Our JDRF Walk 2011

Last Sunday was our family's first JDRF walk.  We had such a great time.  And although I am sure you have heard the song about how it never rains in Southern California, I can tell you the song is wrong.  The first hour and a half we were there it was very wet.  


It didn't dampen our spirits though.  We were all ready for a great day.  The kids danced in the rain at the Radio Disney Booth.  They were soaked and cold but happy.  Our team shirts turned out great and I was so excited for Julia to be able to wear hers.  On the back of all the shirts it said "We are walking for Julia" her shirt said "I'm Julia."  The problem was her I'm Julia shirt was too wet to wear!  So we switched her to one of our extra shirts and my sister & my friend helped rig it so she could wear it around her waist.  


By the time the walk started, the rain stopped and it was a beautiful day.  It was so great having our friends and family by our side walking for a common cause.  


Our team goal was $2500 so that we could qualify for a team tent.  

And thanks to all of our supporters, we reached our goal and more than DOUBLED it! At last check, we have raised over $5300!  

 We added the other thermometer onto our original one.  Julia loved coloring it in with every donation we received.  


Thank you to all of you.  Those who walked, donated, supported one of our fundraising events, or wished us well, thank you.   As Julia said, "It makes my tummy bubbly and my eyes watery," to have your support.  

Today I Remember, Tomorrow We Celebrate

Today is the day one year ago Julia was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.  We have come such a long way but I can't help looking back on that day.

This picture was taken the day before diagnosis on my mom's cell phone.  

I have already written the story of her diagnosis but lately I keep thinking of one doctor we met.  It was in the E.R. and it was brief and I have only recently come to fully understand that meeting.  She was so grave in the way she spoke and looked so worried and was explaining some of the tests that were being run and that we would know more when the results were in.  She was worried about the how acidic her blood was and whether or not there was cerebral edema.  The next time we saw her the results were in and she looked so much more relieved.  She explained that the acidity in Julia's blood was not as high as she expected and that her treatment would be much easier.

Like I have said before, I did not understand the seriousness of the situation.  In my mind, the pediatrician told us it was diabetes and so we are at the hospital and they would show us how to get her healthy.  I assumed that there was nothing worse that could happen than the diabetes diagnosis.  We were very lucky.  I just recently read about a family who was not so lucky.  You can do so here if you choose.  

Please read the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes.  If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms please do not hesitate in getting them medical attention.

 

Warning signs of T1D (these may occur suddenly):
Extreme thirst Frequent urination Sudden vision changes Sugar in urine Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath	Increased appetite Sudden weight loss Drowsiness, lethargy Heavy, labored breathing Stupor, unconsciousness (taken from www.jdrf.org)

Today I remember the heartache and pain of seeing my little girl so sick.  Today she is a healthy strong 6 year old and I am so grateful for that.  Tomorrow we will celebrate...

   

A Day in Our Blood Glucose Life

I have written before about our daily schedule but that just looks at the time frame.  Today I am putting it all out there.  I have taken a page from Julia's logbook (10/28/11) and I am going to share with you her blood glucose (BG) readings for the day.  Every time we get a reading, she gets poked with a needle.

7:03am  BG 68 Julia wakes up saying she is feeling shaky.  That is how she describes a low.

7:25am  BG 123 Recheck and before breakfast test combined.  This is a much better start to the day.

10:07am BG 50 She told her helper she felt shaky.  This is at school during class.  I get a text with this info.

10:24am BG 125 Recheck and recess time check.  I get another text with this info.

11:48am BG 83 Lunchtime check. Another text for me.

4:09pm  BG 54 Julia is feeling shaky again.  This is at home.

4:24pm  BG 111 Recheck - back in range

6:05pm  BG 251 Dinner time check

9:53pm BG 307 Evening check.  This is high.  We give more insulin and will recheck in an hour.

11:00pm BG 370 Recheck - That doesn't seem right.

11:02pm BG 372 Recheck - Change insulin pump site in case of poor insulin delivery

12:05am BG 340 Recheck to verify new site is working - not coming down as much as I would like

12:31am BG 334 Recheck still coming down just slowly maybe it is working?

2:00am  BG 383 Apparently it is NOT working.  Another site change and insulin dose given.

3:01am  BG 262 New site working.  Time for some sleep.

8:29am  BG 122 Let's see what today brings...

Julia's range is supposed to be between 70 - 130 during the day and 100 - 150 overnight.  We have days that are terrific and in range.  We also have days that are horrendous and nothing makes sense.  Just because she is pumping and testing regularly does not guarantee that she will be in range.  Everything can effect her blood sugar.  Being excited, being nervous, physical activity, lack of physical activity, anything can send her low or high.  We are told that a number is just a number not a grade but it is so hard to not look at the meter and think that it somehow reflects on your ability as a parent.  Seeing a random 300 pop up can be so frustrating  or stubborn highs that won't come down.  And the lows.  Lows are so scary.  Hearing her say she feels shaky, seeing her get so pale, I hate it.