I've feared this day for the past 4 years. Even though Max tested positive for all the antibodies present in Type 1 diabetics at age 3, I held out hope the test was wrong. With each passing year and no diagnosis, the fear lessened a bit. When Max told me he needed to test his blood the night of the 16th, I couldn't figure out why he was so insistent. I hadn't noticed any strange behavior, no signs of sickness, and certainly no red flags on the diabetes front. I was busily getting Hank and Randy ready for Clear Creek after Hank's flag football game. It was 9:30 on a school night and I simply didn't want to be bothered with the stress of a blood sugar check. It always comes back fine but makes me overly anxious. Max mentioned he'd been peeing like crazy for the past 3 days. I hadn't noticed but Max is so independent and takes care of those things without bringing much attention to himself. Randy and I agreed to check. In that instant our entire lives changed as 586 came up on the tester. I felt the air leave my lungs, my stomach turn, and my heart race. No, this can't be happening. We had Max wash his hands and test again, hoping the 30 Salt Water Taffy's he'd just eaten were still on his fingers. No such luck as "over 600" displayed on the tester. Max looked at me with a worried expression and said, "is that bad?". Hank was sitting on the couch playing on his ipod and exclaimed "you have diabetes Max". Thanks Hank. The next hour was frantic as we decided what to do. I contacted Dr. Swinyard who told me not to rush to the emergency room. He said to send Max to bed and not give him any carbs until we could bring him in the next day. Since Randy was supposed to go with Hank on his overnight school trip, we had to address that situation as well. Brett majorly stepped up and agreed to accompany Hank and manage his diabetes overnight. Our families rallied like they have so many times before. I was in shock and cried all night long. How can I do this with two kids? The following morning, we sent Brett and Hank off and took Sam to preschool. I knew I needed to dry it up and be strong for my sweet Max.
Griffy was a huge comfort to Max as we anxiously awaited our doctors appointment. Max didn't seem scared, or sad one bit.
We loaded up with carb free snacks at the gas station and headed up to Dr. Swinyard's. Max almost seemed excited to get his official diagnosis.
Randy poked Max's finger for his A1C test.
I watched in disbelief. I'm here with the wrong kid. Dr. Swinyard soon came into our room and told us Max's A1C was 7.8. Max has type 1 diabetes. Even though I presumed that was the case, I felt as though someone punched me in the stomach. Thankfully, Max caught it early so there were no signs of ketones or dehydration. Combined with my 5 years of experience managing the disease, there was no reason to hospitalize him. We got a list of prescriptions and were sent on our way. We went to Chick Fil A for lunch and informed our friends and family. Through it all, Max seemed unfazed. He's watched his big brother live without limitations or illness for most of his life. Why would he be scared?
Thank goodness for good health insurance. You're looking at the supplies required to keep my two diabetics alive for a few months. Overwhelmed is an understatement.
What a blessing to have caught it early. It seemed crazy but Max had a flag football game that afternoon and he really wanted to play.
No one had a clue he'd just been giving a life changing diagnosis.
We checked his blood throughout the game and Max complied like the stud he is.
The true test was how he'd react to his first shots. No surprise there, he handled it beautifully.
This image just seems wrong in every way. I can't even wrap my head around this yet. We just raised nearly $10,000 for JDRF. How is this fair? It's times like this, I have to force myself to look at the positive. I have a healthy, smart, and capable boy. He diagnosed himself for goodness sake! I have the knowledge I need to take care of him properly. I have access to all the medication and doctors required to manage this disease. I also have an incredible diabetes aide at the school who can closely watch Max all day. Our families are 100% behind Max and supporting him. I have to focus on these things, otherwise I'll be consumed with sadness and I can't do that to Max. We'll get through this. One day at a time.
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