Updates

Monday, Feb. 17, 2020

Last Friday I had my very first Physical Therapy session. I was initially scheduled to start last Wednesday, but they accidentally scheduled me at the wrong location. Anyway, my first appointment went really well. My right hip was partially dislocated and my therapist was able to pop it back in place. It was the WORST sound ever! I felt intense pressure but when the actual “pop” occurred it was the BEST feeling! She was also able to work on a HUGE knot in my back. The, nearly two hour, appointment went really well. I will be continuing Physical Therapy, twice a week, for the next two months.

Today I was FINALLY able to upload/update my insulin pump with the newest technology, Control IQ. It works directly with my Dexcom G6 and just like a normal pancreas, it adjusts my insulin according to what my blood sugar is doing. If my sugars are rising to anything above 160, Control IQ will increase my insulin, if my blood sugars indicate I will be dropping below 80, it will decrease my insulin or stop it completely until it is back in a normal range. You can read more about this new technology at www.tandemdiabetes.com

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions. Our oldest, Landon, has been struggling with his emotions and how to deal with them. He doesn’t know how to handle his various emotions and feelings, especially ones that involve anger and frustration, therefore, he lashes out verbally and goes into a full blown rage and panic attack. Wednesday, he ended up in the ER for a psych evaluation after he verbally threatened to harm himself. This was an eye opening and scary experience for him (and his loved ones). I think it finally sunk in that the things he says really do have consequences, and those “empty” threats, that he so easily unleashes, are not as “empty” and “innocent” as he once believed them to be.

The stress from dealing with an emotionally distraught, frustrated and rage filled 13 year old ended up taking quite the toll on my body and mind. I was completely drained of any energy and motivation, my entire body ached, my stomach was constantly nauseous and my mind was in a constant state of worry, and depression. Luckily, we had a wonderful social worker who recommended and set up an appointment for Landon with a psychologist that he will see on March 5th and we were able to come up with a solid plan to help him, and us, get through this difficult stage. I cannot thank my parents and the staff at Landon’s school enough for continuing to show Landon (and his parents) their support and love, especially during these trying times when it would be easier to just turn a blind eye.

My Control IQ technology was definitely put to the test this past week and passed with flying colors. Even on the high stress days, my blood sugars never went above 200 and I only had one low blood sugar event! I guarantee that without Control IQ I would’ve been in the 200-400 range for most of the week, just due to stress alone. Although I missed one of my Physical Therapy appointments on Wednesday, I will be seeing them again Tuesday and Friday. It seems like PT is still having a positive effect on my back and hip pain, so I look forward to my future appointments and am hopeful the pain and aches continue to lessen.

Hold on to Hope and keep Dreaming of a better tomorrow!

All my Love and Hope,

Sarah aka Hopeful Dreamer