It happened again today, and frankly I’m sick of it. Tomorrow will be 4 months since Evin was diagnosed and I don’t know how many times I’ve explained that the kid does not eat too much sugar. That is not why he is diabetic folks, so shut the hell up. It first started at his preschool. Evin missed 3 days while he was in the hospital. When he returned, many of the moms weren’t sure what to say. A few asked how he was feeling, and a few asked what he was eating to cause this. It caught me by surprise at first and I did my best to explain how type 1 was different. As time went on, more and more people made similar comments.
Today it was at soccer camp. We tested Evin’s blood in the parking lot before the camp – 303. We have been dealing with spikes in his blood sugar after breakfast almost every day since the diagnosis (and no one seems to be worried about it except me). He said his head hurt but he wanted to play. So off he went with his brother. I went to the only shady place on the field with the other moms and a few dads. It was hot – 85 at 9:00 am. As the parents made idle chit-chat, the coaches had the kids play – and they played hard. Fifteen minutes later, Evin comes and tells me his sugar is low. This is new for him, figuring out that something is happening in his body and then telling me. I was pretty convinced it wasn’t low, but I did think his sugar may be dropping. I tested him and he was at 185 – over 100 points in 15 minutes. This is where being the non-diabetic person is so hard. I have no idea how that 100 point drop feels, but I’ve heard it’s not pleasant. I tried to explain how this feeling (that I can’t feel) is different than his lows (another thing I can’t feel), but he’s only 4 years old and all he knows it that something is feeling funny. I give him a couple of mini nilla wafers and off he goes. That’s when I notice everyone looking at me. I see the pity first...and then the knowing looks. Someone says, “He’s diabetic?” and I say yes. And then it comes...”Wow, he must eat lots of sugar.” My first reaction was to slap the women upside the head, but instead I took the time to explain how type 1 was different. I don't think anyone was really listening.
Four months and I’m already tired of it.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
Oh I hate say get used to ignorant comments from others, but....
I guarantee every single person who comments on your blog will say they've heard the same thing (I'm raising my hand too). And then you'll get family histories from people on which relatives have diabetes and what their conditions are.
As for the drop, that is indeed a road to a low that he felt, you happened to catch it before it got too low. Excellent job on Evin's part for recognizing the feeling and coming to mom to let you know and on your part too!!
Shannon is right; we've all heard them! People just don't get it.
I found your blog through Shannon's. I have had diabetes since right before my 6th birthday (20 years this coming Aug). I appreciate reading blogs of parents to understand what my parents must have dealt with that I don't remember. I think you'll find the OC a great place of support!
Do you mind if I add you to my links on my blog?
Mel
Ugh. I hate when people ask that to me too! But I know that the more people I educate, the less other diabetics will have to hear those stupid remarks!
Hi Kelli,
I came your way via Shannon's blog. I've been type 1 since I was six years old - over twenty years now - and I've heard that "Did you eat a lot of sugar when you were a kid?" comment way too many times to count. (In addition to "Can you have salt?" and the other high-ranker, "But you aren't old. Or fat. Or _______.")
I don't know how many people my own mother had to explain it to while I was growing up, but I'm sure there were plenty. And even though you think they weren't really listening, it's worth it to try and educate people.
You guys, the parents of us diabetic kids, are incredible people. You make us tough. :)
- Kerri.
I can't even count how many times I've heard that. I try to explain politely, but I tend to get a bit heated up about it. And people will get that glazed eyes look, but I persist. Screw 'em - if they're daft enough to make ignrorant remarks, then, by god, they're going to stand there and listen to my 30 second explanation.
*ahem* So. Yeah. I know what you're talking about.
Anyway, welcome to the OC. And that was a great catch by Evin. My daughter wasn't able to articulate that at that age.
Thank you so much for the replies. I can’t tell you how it tickled my heart to see that people had actually taken the time to not only read what I wrote, but to respond. I have read some of your blogs and will be reading the rest. And Mel, you can certainly add my blog to yours and I plan to do the same to all of yours.
And I know that I have to get use to responses like the one I had yesterday, but it does get my goat. I think what made me so mad yesterday is that everyone just dismissed what I was saying. I actually said something like, “This is a hideous, horrible disease.” But then they look at Evin and see a healthy, happy kid and think I’m nuts. But I was very proud that he told me how he was feeling!
Thanks for the welcome,
Kelli
First:
Your two little guys are very hansome.
Second:
I have written about this beforfe in my blog. I will dig it up and send you the link.
The comments dont seem to ever go away. I think you get a little desensitized to them. But i am sure down the road many will get to you. And that is why this oc is here. Just for that.
Rant about it bitch about it.
And welcome.
Kelli,
I pretty much narrowed the "educating" to family, friends, and people who deal closely with Brendon.
Everyone else just wants to be know it alls and as a result make a huge presentation of their ignorance. I just take private pleasure in knowing that I am smarter than they are ;)
Post a Comment