowed down on a corn dog and french fries. Our timidness behavior stayed with us for some time. In fact, I'm not sure when we started feeling "at home." However, one thing I do know, is since the day we walked out of the hospital Ethan's life has never been the same.

Checking blood sugars five to seven times a day is an interruption in any kids life. Seriously? What child would want to stop playing hide and seek or be last out the door to go sledding because they have to check their blood sugar? Then,if his blood sugars aren't "good", they can keep him from doing things he wants to do. Both high and low blood sugars have kept Ethan from playing football,the love of his life, more than once. Erratic blood sugars have also kept him from getting to go places his big brother got to go. Sick days? Being sick with diabetes is a lot more complicated with lots of extra pricks and pokes. Not to mention when his asthma flares up and he's put on Prednisone, a steroid for swelling and inflammation. It causes blood sugars to go through the roof! I kid you not, there was a time I had to give Ethan 10+ shots in a period of a few hours just to counteract the Prednisone in his little body. The list goes on and on...

So, when you hear things like, "Diabetes is manageable" or "What are they complaining about? All he has to do is take a little shot and watch what he eats." Think again!

1.Not all types of diabetes are treated the same.
2.There is more than one type of diabetes (see post on sister blog).
3.Manageable doesn't mean easy or a cure!
4.Walk in the shoes of any diabetic child, THAN you can see how you feel.

At the same time, know we are SO thankful that Ethan wasn't diagnosed with something more serious than Type 1 diabetes. Sadly enough, there is always someone, somewhere, worse off than yourself. We've tried to instill this in all of our children and to be thankful in ALL things. Some days are just better than others.