When you live with someone who has T1D, you get used to things most people never think about. You may even take for granted how much your T1 really goes through because they seem to take everything in stride. Well, when I had to check my blood sugar the other day, I realized (again) that people with T1D are brave.
Checking My Blood Sugar
Some symptoms are there, I have a meter handy, I should probably check to see if the autoimmune monster is at it again, trying to claim another member.
I put in a new lancet and got the meter ready. I had to psych myself up to do a simple finger poke.
I know… I’m a wimp.
I got nervous, knowing it was going to hurt (even on the lowest setting), but I talked myself into doing it.
It did friggin’ hurt! I did the test and the blood wouldn’t stop dripping down my finger.
Even 15 minutes later, I could feel that darn finger poke.
But this story is not about me.
My blood sugar was fine by the way.
4 Years of T1D
My son has had T1 for 4 years. He uses his lancing device multiple times a day to tear through his calloused fingertips for that little sample of blood.
He uses a higher setting than I did.
And sometimes, the blood still doesn’t come. His fingers are getting too worn already.
He’s only 7.
In those 4 short years, he has done this finger poke at least 8 times a day, every day.
That’s 11,680 times.
And I have to psych myself up for one…
In the 6 months he was on insulin pens, he had 5 injections a day.
900 shots.
Since being on an insulin pump, he’s needed site changes at least every 3 days.
Roughly 425 site changes.
My T1D is Brave
He rarely complains about any of these pokes. He flinches sometimes, says “ow” once in a while, and on very rare occasions will cry for a minute when we hit a nerve.
My 7 year old son checks his own finger multiple times a day.
He doesn’t get nervous.
He doesn’t stall.
He just does what needs to be done and moves on.
All People with T1D are Brave
It doesn’t matter if you are scared of needles. You are brave.
You will have highs and lows, your body silently battling itself on the inside, while you look fine on the outside. You are strong.
There will be bad days, some worse than others, but you will get through them. You are an inspiration.
And diabetes will take the backseat while you chase your dreams and accomplish your goals. You are not defined by your T1D.
So, look at us, the parents, the partners, the friends, and understand: we are in awe of you. We are impressed and amazed by you.
Even if it doesn’t show sometimes.
And most importantly, we love you.
In the End…
I am glad that my blood sugar was normal.
I know that if it wasn’t I would be able to give myself the shots… because I’d have to.
I know that it would become my “new normal”.
And I know that I would have the bravest, most inspiring teacher to help me through it.
Because when it comes to having T1D, my 7 year old is the expert in our house.
I’m a wimp, but he would make me brave.
Happy Carb Counting!
~ Leah
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Why People with T1D Count Carbs Why I will Never Celebrate my Son’s Diaversary
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Wow! What a trooper!! I have two sisters-in-law who have T1D and it opened my eyes to how much this affects daily life. They both have the insulin pump, so even that controls what they can wear because they need pockets to put the pump in. I’m in awe of their great attitudes and resiliency. Sounds like your son is a champ too. <3
He is amazing with it. T1D is really an invisible disease. Even when people see you checking blood sugar and injecting insulin, they don’t realize how much more is involved. Like you said, it affects everything, right down to which clothes you can and cannot wear.
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