Big changes at home

There has no been no proper blogging for quite some time. For the past 8 weeks or so, my 15 year old daughter has been struggling with life, school, anxiety, pressure and a growing fatigue and withdrawal that has been worrying (to say the least), frustrating for us as parents to watch, and when she refused to go to her dance classes two weeks ago, we knew something was up.

Last Friday she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

It was not exactly good news, but it was at least a partial answer to what has been going on with her.  And just a bit of a shock really.

I cannot praise the staff at Alberta Children's Hospital enough.  We have been back and forth to that facility quite a few times in the past couple of years (broken foot, concussion, inability to walk last year following the concussion, counselling - all for the same child!) - and as soon as the diagnosis for the diabetes was in, they wasted not one minute.  The slick operation in place as they welcomed her into the Endocrinology/Diabetes clinics was clear, professional, informative, and importantly, non-frightening.

Our routines must adjust to a life of finger prick blood tests, sugar levels and 4 to 5 insulin injections a day.  Our meal planning now comprises counting carbs (and seems a remarkably similar concept to counting Weight Watchers points, just with a different emphasis!) but the biggest adjustment will be for my daughter.  I can't be more impressed right now - she has so far taken it all in her stride, but I'm waiting for the big crash of reality to hit....this is it, what, like forever?

Next important bit of business will be to choose a medic alert bracelet.  

And even in the face of adversity, she has to be up to date and stylish.  Look at the one she likes!  A Hunger Games Mockingjay pin - she will be my brave heroine now.