In hospital with my son

Hi Michelle!  I'm so sorry to hear about Conor, but thankfully, you got him the help he needed quickly, as well as the fact that diabetes is controllable.

You're a great mom, and I'm sure that he's very appreciative of you being there for him!!!

See you in Lakewood!

Hugs, Wendy 

WOW!    Thanks to all of you for the overwhelming support and empathy.  It has been a hard week, but we are adjusting.  We got home from the hospital Friday night and we are settling back into the "home" routine.  This was much easier at the hospital when Conor couldn't leave my sight!  He is doing so well, so much better than I am.  Everytime I manage to sneak away from him for a few minutes I have a melt down.  It's normal, everyone who has been through this is telling me to let it out, it's normal for the Mom to be devastated in the beginning.  I just want to be done crying about it, I wonder when that will happen?  It will. I do know, because of my gastric bypass surgery and the amazing help my support group has been to me, I need to find a good support group for kids and parents for Conor and I to attend.  I am so thankful for all the people in both of my support groups-you all are like family to me, and I am just so blessed by all the responses and concern you all have over my situation here.  I really am.  It makes me cry to realize how many people do really care when you need it..... and you all are the best!

Our pediatric endocrinologist (Dr. Eapen in Neptune) has a support group, but they are OFF for the summer.  Supposedly kids aren't usually diagnosed with diabetes during the warmer part of the spring or summer, it's usually winter and the beginning of spring.  But, Conor was strong enough to fight the virus off for a month or two, because he is so fit and active.  He is an amazing child all the way around

OK.... I have to go pick him up from the beach now.  Tomorrow we are taking a family trip into New York to get some sheet music for my daughter.  She is auditioning for FOOTLOSE at the STRAND theatre Monday night   There's nothing better than seeing your children's dreams come true! Love, Michelle

Michele, My girlfriend is a diabetic nurse. You should call your insurance company and ask them for a case worker. Once you have a case worker you should be able to have an at home medical nurse come and teach Connor about reading labels and food choices. I hope this helps you a bit. Donna Marie

Thanks Donna.  Our doctor set up that visit for us while we were still in the hospital, and the nurse came to the house the day after he got home.  It was very helpful.  Thanks for your support and help.

Michelle

Michelle - I hope that things are better with you and your son now. I have to tell you that you made a great move by listening to your son and calling for the blood work. I know many parents who would have blown that off and waited to mention it at the next office visit. Great work mom ! Ray 

I am glad your son is doing okay.   Jersey Shore has a great medical library with helpful staff that can send you information for free if you need.  FYI the library is open to all including patients and visitors not just doctors.    Some support group info can be found at:  http://www.diabetes123.com/support/us-nj.htm http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/kids/d_02_100.htm This one might even help him http://kids.jdrf.org/ You will both get through this.   KEydi

Thank you so much Keydi for that information on the support groups.  I am really looking for one for my son and I right now.  My son's doctor runs one at JSUMC, but it's on "break" for the summer, and we really need one now.  My son is doing well, this has been a huge life adjustment for both of us.  The thing that worries him the most right now is that his vision is very bad.  The doctor said this is normal, as he is newly diagnosed (10 days ago now) and until his sugar has been stabilized for a while, his vision will be blurry.  We have had a few insulin adjustments over the past week, and he is doing much better with his numbers  since Tuesday.  Do you know someone with juvenile diabetes, you sound like you have experience?   Thanks for the help.

Michelle

I am a medical librarian in North Jersey and originally from South Jersey, Barnegat to be precise.  My best friend who lives near barnegat has had diabetes for a long time know and just had her first child.   She is 34.  She has had some medical issues but is doing ok.   This website http://www.diabetes123.com/support/us-nj.htm if you scroll down gives at least 2 support groups and contact info.    I know it is probably crazy with you now.   Also I came across these Place: Meridian Health System Medical Center of Ocean County - Brick Program Name: Diabetes Management Program Address: 425 Jack Martin Blvd. City, State, Zip: Brick, NJ, 08724 Telephone: 732-840-3399 Place: Meridian Health System Medical Center of Ocean County - Point Pleasant Program Name: Diabetes Management Program Address: 2121 Edgewater Place City, State, Zip: Point Pleasant, NJ, 08742 Telephone: 732-840-3399 Place: Community Medical Center-Toms River Program Name: Joslin Center for Diabetes Address: 368 Lakehurst Rd. suite 305 City, State, Zip: Toms River, NJ, 08753 Telephone: 732-349-5757 Best of Luck.   Keydi

Michelle, my buddy! My niece has juvenile diabetes.  It was diagnosed when she was 13.  She is now 17.  It was really bad.  She now has the pump and is doing much better but it was scarey and it was so hard watching her give herself shots.  How is your son doing? Donna

Michelle,  My mom had juvenile diabetes and I developed it at age 35.  I have loads of experience.  Everything gets easier as it goes.  Support groups for your son are essential.  Kids with diabetes feel "different" and sometimes just don't take care of themselves to fit in with other kids.  For example, they will eat cookies bcz everyone else is.  Fortunately for your son there are much healthier habits and choices in school and supermarkets.  Also, make sure your son likes his doctor(s) and staff.  He will need them.  I'm sure by now he's gotten his monitor and is testing a lot.  There's lots of gadgets to make things easier, such as the insulin pens and insulin pump.  I know that the pump is very successful but sometimes you need to adjust to being diabetic before going to the pump.  Education is key.  The more you both learn the easier it will be.  It's not as scary as they make it seem.  Take one day at a time and know that our prayers are with you all.  This is a great opportunity for him to eat and be healthy.  The vision will clear but he will notice that if his sugar does go out of control it will come back too which is a good alert for him.  My mom is now 68 years old and still does not wear glasses (except to read the small print), she has never had amputations or complications with circulation and is in very good health.  She swears it is due to having an excellent doctor as a child.  She was diagnosed at age 9.  Good luck to you.