Good-Bye, Faithful Friend...

My five year old granddaughter is a Type 1 Diabetic. Adalyne was diagnosed when she was 24 months old. Since the age of three, she has been pumping. This means that she wears an insulin pump to deliver her insulin 24 hours a day. The COZMO insulin pump which Addy named Max has met its demise. As of this date, March 25, 2009, "Max" will no longer be manufactured. SHOCK WAVE! Smith Medical USA has its reasons for bowing out of the diabetes market such as not making enough profit. In the world of business this is a good reason. But to me, it is like the death of a faithful friend.

Max has changed Addy's life with diabetes. She no longer requires insulin shots. Max has been very instrumental in keeping Addy's A1C's at a more healthy level. I remember when Max first arrived. Learning to pump was very difficult, but everyone in the family soon caught on. Addy learned to live with Max in a pump pack around her waist, every hour of every day. Max and Addy literally became "attached at the hip."

So, tonight I want to bid fond farewell to Max.

Max, you were a bit difficult to get to know. And, you have expressed your ill temper occasionally. (Addy really did not mean to drop you in the toilet.) At first I thought you stuck out like a sore thumb. But, since I have gotten to know you, I now think that you are beautiful. Max, I'm going to miss you. You have been tried and you have proven to be true friend. You have worked tirelessly around the clock to keep Addy's blood sugar in check. And overall, you have never really complained. Once you had to get away for a few days. You screamed funny noises and we realized that you were tired. But, after a few days of rest, you were back on the job. Max, you have done your duty faithfully. I will always remember your animated face. And most important, I will never forget the friendship that you and Addy shared. I will never forget you. Dear Max, I love you. Rest in peace.

http://www.smiths-medical.com/plugins/news/2009/mar/smiths-medical-announces-intent.html

In Memory of Sage Lawrence

It's not like the cord
That connects us 'til birth.
This cord can't be seen
By any on Earth.
This cord does it's work
Right from the start.
It binds us together
Attached to my heart.
I know that it's there
Though no one can see
The invisible cord
From my child to me.
It pulls at my heart
I am bruised...I am sore,
But this cord is my lifeline
As never before.
I am thankful that God
Connects us this way
A mother and child
Death can't take it away!

~ author unknown ~

Take Note, Doctor....

Last Friday, my granddaughter had her first visit to the GI Doc since her diagnosis of celiac disease.

I don't know him/her. I have never met him/her. But, this him/her person has ruffled my feathers. I think that he/she must be a negative person. But, my personal opinion could be tainted because I have been a nurse for so long. GI doc's often have a different perspective of the world simply from where they spend a great deal of their time viewing it.

Adalyne is five years old. She is a type 1 diabetic and was diagnosed with celiac right before Christmas of '08. Not only has her world been turned upside down with this new diagnosis, but so has the world of her Mother. Addy's Mom is my daughter. Now of course, I feel that she is a super person and a super Mom. She is my daughter and as her Mom it is normal for me to feel this way. But, I see my daughter in other perspectives. I am her professional peer. She followed me into the world of professional nursing.

Anyway, back to the main message of this post. Addy went to the Dr. for her first follow-up. Addy has not gained weight since diagnosis. Although at this visit, the fact that Addy has not regressed and lost weight was not given much focus. To me, this is the message that should have been stressed. My daughter left this visit feeling discouraged.

I am proud of my daughter and the way that she has taken this monster of celiac by the tail. I am proud of her dedication and her willingness to travel difficult roads with a smile. First she did it with diabetes and less than three years later she is now facing celiac. I am proud that my daughter is a Tiger Mom. A Tiger Mom makes whatever sacrifice which is needed to see that her cubs are well prepared in body, mind, and spirit to survive in this world. This is a far greater challenge than any nurse will ever face professionally.

Not only has Addy had her entire diet changed, but she has also had to deal with the emotional aspect of having a duel diagnosis. That Adalyne has been able to maintain her weight is so great to me, it is awesome. I want to know why this "Medical Specialist" did not focus on this positive outcome? To him/her and all others like him/her, I would like to offer this advice. Give a positive message first! Everybody knows that it is much easier to swallow bitter lemons if you add a little sugar first. Take note Doctor, PLEASE.... be generous with the "sugar." GRRRRR...this is a Tiger Gma speaking.