Wednesday, December 23, 2009

One month: the story.

One month ago today, Fisher was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. If you would have told me on that day, when we were at the ER and they were drilling an IV into my son's arm, that we would be ok, that we'd actually ever return to normal, I wouldn't have believed it that day. But, today, one month into our new normal, I can say that we are fine.

Most people want to know how we found out.

Over the course of five to six days we noticed a drastic increase in his thirst and very, very wet diapers. I could have wrung out his diapers. Ron and I both noticed, and of course we are not both home all day long. It was significant.

We emailed our pediatrician that Monday morning, who suggested bringing in a urine sample. (This is not as difficult as it may seem when your son is peeing approximately every two minutes.) We gathered the sample, dropped it off, and within 2 hours of being back home, our pediatrician called me at home and told me to immediately take him to Children's Hospital ER. He had just gone down for a nap. She said to wake him up.

We did, Ron came home, and we drove to Children's ER. We got there around three, and by six we were done with the ER part, and being admitted to a room on the third floor. A nurse had laid out jammies for him and was putting his arms into them while I sobbed. It was completely overwhelming, having arrived with what seemed like a perfectly healthy child and then being told that we had to stay two nights with our diabetic child. Not to mention trying to figure out what to do with Alla!

She busied herself with art supplies from the playroom, making creations for Fisher's room. She went through all of her snacks. Around 7:30 we had somewhat figured things out, and Ron took her home for dinner and bed. He came back later to bring a suitcase to last me the couple days, and then Fisher and I got to sleep, very late.

The next few days were spent learning all about this disease, and how to manage it in our very young son.

We have tired days, because we've had to check Fisher's blood sugar levels several times through the night. But most of the days are just like before, just with some extra pokes to his little fingers, carbohydrate counting, and insulin injections. We are managing, we are learning, and most of all we are very very thankful for a healthy boy.

This video was on our first night in the hospital, when I thought we'd never get to sleep. The next morning he woke up at five, crying on and off for Daddy or Alla. Thankfully there was a construction site right out of our window, with a very active crane to keep his interest most of the day.

13 comments:

Megan said...

You are so strong. I would have been doing more than sobbing. Probably hyperventilating into a bag or being hooked up to an iv of very prowerful drugs myself. I'm glad things are "normal" now and easing up a bit. Miss you!

Elizabeth said...

Whew. I've been worrying for you but also feeling like if there is someone out there equipped to deal with something like this, it's you. Really and truly.

Lauren said...

JJ - You are truly an amazing parents! To notice those things and take action. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone. You guys will do great because of your diligence and love for your child. As a pediatrician, I wish more parents were like you and Ron! - Lauren Wolf (fellow '99er)

Amy said...

I'm a weepy mess just reading this, but oh that video makes me smile! Even though you never expected this big bend in your road I know that no one is better equipped than you and Ron to handle it. And I'm so happy to read that you are settling into your new normal. Love you guys!

Marie said...

You amaze me and I agree with what Elizabeth said. I really and truly don't know what I would have done without you when the boys were born. You answered my questions, you made me laugh, made me think, and really, helped me become a mother of two. Fisher has exactly the right family to help him through this.

kwpershey said...

The part where she told you to wake him up gave me chills and tears. I'm so glad he's healthy and that you are all taking such good care of each other.

Tasha said...

Blessings be to you and your family, and your sweet baby boy.

Rina said...

I've cried since I've learned of his dx because I could just imagine the pain in your mommy heart and the amount of fear you must have gone through when you first found out. I thank God for Fisher's resilence and for your/'s strength.(((hugs))) Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family my friend. I love all of you very much.

Katy said...

Prayers and prayers... I'm sure you are up for being the parents you need to be. :)

Nicole Svendsen said...

that video of the two of you is just precious. you would never know anything was going on.

christine said...

My 8 year old was diagnosed in September. Though we are adjusting, it still feels like a dream sometimes. I am quite impressed with your strength.

James goes to Children's Hospital in St. Paul for his treatment.

Tara said...

You are amazing and so is your entire family - everything will and is fine. I am sending you and your family LOVE.

Dre said...

j.j. i am so amazed by you. i love you! xoxo dre

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