Hi I'm New here...

[Mymommymommy]

My name is Gretchen, and my daughter Presley is 19 months and was just diagnosed a few days ago. We went into the hospital on Wed and were released late saturday. This is all new and VERY overwhelming. Her Insulin doses are kind of touch and go right now. She's on Lantus, Novolog, and NPH. I'm glad i found this place. I feel so overwhelmed with all the information we've received and i'm so scared with how serious this all is. I hope it gets easier. How did you all deal when your kids were diagnosed? Any good recipes?? any words of wisdom? or encouragement? I'm sure you all will see me on here quite a bit. So .. HI :)

[Livie's Mom]

Hi There,

Just wanted to Welcome you to the board and I'm sorry you have to be here but this is a wonderful site. I don't really have any words of wisdom for you as my daughter was just diagnosed July 3rd so I'm still in over my head my self. I must say it has gotten a little easier if there is such a thing. Hang in there and just ask questions. That's what I do.

Karee

[Nancy in VA]

Welcome. I just joined recently and we were diagnosed in March. It IS overwhelming at first, especially with a little one. I think you'll find many with little ones here (early diagnosis) or ones who are old that WERE diagnosed as little ones.

[Heather(CA)]

Welcome...Sorry to have to welcome you to the club...You will love it here, try the Parents chat room too. Instant gratification(sp?) LOL

[Mymommymommy]

how do i get to the chat room?

[Mama Belle]

Hello, Gretchen. Welcome to the board! Sorry about your daughter's diagnosis. :( This is a wonderful place to come for support, a good vent, or information. Everyone here is awesome!

My daughter was four at diagnosis, so much older than Presley. It was very difficult to cope at first. I tend to just jump right in and take care of business and stuff the stress away. So it was years before I was in a place where I could acknowledge the emotional strain I was under. Things are much, much easier now, not because the disease gets better, but because we have learned how to deal with it. It is very overwhelming at first, so your feelings are quite normal. As with most things in life, you take it step by step and day by day and slowly you have a new sense of normal. For us normal has become lots of daily blood sugar checks, weighing food at every meal, bolusing with insulin at every meal, constantly thinking about how activity, food, stress, growth will impact insulin levels. It is a challenge, it will always be a challenge, but you adapt and it slowly gets easier.

No recipes from us. We haven't changed our daughter's diet at all since diagnosis. It really isn't necessary.

As far as words of wisdom and encouragement go ... just remember that you are your child's best advocate, you often know when things aren't right even if no one else believes you. Remember to trust your instincts. Listen to you endo but don't be afraid to question him/her about treatment options. Remember that they work for you, not the other way around. Remember that we all make mistakes and there is no such thing as perfect control in a child with diabetes. Remember to always look for reasons for low or high blood sugars, but don't freak out when you can't find one. Remember to take advice (especially from those who have an older aunt with type 2) with a grain of salt and to speak up to educate people who are misunderstood about what your child can and cannot do. Remember that your child is a child first and a child with diabetes second. Don't forget to still enjoy those special moments that have nothing to do with blood sugars, insulin or treating lows. Remember to sleep and allow yourself time to grieve in your own way. Most importantly, remember that you are all strong and can do this!!!

Lastly, if you have a question, ask!!! In my book there is no such thing as a stupid question, except for the one that goes unasked.

Best wishes to all of you and welcome aboard!

[KatelinsMom]

Hi Gretchen. Welcome. I am glad you found this forum. I am sure you will find it quite helpful. It's a great place for support and information. Everything is very overwhelming at first, but with time it does get a bit easier and you learn a new kind of normal. I hope your daughter is feeling better. :)

[Mama Belle]

how do i get to the chat room?

Click on the children with diabetes logo at the top left of this page. This will take you to the main CWD site. The very first link at the top of the main site is the link to the chat rooms.

[Heather(CA)]

how do i get to the chat room?

Sorry, I missed you by 3 minutes in the chat...Try again, there's usually someone in there...:D

[3js]

hi and welcome:)

[badshoe]

Hi.

Welcome.

My words of wisdom - YDMV - Your Diabetes May Vary

[All About Aliya]

Welcome!
My daughter was diagnosed at 17 months old. The worst for me was the initial devastation of diagnosis, the dka she had at diagnosis and the hospitalization (PICU)...her tears and pain.....and having NO control over any of it. That was the worst....the first few days. It is VERY overwhelming....but it WILL become somewhat "routine" and your new normal. It does get easier...never without challenge....but easier than in the beginning. The reality of the disease still sneaks up on me at times and I do have my VERY emotional days...but then I find strength again. I have to for my daughter.

My daughter is now almost 2 1/2 and she takes her "pokes" like a champ...she doesn't even flinch anymore....we are not on the pump yet...just 2 shots a day...which she does not like, but never any tears and it is over and she is back to playing and laughing VERY quickly.

Again, welcome....this is a GREAT place for support and info!

[glorijeff]

Hi, and welcome. Our Son was diagnosed at 11 months, he is now 8, and doing well. It really does get easier.

[bogusrogus]

Hello and welcome:)
I know your head is spinning now but it will get eaiser as times goes by. I thought we would never be able to go anywhere ever, but in 10 days my hubby and I are going to Vegas. My advise take one day at a time:)

[game2fun]

Hi and welcome,
Sorry you had to find your way here but you'll find a wealth of information, I am sure.

Glad to hear you are home and looking for some support. Nothing beats other parents who have been there done that. The disease bites but you'll be amazed at how strong you and your child are.

[Bsbllmom]

Hi Gretchen,

Welcome. I am actually new to the forums here also. I have been in the chat room and everyone there and here is wonderful. I don't have any words of wisdom since I am still learning myself, dx'd 2-15-07. I can tell you that I learn something new from these parents here every day. I came out of the hospital thinking that I wasn't going to be able to do this. I watched my son and he is so strong and just started this new routine like he had been doing it his whole life. I figured I would follow his lead. There are going to be mistakes, anger and frustration but remember that we are all here for the same reason so don't ever be ashamed, embarrassed or shy to ask any and all questions.

Cheryl