Well, I failed pretty miserably at keeping up with my grateful posts in November, but I would be remiss if I didn't share my gratitude as I sit at this computer tonight.
Exactly one week ago tonight, Valentine's Day evening, Spencer and I were driving the Rydget to the Texas Children's Hospital Emergency room. He had just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My head was spinning. Tears were close to the surface with every thought, every text to family, every time I looked at my baby. I feared for him. I prayed for him. He was so sick and weak he could barely answer "yes" or "no" to medical personnel asking him questions.
Leading up to this Rydge had not been himself for a couple of weeks. Nothing "outstanding", just complaints of stomach aches and being tired. He was SUPER cranky, too. I mean c-r-a-n-k-y! He stayed home last Monday from school, which he never does, because he felt nauseous and he slept ALL DAY.
Tuesday morning he was getting ready for school and as he came out of the shower I was shocked at how thin he looked.
Skin and bones. I told him to hop on the scale --- he had lost almost 10 pounds in 3 weeks. My 62 pound son now weighed 53. How had this happened right before my eyes? Then I started putting together the pieces: fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, muscle aches, weight loss, nausea. My heart skipped a beat. Several beats actually. I called the doc. They scheduled blood work for Thursday morning. We got the call Friday that he had high blood sugar and that he was most likely diabetic. None of the hospitals that the endocrinologist was affiliated with would take Rydge- their PICU was full, he was too young, whatever. That was frustrating---but really was a sweet miracle from a loving Heavenly Father that we ended up at TX Children's.
We learned a new word (or words) that Friday night. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Because his little body wasn't producing insulin to carry glucose to his cells for energy, his body adapted by breaking down fat for energy---thus, the weight loss. His pH was severely jeopardized. The first 12 hours after we were admitted were spent in the PICU getting him stabilized. It was a scary night. But I was comforted by the amazing doctor's and nurses that God put in our path.
Exactly one week ago tonight, Valentine's Day evening, Spencer and I were driving the Rydget to the Texas Children's Hospital Emergency room. He had just been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My head was spinning. Tears were close to the surface with every thought, every text to family, every time I looked at my baby. I feared for him. I prayed for him. He was so sick and weak he could barely answer "yes" or "no" to medical personnel asking him questions.
Leading up to this Rydge had not been himself for a couple of weeks. Nothing "outstanding", just complaints of stomach aches and being tired. He was SUPER cranky, too. I mean c-r-a-n-k-y! He stayed home last Monday from school, which he never does, because he felt nauseous and he slept ALL DAY.
Tuesday morning he was getting ready for school and as he came out of the shower I was shocked at how thin he looked.
Skin and bones. I told him to hop on the scale --- he had lost almost 10 pounds in 3 weeks. My 62 pound son now weighed 53. How had this happened right before my eyes? Then I started putting together the pieces: fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, muscle aches, weight loss, nausea. My heart skipped a beat. Several beats actually. I called the doc. They scheduled blood work for Thursday morning. We got the call Friday that he had high blood sugar and that he was most likely diabetic. None of the hospitals that the endocrinologist was affiliated with would take Rydge- their PICU was full, he was too young, whatever. That was frustrating---but really was a sweet miracle from a loving Heavenly Father that we ended up at TX Children's.
Sweet skinny boy. Saddest face ever.
We learned a new word (or words) that Friday night. Diabetic ketoacidosis. Because his little body wasn't producing insulin to carry glucose to his cells for energy, his body adapted by breaking down fat for energy---thus, the weight loss. His pH was severely jeopardized. The first 12 hours after we were admitted were spent in the PICU getting him stabilized. It was a scary night. But I was comforted by the amazing doctor's and nurses that God put in our path.
All hooked up and ready to be de-acid-ized.
Insulin and saline.
Insulin and saline.
He was moved to a regular room on the endocrine floor on Saturday afternoon. He was talking, eating, and smiling ( a little). His fingertips were getting tough as his blood glucose was checked every 20-40 min. Such a brave boy. He had moments of sadness and fear of all the pokes and pricks - who wouldn't? But he has taken it all in.
I couldn't have survived without the love and support of my family both near and far. You sustained me and my boy and I'm overflowing with gratitude for your support and love. I'm grateful for good friends and neighbors that watched out for my big kiddos at home, that sent texts of support. I'm grateful for the docs, nurses, and volunteers that blessed our lives and patiently introduced us to our "new normal".
There is so much I want to say---so many things I want to record. And I'll get to it. Hopefully, better than I did my grateful posts in November. yikes.
As of today, Rydge has been back in school two days...more details later, but let me just say...
I couldn't have survived without the love and support of my family both near and far. You sustained me and my boy and I'm overflowing with gratitude for your support and love. I'm grateful for good friends and neighbors that watched out for my big kiddos at home, that sent texts of support. I'm grateful for the docs, nurses, and volunteers that blessed our lives and patiently introduced us to our "new normal".
Rydge obviously feeling better - Grapes in his lips. Dork.
AWESOME family.
Anxiously waiting to be discharged!
There is so much I want to say---so many things I want to record. And I'll get to it. Hopefully, better than I did my grateful posts in November. yikes.
As of today, Rydge has been back in school two days...more details later, but let me just say...
RYDGE ROCKS!!
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