Friends! I am dedicating this post to my upcoming 10 year Anniversary with Type 1 Diabetes. I would like to share my story, for some it may make you cry, others it will hit home, and for some I know you will read the title and not get what you expected. But please I ask you to read so that you know where I stand.
Ten years ago on August 5, 2003 my mom took me to see my Pediatrician. We went in there together and came out with news no one expects to hear. To be honest I thought it was a great way to get out of school, but after I received the news I would have taken school back. We went in not knowing what to expect, however everyone who knew me, knew that I was sick. I was in the 6th grade and lost 20 pounds in a short period of 2 weeks. I was literally a walking skeleton at less than 70 pounds. My cheeks were sunk in, the rose color that was naturally on my skin was gone, and there were dark circles around my eyes. I had no energy at all. To get up to my room (at the time) I had to climb seven stairs, by the time I got to the top I was exhausted. My mom became worried, my normal loud and spunky self was gone. I was constantly drinking water and literally running to the bathroom as often as I could. As embarrassing as this sounds, I was in the 6th grade and had a few accidents in bed. I was sick and I wanted to get better.
Dr. Gale took one look at me, asked my mom and myself some questions and sent me straight to the lab. The sweet nurse poked my finger and tested my blood sugar. The results came back instantly. I still remember her face... it looked incredibly worried. She ran out to get Dr. Gale before telling me what was wrong. Dr. Gale came in grabbed my hand, then my mom's and told me my blood sugar was at 831 mg/dl, a normal person's is between 80-120 mg/dl. With a sad look on her face she told me that the rest of my life would change. I was now a Type 1 Diabetic. I had no idea what that was, I hadn't even heard of it. My mom started to tear up as she received instructions from my doctor. We didn't have a choice but to drive up to Primary Children's Hospital to the Emergency Room. My doctor called them and said we were on our way. We had to get my blood sugar down. I was also extremely dehydrated even though I just drank three glasses of water. My mom called my dad, my aunt, uncle, grandma, and cried the whole time there. As we parked and walked in, I held onto my mom's hand and smiled. I wasn't upset, I was nervous.... this was my very first time in a hospital. I was greeted by a team of nurses, the ER doctor, a wheel chair, and other patients. They took me to a room and gave me an I.V., after poking me a few times because of dehydration they were finally able to get it in.
As soon as they got it in, my Dad and Uncle Roger gave me the most powerful priesthood blessing. I don't remember what they said, however I do remember being comforted. As tears started to fall down my cheeks, I remember becoming scared, they were giving me shots, I had an I.V in, and I was being wheeled to another room. My first thought was I was dying. The doctor gave me a hug and told me not to worry everything from now on would make me feel better. Not long after I was checked into my room, I had a diabetic educator come in and give me my first lesson. I was given loads of information, most of which did not make sense. During my five day stay at the hospital I learned how to test my blood sugar, take shots, count carbs, and change my whole life. Where did my childhood go? I made many friends and did not let this one thing bring me down. I did think it was cool that I was being given everything, there wasn't an hour that went by that I didn't have a family member in the room with me. I will be eternally grateful for the nurses who made me smile, the doctors who taught me new things, and my loving family for the support they gave me.
I don't want to scare any of you, but that is what happened to me in summary. It scared me but at the same time it helped me grow. At age 11, I could give myself shots and test my blood sugar without crying, yes it was annoying but I needed to do it. There have been so many ups and downs with this disease but there isn't one of them that has helped me get to where I am today. Even today, after ten years I still get the comment, "I don't know how you do it, I would hate to give myself shots and poke my finger multiple times a day." I just look at them and smile and say I am grateful to have Type 1 Diabetes. There are far worse things and luckily today there are lots of things that can help make me feel better. Just because I am a diabetic doesn't mean I can't do normal things. I haven't let it stop me yet so why give up? I can do anything! As long as I put my mind up to it, I know I will be able to accomplish it. Since being diagnosed I have completed so many things. Yes I might have to test my blood sugar a lot, but... I can still run, I can still eat a candy bar, I can still be normal! One day I know there will be a cure. Thank goodness for organizations like Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) who has raised billions of dollars to do research to find such a cure. Can imagine not having to take shots? Ooo it sounds so nice!
My amazingly talented cousin Whitney Kevern took some pictures of me to help tell my story and give hope to those who struggle with this disease. (She would love to help tell your story too!) Here are some of them...
Ten years ago on August 5, 2003 my mom took me to see my Pediatrician. We went in there together and came out with news no one expects to hear. To be honest I thought it was a great way to get out of school, but after I received the news I would have taken school back. We went in not knowing what to expect, however everyone who knew me, knew that I was sick. I was in the 6th grade and lost 20 pounds in a short period of 2 weeks. I was literally a walking skeleton at less than 70 pounds. My cheeks were sunk in, the rose color that was naturally on my skin was gone, and there were dark circles around my eyes. I had no energy at all. To get up to my room (at the time) I had to climb seven stairs, by the time I got to the top I was exhausted. My mom became worried, my normal loud and spunky self was gone. I was constantly drinking water and literally running to the bathroom as often as I could. As embarrassing as this sounds, I was in the 6th grade and had a few accidents in bed. I was sick and I wanted to get better.
Dr. Gale took one look at me, asked my mom and myself some questions and sent me straight to the lab. The sweet nurse poked my finger and tested my blood sugar. The results came back instantly. I still remember her face... it looked incredibly worried. She ran out to get Dr. Gale before telling me what was wrong. Dr. Gale came in grabbed my hand, then my mom's and told me my blood sugar was at 831 mg/dl, a normal person's is between 80-120 mg/dl. With a sad look on her face she told me that the rest of my life would change. I was now a Type 1 Diabetic. I had no idea what that was, I hadn't even heard of it. My mom started to tear up as she received instructions from my doctor. We didn't have a choice but to drive up to Primary Children's Hospital to the Emergency Room. My doctor called them and said we were on our way. We had to get my blood sugar down. I was also extremely dehydrated even though I just drank three glasses of water. My mom called my dad, my aunt, uncle, grandma, and cried the whole time there. As we parked and walked in, I held onto my mom's hand and smiled. I wasn't upset, I was nervous.... this was my very first time in a hospital. I was greeted by a team of nurses, the ER doctor, a wheel chair, and other patients. They took me to a room and gave me an I.V., after poking me a few times because of dehydration they were finally able to get it in.
As soon as they got it in, my Dad and Uncle Roger gave me the most powerful priesthood blessing. I don't remember what they said, however I do remember being comforted. As tears started to fall down my cheeks, I remember becoming scared, they were giving me shots, I had an I.V in, and I was being wheeled to another room. My first thought was I was dying. The doctor gave me a hug and told me not to worry everything from now on would make me feel better. Not long after I was checked into my room, I had a diabetic educator come in and give me my first lesson. I was given loads of information, most of which did not make sense. During my five day stay at the hospital I learned how to test my blood sugar, take shots, count carbs, and change my whole life. Where did my childhood go? I made many friends and did not let this one thing bring me down. I did think it was cool that I was being given everything, there wasn't an hour that went by that I didn't have a family member in the room with me. I will be eternally grateful for the nurses who made me smile, the doctors who taught me new things, and my loving family for the support they gave me.
I don't want to scare any of you, but that is what happened to me in summary. It scared me but at the same time it helped me grow. At age 11, I could give myself shots and test my blood sugar without crying, yes it was annoying but I needed to do it. There have been so many ups and downs with this disease but there isn't one of them that has helped me get to where I am today. Even today, after ten years I still get the comment, "I don't know how you do it, I would hate to give myself shots and poke my finger multiple times a day." I just look at them and smile and say I am grateful to have Type 1 Diabetes. There are far worse things and luckily today there are lots of things that can help make me feel better. Just because I am a diabetic doesn't mean I can't do normal things. I haven't let it stop me yet so why give up? I can do anything! As long as I put my mind up to it, I know I will be able to accomplish it. Since being diagnosed I have completed so many things. Yes I might have to test my blood sugar a lot, but... I can still run, I can still eat a candy bar, I can still be normal! One day I know there will be a cure. Thank goodness for organizations like Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) who has raised billions of dollars to do research to find such a cure. Can imagine not having to take shots? Ooo it sounds so nice!
My amazingly talented cousin Whitney Kevern took some pictures of me to help tell my story and give hope to those who struggle with this disease. (She would love to help tell your story too!) Here are some of them...
Yes it's a lot, but I don't let it stop me!
(This is what I need everyday)
It's a great accessory! I love my pump!
I still can dance like a crazy person
Always a new day to look forward too,
"No matter where you are on your journey,
That's exactly where you need to be.
The next road is always ahead"
-Oprah-
Just because I have Type 1 Diabetes doesn't mean
it's going to stop me from living my dreams!
Last but not least...
GO FORTH AND DO!
THanks for sharing your story Kacey!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know all that about you!
Your such an awesome person to have such a great attitude!