I am sitting in the quietness of our office currently writing to all our friends and family. As the day has progressed I am experiencing my first true bout of frustration with medications, doctors, and food. Samantha Grace has had 3 low readings in a row. (57, 70, {120 with assistance} and 47 {only an hour after lunch full of pasta, fruit and cheese}) Based on her intake of foods today, if anything her readings should be on somewhat the higher end of the scale but they aren't. I am writing this to ask for wisdom for the doctors as they are currently making a decision as to what we are to do for her. The last low reading was accompanied by short and labored breathing while reading books this afternoon, so I, too, have been postponing her nap until we got a sufficient reading in the normal range. A normal reading came about 30 minutes ago. My prayer is also that she would stay in the normal range during her nap and rest comfortably.
Thanks again for every ones prayer support! I continue to proclaim:
"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." Matthew 6:34 (MSG)
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Today is my first day at home by myself with Samantha Grace since her diagnosis. Actually this is my first time alone with her in almost 2 weeks! I decided today to use this blog entry as a time of reflection through pictures of what is believed to be the time span of Samantha Grace's undiagnosed diabetes.
So as you scroll down through this entry you will begin to notice subtle changes in her appearance. It is believed, by the doctors in Birmingham, that her diabetes started somewhere between 6 - 7 months of age; however, it truly didn't blossom to it's hite until almost two weeks ago. If I have learned anything from these pictures it is that God has blessed each one of us with an amazing gift of observation. For it was through physical observance that I have been able to notice changes before and after Samantha Grace's diagnosis.
Let the journey begin...
6 months of age
7 months of age (Driving Grandbo's Truck)
8 Months of age Merry Christmas!
9 Months of age
10 Months of age
11 Monthgs of age
1 Year Old
As I close this blog today, I send you to a video. This video is one that I had seen multiple times due to being a music minister's wife; however, after viewing it last night at our evening service, I found myself holding back tears. I was able to some degree understand what it means, for..."It IS well with my soul."
Carri, I'm sure the Lord will provide the doctors with the wisdom to guide you on the best treatment path for Samantha Grace. I'm sure some of her labwork involved a C-peptide test. That measures the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas. Insulin can't be directly measured because it is used up so quickly, but C-peptide is released simultaneously with insulin and can give a pretty accurate idea of how much, if any, insulin in made. Perhaps she's in a "honeymoon" phase of diabetes and her little pancreas still secretes a bit of its own insulin. That could be compounding the effect of her exogenous insulin causing the lows. Who knows?? Maybe she just needs an adjustment. Eventually the most accurate way to dose her insulin will be to give a certain number of units per X grams of Carb instead of a set dose before each meals. Things will get easier as you and your "team" determine what works best for her little body. It's probably going to take some time before you are all comfortable with the treatment. Even then, it will likely change frequently as she keeps growing and eating more. Be sure you give her adequate protein along with her carbs. That might lessen the likelyhood of a quick drop in her BG.
ReplyDeleteCarrie
Your Friendly Dietitian!
Hey Carri,
ReplyDeleteWe're glad for these updates and grateful it gives you an outlet to express specific prayer needs as well as some pent up anxiety. We're praying daily for little Samantha Grace's protection and well-being, for wisdom for her doctors and for peace for her sweet mom and dad. Our oldest daughter had chronic health problems starting in infancy and I still recall the roller coaster of feelings - from guilt that it took us so long to realize something was wrong, to anxiety over her future, to guilt over our anxiety because so many of the kids we encountered at Children's were sicker than she was. You're so much better spiritually equipped than we were at your age. Never wondering from Whom your help comes is a tremendous blessing, and it's also a blessing to others to see your faith in action. But that doesn't mean you won't be tired or scared at times. Thanks for sharing and allowing us the privilege of praying you through this. We love you all!
Summer, Johnny & Sam