Monday, March 3, 2014

It's Been Awhile

It has been a very long time since I have blogged!  Moving, hockey, school, and "normal" people winter illnesses and cold weather have kept us pretty busy.  In fact, I think I had posted on a Facebook page I belong to that we had had a surprisingly "good run" with regards to T1 in our house.  I have learned this is something you should never take for granted.

Two weeks ago, Taya "lost' her pump!  This triggered many levels of annoyance for me.  1.) "How in hell do you lose something attached to you?!?"  2.) "What were you doing that required it to be unattached at a school function??"  and finally, 3.) Damn, that thing anyway- why can't your pancreas just do its job and save us all the drama???"  Two days later, TJ had an unexplained high blood sugar day.  No rhyme or reason, just high blood sugar and keytones for 24 hours.  Then, two sleepless nights later, he got back to normal just as quickly as the highs began.  Later that same day, I received a group email about a new diagnosis in Texas.  Today, I learned of one of my 6th grade students hospitalization over the weekend.  This makes me just as sad and mad as it did when I heard the diagnosis for my own children.  It all goes back to question number 3 above:  "Why can't your pancreas work and just save us all the drama?"

The answer to this question really is our ultimate goal.  We need a cure!   To that end, there is much we can be doing.  First, right now there is a big push to write to your legislators to urge them to continue to support the SDP.  The link to send a letter is attached below.  In relation to this, there will be over 150  JDRF advocates in Washington DC this week meeting personally with members of Congress to share their stories and give a face to this disease.  Second, participate in studies and surveys that give researchers the information they need to continue their work.  While these are not always as readily available in rural areas, there are many studies taking place.  Talk to your educators, look online, be an active voice and read up on what is going on in the world of science.  Finally, there is strength in numbers.  Reach out to those that are newly diagnosed, educate people who are unaware that there is, indeed, a difference between T1 and T2, participate in a local support group, walk, ride or run for a cure!  On that note- there is a Splash and Dash coming up on May 18 in the Bismarck-Mandan area!  Proceeds go to Diabetes Awareness and to help send local children to Camp Sioux.  More information is available on the Mandan Dakotah Lions Facebook page or message me.

The catch phrase running around right now is "From Type 1 to Type None!"   Tylie said to me the other day that she doesn't think she will ever be 'cured'.  She basically does not believe that she will ever not need insulin from some artificial source, be it pump, injection, or some sort of implantation.  She can remember mixing two different insulins into a cocktail and the stress of eating on a tight schedule that revolved around the peaks of insulin.  She knows technology has come a long way and believes it will continue to make her life easier.  However, she is equally optimistic that with research, there will be a day when no child will ever have to be in her position, that a cure will be found that will keep that dang pancreas functioning like it should.

Taya did find her pump.  It was in her friend's car.  She had taken it off because her blood sugar was dropping rapidly and instead of suspending, she removed it.  In the mean time, we discovered TJ's pump was malfunctioning and he has since received a replacement.  I have also had the opportunity to meet two new T1 moms and already count them as friends.  So, while there currently are no days without diabetes for us, we do try and count the good ones and find the blessings that come in disguise. Please, write to your congressmen and women!

https://secure3.convio.net/jdrf3/site/Advocacy;jsessionid=3E02CBA99BF113CC198A372C01DECB63.app334a?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=396&autologin=true&AddInterest=1122