6 year old son diagnosed a week ago.

[toyahsam]

Hi all,

I don't know where to start, the last week or so has been like a bad dream. I took my 6 year old to see the doctor about bed wetting and within hours we were at a&e and we were told he has type 1 diabetes.

He is adjusting quite well really, still crying at injection times (hes on 4 a day) and hasnt returned to school yet but all in all he is coping better than I am, which sounds so selfish as he is the person who has to deal with this for the rest of his life.

Now its sinking in a little and we are getting to grips with the medication and diet etc I am finding myself doing more and more research on the potential complications, but think I need to put them into perspective before I drive myself mad. What should I be worrying about right now? is the eyesight problems a concern for children? And what about brothers and sisters - some people say it does increase their chances, other say it doesn't ( i also have a 2 year old girl and 5 year old boy)

I am guessing there are plenty of parents out there who have felt just how we are right now and have moved forward - any tips?

Thanks (sorry for long post)

Nicola

 

[diabetesmum]

Hi Nicola,
Things will get better, you will get more used to things, you will get used to a new kind of 'normal'. You are on a very steep learning curve now and it is exhausting, and because (like me) you go all out to find all the info you can, it is even more exhausting and worrying. I know it's easy to say and hard to do, but try to take things just one day at a time now. Your son will get used to his jabs etc, though I have to say that even after 5 years, my 7 yr old still cries sometimes and regularly has a good old moan.

As far as eyes go, I was told by an eye consultant that they don't normally expect to find changes in the eyes of Type 1 children for at least 5-6 years, and not even then provided blood glucose levels have not been left to run completely uncontrolled.

As for siblings, I believe their chances of developing Type 1 are slightly increased but not much (less than 10% I seem to recall, but don't quote me on that!). You know the signs and can do a test if you feel you have to. I have 2 daughters who are Type 1 (age 7 & 14) - nobody knows why, we have just been very unlucky I think :? . Mind you, there are worse things for a child to get!!

It's good that your son was diagnosed before he became really ill with ketoacidosis which happens to so many children.

Anyway, welcome to the forum and ask away with any questions, somebody will always try and help.
Regards,
Sue

 

[scotts mum]

Hi Nicola
My son is type 1, he is now 11 and was diagnosed at 4. He too used to cry at injections, it was very harrowing so my heart goes out to you. Then they cahnged him from the syringe and bottle to pen type injections! We have never looked back since. I dont know if it is psychological, I dont care as long as it works! If your son is not on this, then please ask them about it as it may make all the difference to you too!
Things do get better!
Take care
Tracey

 

[toyahsam]

Thanks for all your replies.

The care we have been given by the local paediatric diabetes team has been incredible, and we are very fortunate that the school are bending over backwards to learn as much as they can to help Josh, we were unindated with volunteers to learn to do his injections, but for now just his class teacher is going to learn.

We are using the pens already which I do think look a lot "friendlier" than the syringes which we have for emergencies, but the freestyle sounds like a good option, but I guess we need to get his levels a little more stable first, they are ranging from 3.8 to Hi within hours its so hit and miss.

If anyone has any good suggestions for freesnacks I would appreciate it, pepperami's and babybels have already lost their appeal to him and unfortunately he hates salad and veg (at the moment, am working on it).

Feel a little more optimistic today, just been into school to do his first school injection and am slowly realising it could be so much worse.

THanks for everyone who has replied, take care,

Nicola

 

[kaidal]

Hi Toyahsam and everyone else.
Newly diagnosed son with Type 1

My son who had his 8th birthday this week was diagnosed just over two weeks ago. It was a complete shock after going to docs as he just said it hurt when he had a wee! He has been really brave, although struggling with the dietary business. The more I read the more scary it seems.
He went to school on Monday with this new condition and looked so vulnerable, I felt guity leaving him. I still have lots of confusion regarding diabetes but I am finding these forums very useful.
My main worry at the moment is the GP does not seem to prescribe enough items I need and makes me quite panicky. For example we are obviously testing his blood frequently because it is all very new and also because he is very active and gets quite low at times, however I never seem to have enough bood test sticks.
Anyway,had my little moan and it is nice to know there is this site to get advice.

Kathy

 

[diabetesmum]

Hi Kathy,
Your son's hospital diabetes team could fax the Gp's surgery and tell them what to prescribe and how many of each thing. We get 200 strips per prescription per child and I order about once a month. We have never had any problems, and really nor should you. A child on insulin needs very regular testing, it shouldn't be an added stress for you, you have enough to worry about at the moment!
Hope this helps,
Sue

 

[kaidal]

Hi Sue

thanks for your reply. The clinic have faxed the prescription, however the GP seems to not realise what I need and then I panick because I can't do enough tests and its only week two. GP prescribed one box of 50 strips and luckily last week the chemist gave me a box in advance of getting prescription. However they have only just got this back and I need to order more.
It is exactly as you said, should not need to worry about this along with everything else. I think i will highlight on next request how many tests I actually do and state I need more prescribed. It is just stressing me as I don't want to annoy the docs either at this early stage.

Kathy

 

[diabetic_tigs]

I was diagnosed when i was 6, 2 weeks before my 7th birthday, I'm now 20. I can remember very clearly what it was like being diagnosed so young, and it was a major shock. I too used to scream and cry at injection times, i used to run round the house with my mum chasing after me with the pen. Back then there wasnt so much awareness of diabetes and the health care services were not anything like they are today. It took me ages to get used to injections etc, but i also had needle phobia. When i was 8 i went on a childrens holiday run by diabetes Uk. on the holiday doctors and volunteers taught me and others all about diabetes, how to manage it, how to inject myself/blood test - the importance of doing so, and basically loads of skills which have proved to be invaluable.
Also when i had injections at first my mum made a "star chart" - i got a star if i had my injection with little fuss, when i got enough stars i got to choose a prize, i can remember after a month or so i got a scooter, and this then encouraged me to keep being good with them because id be rewarded for it, this kind of technique has been psychologically proven to work, so it could well be worth trying!
Good luck and best wishes

 

[diabetesmum]

Hi Kathy,
I think you need to talk to the Dr and make sure s/he has read the fax properly and updates the computer at the surgery. Please don't feel like you are being a nuisance, this is really important and if your surgery is any good at all they should know this!
Sue