Helping my daughter.
Since my one granddaughter's diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, (2 months ago), Lee-Ann's sugar levels are still not stabile. She ends up in hospital at least once a week, on drips to bring her sugar level down. At the moment her diet consists only of boiled eggs, green salad, certain veggies and skinless chicken. We noticed that her emotions definitely cause her sugar levels to go sky high in record time! This is a huge problem, especially at school. My daughter is a single mom, and she doesn't have medical insurance.
I try my best to help and support Melany and Lee-Ann, but I am not really succeeding. Truth is, I am desperately afraid that Lee-Ann might die also!! In my mind I see her walking the same road that my beautiful Colleen walked.........and I end up crying. Yes, my mind knows all the facts, about the medications and the millions of people who successfully live with diabetes.............. But my heart is so very afraid of losing her also! Everytime I talk to Melany, trying to encourage her, the waves of pain and grief destroy my words and my mind, and I end up like a cement statue again!! Definitely NOT what she needs right now! I thank God that Melany is coping okay so far! I just wish that I could be of more help to her.
I try my best to help and support Melany and Lee-Ann, but I am not really succeeding. Truth is, I am desperately afraid that Lee-Ann might die also!! In my mind I see her walking the same road that my beautiful Colleen walked.........and I end up crying. Yes, my mind knows all the facts, about the medications and the millions of people who successfully live with diabetes.............. But my heart is so very afraid of losing her also! Everytime I talk to Melany, trying to encourage her, the waves of pain and grief destroy my words and my mind, and I end up like a cement statue again!! Definitely NOT what she needs right now! I thank God that Melany is coping okay so far! I just wish that I could be of more help to her.
Replies
Oh my dear. You are doing what you need to do; supporting your daughter and granddaughter as best you can. Of course you are fearful. You know how tenuous life is.
I hope they are soon able to get Lee-Ann\'s glucose levels stabilized. Juvenile diabetes is tricky to deal with initially. But once they do, children can thrive.
I understand when you say that your mind knows the facts but your heart is hurting.
Wishing Lee-Ann a quick recovery and you and Melany strength.
Love and tight hugs,
Marlene
You are doing the best you are able to do at this time and no one can expect more! Once we have lost, it is only normal to fear loss again. There are times when we can\'t \"fix it\" for our child or grandchild and this is so unduly hard! My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, sweet friend!
Sending love as well, Leda
This is a steep learning curve for your Melany and dear Lee-Ann. I taught many type 1 diabetic children and they would have their snack before they went out to recess and became like little chemists in learning what they could eat and not. It took time, yet they began to feel their bodies in ways that most of us ignore. My sister is an onset type 1 diabetic for the past 30+ years after having gestational diabetes with the birth of her first child. She is on an insulin pump now which has been such a life saver and I\'m not sure how old one must be or when that might be considered for Lee-Ann if that would be something they would desire for her?
Understanding your fears dear friend and I believe your presence means more than you could imagine even though you may doubt that it could.
I know my sister always has glucose tabs with her for those moments she feels low and that Lee-Ann will become the one educating all of you in time.
Taking it day by day and understanding what a blow this is, yet it is a disease that can be managed and lived with as I\'ve witnessed my sister for thirty-five years or so live with hers. Not what I would wish for her in a million years nor dear Lee-Ann either.
Holding your hand and please BE ever so gentle with yourself during these very worrisome and challenging times.
With love,
XO Joanie
After losing a child it is so hard to relax and feel \"safe\". When she gets this under control she and you will see that she can live life. Prayers for comfort and peace for you...
I think it\'s only natural that we have greater fears of losing a child after we\'ve already lost one. I keep \"panic mode\" REALLY close now.
I am so sorry for all the health issues and other issues you and your girls are having to deal with daily. I wish I could offer something of real help...
You are loved and are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer\'s classmate was 11 when she got this and now she is a doctor with two sons. It is so very hard to cope with constant illness, but the right attitude can really give yourself a boost in the management of things. I hope your family can get this under control and don\'t be so hard on yourselves. It takes time to digest all the information and understand how it can work. Sending you lots of hugs, Kathy xoxoxo