Friday

We had a good night, considering we were in the hospital. T-Bear’s glucose stayed in the desired range through the night (drops around 2:00 am are not uncommon, so they tested him around 3:00). Dr. Desrosiers came in early on rounds to check in. Our new day nurse, Magen oversaw as I did T-Bear’s testing this morning, and drew and administered his insulin, so I feel confident now that I can do it on my own. T-Bear is still getting upset when it’s time for needles, but he said after this morning’s dose, “I think I’m getting used to this”, and he didn’t cry nearly as long. We keep talking about it little bits at a time, and I think he is beginning to adjust. We had breakfast together, his IV and monitors were removed, so he was free to get up and around.

Kim from Child Life came by to play with T-Bear, gave him his own “Me Doll” with medical supplies. She talked to him about diabetes, then they set an IV and give meds to the doll, did a finger prick, and insulin shot. Then, after a snack, we went upstairs to the play room for a game of LINGO (hospital Bingo) with half a dozen other kids. William got a prize, a nifty little flying gizmo, and we headed back to his room for a little rest. He needed one more tiny dose of insulin before lunch, but ate just about everything on his 3-carb plate (that’s a lot!), and we’re just waiting for our last meeting with Sarah, and for the doctor’s okay to exit the building. As nice as everyone has been, we’re both looking forward to getting out of here.

An Update

It’s Thursday afternoon, and it’s been a busy day so far. Our Child Life Service person, Valerie, came in to introduce herself, and arranged for the pet therapy lady to come by with her beautiful Golden Retriever for a visit and some tricks. Valerie also arranged for an Xbox to be brought into the room, which was a blessed distraction. Papa Bear, Brother Bear and Angel Bear arrived around 11:00, just in time to meet with the Certified Diabetes Educator, Sarah. She gave us a backpack full of stuff, including books and supplies, talked to us about the disease in general as well as management, and showed us some basics about testing and injecting. Then a quick lunch in the cafeteria before meeting with the dietician, Lisa, who went over Thunder Bear’s meal plan, carb counting, etc. The guys have gone back to our rooms, and I’ve got plenty to read up on this afternoon. It still looks like we’re on schedule to get Thunder Bear’s IV removed this evening, so I’ll probably be getting my first hands-on lesson in injecting then. He can’t wait to eat real food again.

The hospital staff has been fabulous. Thunder Bear has been very well taken care of, and everyone has been very friendly, attentive, and supportive. We are blessed to have received such great care.