Hi there,
We've just had a short stint in hospital as Khaleb had a throat infection and refused to eat for me and there were 2 newly diagnosed children in the ward. I was surprised to hear the nurses telling a 15 year old girl she wouldn't have to change her lifestyle or eating habits to manage her diabetes. I know it's good to have a positive attitide but I can't imagine that eating patterns could remain normal after diagnosis. For example, I watch my 14 year old non-diabetic son consume huge amounts of carb. Lollies and crisps can be eaten by the handful/packet. Is it better just to hear what you want to hear or get a bit more of an honest outline? I was also told to feed my son as normal at diagnosis but had terrible control so altered the timing of his meals and set amounts of carb per units of insulin. In this recent visit to hospital I had staff try and tell me what doses of insulin to give my son, he was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. They would of killed him the first day in hospital. In the end my son's regular doctor at the hospital informed the staff that I could give whatever doses I felt appropriate as he knows I have good control and instincts for Khaleb's bsl's.
Anyway, I think I would of been better off staying home and just forcing the glucose syrup down his throat via syringe until he got over his virus as I picked up a horrid bug in the hospital and nothing was really done to help. It can be such a hard decision knowing when to stay and when to get help but I don't feel I can risk not going when Khaleb is so young and can't tell me how he's feeling.
How do other people feel about whether it is better to just give positive comments and advice or outline a more achievable plan to manage a relentless condition? I am a member of a group of other parents of T1 kids and we may be able to give a clearer picture to medical staff in an effort to educate them.
Jen.
We've just had a short stint in hospital as Khaleb had a throat infection and refused to eat for me and there were 2 newly diagnosed children in the ward. I was surprised to hear the nurses telling a 15 year old girl she wouldn't have to change her lifestyle or eating habits to manage her diabetes. I know it's good to have a positive attitide but I can't imagine that eating patterns could remain normal after diagnosis. For example, I watch my 14 year old non-diabetic son consume huge amounts of carb. Lollies and crisps can be eaten by the handful/packet. Is it better just to hear what you want to hear or get a bit more of an honest outline? I was also told to feed my son as normal at diagnosis but had terrible control so altered the timing of his meals and set amounts of carb per units of insulin. In this recent visit to hospital I had staff try and tell me what doses of insulin to give my son, he was diagnosed nearly 2 years ago. They would of killed him the first day in hospital. In the end my son's regular doctor at the hospital informed the staff that I could give whatever doses I felt appropriate as he knows I have good control and instincts for Khaleb's bsl's.
Anyway, I think I would of been better off staying home and just forcing the glucose syrup down his throat via syringe until he got over his virus as I picked up a horrid bug in the hospital and nothing was really done to help. It can be such a hard decision knowing when to stay and when to get help but I don't feel I can risk not going when Khaleb is so young and can't tell me how he's feeling.
How do other people feel about whether it is better to just give positive comments and advice or outline a more achievable plan to manage a relentless condition? I am a member of a group of other parents of T1 kids and we may be able to give a clearer picture to medical staff in an effort to educate them.
Jen.
