Monday, January 17, 2011

Then There Were 2!

Diagnoses that is....We were home for a few days when the phone call came.  "Hello?" I answered.  The doctor on the other end explained that Andrew's gluten antibody number was very high - 134 to be exact.  With a normal level being <20, I knew this wasn't good. 

We had to wait a couple of weeks for an appointment with the gastroenterologist.  The doctor gave us the option to redo the bloodwork because sometimes when diabetics are just diagnosed, it can falsely raise the antibodies.  Our other choice was to go straight to the intestinal biopsy.  As my husband and I discussed the two options, we decided to do the biopsy.  I had done a lot of research on the internet and found that there is a strong connection between type1 diabetes and celiac disease.

As we walked into the prep room for the biopsy, I was trying everything I could do to keep back my tears.  We have been through so much already with the diabetes and the thought of putting my baby to sleep was enough to put me over the edge.  The first person we were introduced to gave me an extremely uneasy feeling.  I tried to brush it off and then he opened his mouth.  Yes, I was right, this person is
T-R-O-U-B-L-E!  First when he asked what medications Andrew was taking, I told him Novolog.  "Novolog", he said, "What's that?"  I felt like saying, "Insulin, you moron!"  I had told the hospital that Andrew was just diagnosed with diabetes when we scheduled his biopsy.  This man then started to just rip me apart!  He wanted to know why I gave him his nighttime Levemir and that his doses should have been adjusted.  I told him that the gastro. dept. didn't tell me adjust it.  He then proceeded to tell me that it was MY responsibility to contact the endo. department.  At this point, tears start pouring out!  Now I'm sad AND mad because I was able to hold myself together until this IDIOT starts picking a fight with me.  We have just been diagnosed in the past two weeks with diabetes and we don't even have an endo. at this point, just the one that saw us in the hospital!   Needless to say, we told the nurse that he better not step foot back into our room again.

As we wheeled Andrew into the procedure room, I actually had great peace.  God carried me when I couldn't.  I knew that Andrew was in God's hands as he softly drifted asleep.

When the doctor approached us after the procedure, he presented some pictures of Andrew's stomach and intestines.  I actually found it to be quite fascinating.  I guess primarily because I'm his mom.LOL  He thought that it might be wise for me to start checking out some gluten free websites.  At that very point, I knew that everything was just going to change yet again.  As for Andrew, I actually eased him into the diagnosis.  As I learned things, I shared them with him. 

As you can see, our lives have truly been turned upside down.  Through faith and love, we will all prevail...Not individually, but as a FAMILY.  I welcome you all to follow our journey and become a part of our family.

9 comments:

  1. Glad to have found you! My son was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 10 in July 2009. Two months later he was diagnosed with celiac disease.

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  2. You're doing a great job, my friend! Keep up the great work!!! So proud of you and how well your family is responding to the challenge!

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  3. Hello em180,
    Wonderful to meet you! I'm sorry to hear about your son, but I'm hoping that we can offer support to each other.

    Hello Wendy,
    Thank you so much!!!! You are such an inspiration!

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  4. Found you and your family's story by a suggestion from Wendy on Facebook. She said we should 'bug' you to get a FB page so you can hook up with the fabulous D-parents out there. ;)

    I am so sorry for Andrew and what his little 8yo mind has had to grasp over the last month. I have an 8yo daughter, Ellie, who was diagnosed with T1 in late September of 2010. The endo said based on her numbers, we will proobably be diagnosed celiac within the next 6 months - 1 year. ::sigh::

    God will reveal his wonders in so many ways to you and your family . . . . it is something I have been completely amazed by. We were given the gift of realizing one of his purposes for our Ellie and know that He will not leave us to figure it out on our own. So blessed.

    Looking forward to hearing from you often!

    Choosing Joy in 2011, Amy

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  5. Bless your heart!! Our 4 year old son was diagnosed in August. It has been a learning experience for sure! I agree with Amy, facebook and reading blogs has been the best. I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support that I get from all if them. Having that feeling of acceptance from others that "get it" has done wonders for me and my sanity! God bless you and your family!! You will get through it!! My email is leigherinevans@hotmail.com if you ever need anything, just let me know!! And I know what you mean about it being interesting... Our daughter was diagnosed with a benign form of epilepsy in November and just got an MRI. Seeing her brain on the report was so interesting. She was pretty grossed out though! ;)

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  6. Welcome Amy and Leigh!
    My heart goes out to your little ones. It looks like Facebook is becomming more inviting. I might have to take the leap.lol

    Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Please know that I'm also hear for you all even if you just need to vent.

    Blessings,
    Nikki

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  7. Welcome! Found your blog from Wendy. We are fairly new to the DOC as well...my 4 year old son was diagnosed in September. We have just started pumping!

    These d-mamas have been such a support to me, I hope I can be that for you as well. :)

    Stephanie
    www.mylifeasapancreas.blogspot.com

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  8. Hello Stephanie!
    I am off to check out your blog! I'll be following. Thank you!

    Blessings,
    Nikki

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  9. Welcome (sadly) to the world of no sleep......

    Wendy's facebook lead me here...

    I'm Tracie from mckinnonclan.blogspot.com (such is life) I have a 10 yr old daughter diagnosed 9 years ago this coming March. We're not dealing with Celiac, but all the rest is ours too! You'll find lots of support with these ladies and make new friends along the way...even if you never meet them!

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