Monday, April 13, 2009

5 empty resevoirs, cherished friend and a bedtime story!

Tonight I decided to search the fridge for any pump reservoirs I could find that may be hiding cherished drops of our life saving medication. (I really hate Lantus) Sure enough, I knew I saved these near empty reservoirs for a reason. Sadly, I have no idea how old this insulin is. Worth a shot though (or is that worth a site?)



Just then, a text message. "I HAVE NOVOLOG READY AND WAITING FOR YOU...GET YOUR BEHIND UP HERE NOW....THIS IS YOUR NURSE TALKING!! Ahhhhhhh, yes....my dear friend from CANDY HEARTSknown also as a cherished mom from our local support group. Known also as "Addy's mom" as Maddison would say. A fabulous mother, wife, RN. An amazing woman indeed. Here she is, once again kicking my butt into shape, even by text message! Normally my dear friend is inspiring and helpful by offering kind words, endless understanding and a great outlook on life. Tonight she decided to step in and not take no for an answer. Need something? Anything? Insulin? This is the girl who will not let anyone down-ever. 2 vials of insulin later, I will sleep much better tonight! THANK YOU, THANK YOU MY SISTA! You are truly an angel in disguise! No Lantus after all for me tonight, just a pump newly set with Novolog to keep me exactly where I need to be. Who would think a vial of insulin could mean SO much? A vial of insulin from a friend who understands, PRICELESS. BIG HUGS to my dear friend!

Even after this text message kindly pushed Josh to pick up the Novolog from my dear Angel, I was determined to see how much insulin I could gather from these near empty reservoirs. I carefully drained each reservoir to the last drop by Syringe. I loaded my pump, and after several attempts to get it to acknowledge my frantic efforts, it flashed back with 21 units now usable. Too bad this insulin is probably not the best to use. It was probably months past expiration. At this moment I realized just how dependant our lives are on a simple vial of insulin. Scary. As Josh arrived home with the two new vials in hand, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with appreciation. I loaded my pump with all new insulin, and counted my blessings that I have Mrs Candy Hearts in my life. (hugs again!) I never felt so happy to change a pump site in my life!

Tonight Maddison decided to read her bedtime story to her new pet lizard, "Keeko." I was in awe over how happy Maddison sounded as she talked to her lizard and read the story out loud. Maddison normally spends alot of time in her bedroom with her other cherished pet. Her bird, a Cockatiel, named "Birdy" has been her friend for years now. After finishing the story, Maddison told me she feels "complete." Maddison says "I now have all the pets my heart ever wanted." How sweet she is! Then Maddison asked me if "Keeko" had Diabetes, how would we know how many carbs are in a cricket? Maddison then decided that the best way to treat a lizards Diabetes would be to just give one shot a day, like Grandpa does. She's so funny!

Tonight as I crept into Maddison's bedroom I couldn't help but smile at that stinky little lizard that has brought her so much joy. I thought Maddison was already sleeping, so as I dialed in some basal changes for tomorrow (lows today!) Maddison said "lows today bring basal changes and then highs tomorrow, hugh mom?" At that moment I just wanted to crawl in bed with her and hold her tight until morning. She sure is growing up fast!

5 comments:

Wendy said...

You inspire me. I admire the way you've taken this beast by the horns and advocate for your daughter while living with it yourself. Someone out here thinks you are amazing, super, spectacular, incredible, and awesome...soooo...

We can't have you slipping into DKA, now can we?????

I got your back :)

Scott K. Johnson said...

Whew! Glad that you were able to get some help. Wendy is a sweetie.

I laughed out loud about how many carbs in a cricket! That's great! I don't think Calorie King would have that listed... :-)

Beth said...

Good job, Wendy - rescuing me with GF info for my friend and Kelly with Novolog! You're right, no DKA for Kelly. You know, Kelly, you can always call me, too - it's not like I don't know where you live or my daughter wouldn't love to have an excuse to come and see yours....
:) I'm sorry, I haven't been keeping up or I would have known you were running short. Seems to be a theme going with mail order pharmacies not sending out insulin this week - at least one other person I know is having the same issue! This is not a happy thing for those who NEED medications delivered promptly. Funny how they can debit you right away, though...
{{{hugs}}}}

Beth said...

BTW, wouldn't a cricket be zero carbs, since it's protein? LOL

Jill said...

This makes me smile :) It's so nice to have such a tight support group!

Will you do me a favor and email me? I have a few questions for ya ;) Nothing bad...just one venting Mom to another...LOL! Thanks!