Today was our first day of our 3 day clinic at the Community Services Center at the Childrens Hospital. The fear of the unknown has once again overcome our thoughts and emotions. Think of your first day at a new job or going to try out for an elite sporting squad and multiply that by 100. That is sort of how we felt at times lastnite and this morning.
When we arrived this morning to the exact same unit we went to on Friday (which seems like 4 weeks ago by the way) we were integrated with a bussle of nurses dietitians residents and most importantly of all about 6-9 kids ranging from 2 years old to 12 years. We went directly to the reception area and the receptionist asked if this was Emma. At that moment we knew this is where we were supposed to be and going to belong to for the next 18 years. From there we walked into a waiting room that was filled with displays on information regarding blood sugar levels and diet. We were sort of sitting there not knowing anyone or their stories looking at each other. Just then our Doctor entered the room and came directly to us. She was and is the most welcoming face to see in the past few days. She sensed our disposition and immediately went over to where a 9 year old was sitting and had her come over and talk to us. That little girl (cant remember her name) made us feel the best than any doctor or nurse or words have since Friday.
She was exactly what we needed. She was so brave to come and talk to us not knowing us from a hole in the ground. Just then another girl came to us her name is Alex, and mentioned how cute Emma is. So I thought wow this girl is smart;) She was diagnosed with type 1 when she was 11 and she is now 12. She assured us that Emma will have an extraordinary life. Little girls will sure grow up fast is they have to.
The entire day was spent talking to dieticians. First Carla until 10:00 or so ,then Nicole until lunch. Anna was a med student that essentially shadowed Carla and Nicole all day. We are so lucky to have them on our team they are brilliant and extremely compassionate. They are the ones who have empowered us today.
Emma was once again everyone's crutch. Singing away, playing with everything she can get her hands on, coloring on her stomach when no one was looking. You know "normal things". She made me smile all day long, I had no choice.
Briefly our goal now is not to alter Emmas diet but to adjust her insulin intake according to her carbohydrate intake. Her blood sugar level should be in the range of 6-10 for now. And we learned that she in the "Honeymoon Phase" where her pancreas is still producing minor amounts of insulin. But that will soon be depleted But until then she will be on small doses.
Tomorrow will be the first time myself and Denise will administer her insulin to her. We have agreed on not calling it the poke, or needle. But more like her test and her insulin. We will give her 2 units of a long lasting insulin called "NPH" just after breakfast and just before we go to the clinic. We administerd each other with saline today...and you know what?....I didn't even feel it.
Our learning curve is very steep right now we have alot to wrap our minds around. I want and need everyone to know what we know. We want to teach you all. Its important to us. Welcome to our world. Things have just changed for us.
So long for now and thank you everyone for their solid responses and love. That was sure nice to come home to today. Please do not hesitate to ask questions and learn with us.
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3 comments:
Wow, you two... it's been a long time since I saw you last, when Emma was only a few weeks old. Thank you for thinking to send me the link to your blog!
I'm glad to see that you are strong and feeling empowered during these difficult days of learning and adjusting. My heart is with you, and I send you much love.
Emma sounds like an astounding little girl!
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cindy
(your prenatal class instructor)
Chris & Denise, you have more love and support surrounding you than you realize. I know you are fully aware that our entire family will always be here for you under any circumstance, but take that and (not to quote you) multiply it by 100. We know Emma is your daughter, and the three of you are going through a very trying time right now. We are all part of this to an extent, because we want to be (without interfering of course). There is no difference between Kelsey, Jake, Jarret, Amy, and Emma where they have their place in this family. Each one of those kids is special in their own way, and we all support and care and love each and every one of them as if they're our own.
It doesn't surprise me at all that Emma has been so easygoing about everything. That has everything to do with how her parents are bringing her up. She doesn't see a change in how you guys have been acting or treating her, so why should she feel any different, right? She is a bright, beautiful, intelligent, sweet and funny girl (colouring on her stomach when no one was looking? lol), and she has you and Denise to thank for that.
Hang in there, learn as much as you can, and share it all with us because we want to be able to completely understand what Emma needs.
And, as always, if you need ANYTHING at all, please don't hesitate to ask. We'd be more than happy to help the three of you.
Oh yeah, one more thing...it's okay to have bad days too. You're entitled.
xo,
Char
One more thing....one day Emma is going to be that little girl in the waiting room making some other family feel better who just received the same news you did. She'll share her knowledge and bravery with another little boy, girl, mom or dad, and then they'll be talking about how this awesome kid came over to them and made them feel like they weren't alone.
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