Wednesday, November 15, 2006

A1C...A1shmee

Today was Emma's first A1C since she was dx'd. We were not worried whatsoever about it. But it was still very nice to see that it was 5.8%. That among other things reinforced that everything is going pretty good so far.
We didn't go in there today with a boat load of questions but just more or less excited to hook up with the amazing people that were there at the start of this journey.

Denise asked about celiac. And was happy with the response we got from the Nicloe (dietician) and Dr. Sellers. And we cannot sit around and worry about it. If it happens we cannot change it. So lets move on.
Another concern was Baby-sitting! Using family members is great. But its not great to use them all the time. So we asked if there would be any interest from anyone who goes to the clinic that has type 1 to baby sit for us.
Nicole basically stopped what she was doing turned around to her desk and said "yes...let me make a note to get you a baby sitter.". Ok that was easy.
We would love to have someone with type one to look after Emma. From our standpoint we would feel better leaving her with them. And to give an opportunity to someone living with this to be able to share this with us and vice versa. I would love to see how this pans out.

I have been thourgouly enjoying reading everyones blogs on here. Eveyone seems to be doing thier part. Myself i want to do more. More in terms of Diabetes volunteering, fundraising, educating people. That would make me feel better. But not sure where to start. I want to make a difference.

In the clinic today we met a couple of families in the waiting room and on the way out. I loved hearing thier stories. How they were like before, during and now. We met a 14 year old that was dx'd this past summer. This young man was inspiring. Mature and composed and very intune with his diabetes. This is how i see Emma one day.

We are lucky. So lucky we have Emma for starters. Lucky we caught this so damn early. Lucky we have a great health care system. Lucky we have a caring compassionate family. Lucky we live 10 minutes from the hospital. Lucky we are accepted in this OC. Lucky we have Emmas mom. Lucky we now do not have any cars with rust on them.

We are a lucky family indeed.

10 comments:

George said...

You are very truly Lucky and so is Emma for having you as her dad!

Earlier this year, I felt the way you do as far as helping and doing your part. I have only done one walk but I am planning on continuing to do more.

The OC is a great community and you help make it great! Thanks for the post.

Chris said...

Thanks alot George. Comments like that really make me continute on here. And makes me aware that you still check up on us:)!!

Allison said...

Chris, if you want suggestions and ideas for how to get involved in the diabetes advocacy world, contact me! Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I kinda know everything there is to do in the diabetes community and I can probably help guide you towards a natural fit for you and your family. Email: amblass@gmail.com

Shannon said...

Hi chris,

I was just checking in and wanted to say that you and your wife are doing a phenomenal job!!

We live really far from our family and used to rely on my mom's visits every few months to go out.

Luckily for us (not so lucky for her) we have a neighbor who's 12 yrs old and Type 1 who watches the kids for a few hours while we go out. So I know what it's like to not want to have to rely on family, and to want someone who has type 1 do the babysitting.

Good luck finding someone :)

And you'll get your feet wet with fundraisers soon enough.

My all time favorite is Joinleenow.org.

I also do the JDRF walks as well.

Jamie said...

Chris - call Nancy Kolotylo at the JDRF office in Winnipeg. She will hook you up with things that can be done. I'd do more, but we're in Brandon - but I've sold their bracelets for them which wasn't too hard. We also took part in our first JDRF walk this past June in town. It's still a pretty small walk in Brandon, but I hear Winnipeg's is pretty big - it's a fabulous time and you'll meet some wonderful people at it.

I didn't know that they had babysitter lists at the clinic! Woah! Next time I'll have to ask if they know of anyone here that does it. I did manage to find one girl whose brother has Type 1 - so she's very familiar with it all.

Danielle and I both are celiac, so if that ever comes into the equation for you (hopefully it doesn't) I'm full of information on it :)

Wonderful a1c!! Dani's was 6.5% at our last visit. I was one happy Mama when I saw that :)

Take care - you and your wife are doing a terrific job!

Chris said...

Allison,
Thanks. I even got your email. Knowing where to start feels good. I was on a walk about 4 or so years ago. And that is all it was for me was a walk. But thigs have obviously changed.

Shannon,
Wow..i wasnt expecting to hear from you til your Hiatus was done. But im super happy you dropped in. I will let you know what happens with the babysitting. Have a great time off.


Jaime,
I will call Nancy. Our company actually is really big into the JDRF and i have been to htier office before on business. So they may even know me. And i saw those bracelets online and am ordering some.
Our clinic is awesome!!! It almost seems like what ever we want or need (within reason) they will come through for us.

Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. I really mean that!!!!!!!

Vivian said...

You have a really lovely family. I am so glad you all are here in the OC. You are doing a wonderful job with Emma's care, keep up the great work.

Kerri. said...

Chris,

Hey there. I'm glad to hear that Emma is doing well and that you and the family are doing well, too. Also good to know that there's no rust on your cars. That's a definite plus. :)

If you need some ideas as to how to get involved, let me know. The blogosphere is a great way to be inspired and to stay connected. We're all poignant proof of that fact.

Stay strong.

And hug that adorable kid of yours. :)

-- Kerri.

Sarah said...

I'm happy emma's a1c is good! Gracie's a1c at diagnosis was 5.5%, but I imagine that will go down some now that we've started insulin. She isn't taking insulin with meals yet.....I hear you about the babysitter thing. We go to the endocrine clinic in Minneapolis/St Paul at the Children's hospital, but I actually live about an hour and ten minutes away from there in saint cloud, so I'm afraid that even if they HAD a babysitter list, it wouldnt be anyone nearby. I still need to check with the local adult endocrine clinic here in st cloud for resources here. I don't know if they will have any, but it doesn't hurt to try eh?

Sarah said...

I'm happy emma's a1c is good! Gracie's a1c at diagnosis was 5.5%, but I imagine that will go down some now that we've started insulin. She isn't taking insulin with meals yet.....I hear you about the babysitter thing. We go to the endocrine clinic in Minneapolis/St Paul at the Children's hospital, but I actually live about an hour and ten minutes away from there in saint cloud, so I'm afraid that even if they HAD a babysitter list, it wouldnt be anyone nearby. I still need to check with the local adult endocrine clinic here in st cloud for resources here. I don't know if they will have any, but it doesn't hurt to try eh?