Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Perspective

For the duration of this pregnancy, because of my complications in my previous 2 pregnancies, my doctors think it's best for me to take 1 shot of heparin (a blood thinner) twice a day. So, what do I do? I turn into a big ball of baby mush. I hate needles. I've always hated needles. Ask my mother. If I needed a shot of any kind growing up, it took more than 1 grown adult to hold me down long enough to give the injection. Even as an adult, a shot involves lots of coaxing and gentle prodding and, yes, tears on my part.

Since Syd's dx I've always said, "This is how I know God has a sense of humor. He gives ME, the needle phobiac (is that a word? It is now!), a diabetic child!"

So, how have I handled this new little challenge of mine? I've procrastinated until today when I did my first injection. It did burn. I'll admit, my eyes teared up and it took about 10 minutes of me laying on the bed, needle in hand, family cheering me on, before I finally poked my tummy and gave the meds. My dose is the equivalent of 100 insulin units. I get this twice a day.


The perspective this challenge gives me is great though. See, I will do these injections twice a day for about 6 months. Then I'm done. Done! No more shots. Does Sydney or any of these other sweet T1 kids have this opportunity? No. I did the math. In 6 months I will have received about 380 shots. To compare, in just the FIRST 6 months after Sydney's diagnosis she received over 1200 shots. Where do I have ANY room to complain or whine or cry? I don't. This perspective is both humbling and sad.

Once again, I've been reminded why T1 kids are little heroes. If you have a little hero, go give him/her a hug from me. They deserve it.

21 comments:

Wendy said...

Love you.. Give yours a hug from me and Ill give mine a hug from you :) Our little heroes

The Crazy Pancreas said...

I said the same thing about needles when Zane was dx! I HATE needles!

I am proud of you for giving yourself a shot!

Wendy said...

You're a needle phobic ROCKSTAR :)

I'm so proud of you...thanks for letting me share these big moments with you!

And here's a hug to you...a hero yourself!

Hallie Addington said...

I'm crying!!! You are so right. I'm sorry that you have to take shots. :( and I'm proud of you doing it!!

Lora said...

Big hugs to all of you :)

Mel said...

Shots are never fun...its always nice to have a lil reminder of what our kiddos go through on a daily basis. I hope everything goes well w/ the pregnancy!!

Mike LeBlanc said...

Just gave my little hero a big hug... Good job on giving yourself the shot. I'm sure that Sydney will be inspired by your bravery... or maybe it's the other way around.

Joanne said...

I am the same way around needles. It once took 30 minutes for the nurse to give me a shot for the german measles... and I was 21 at the time. Lame, I know.

Good luck with the shots, sorry you have to go through that.

Meri said...

I remember reading posts from Kerri at Six Until Me and she had to do this. I know it totally burns, and can leave AWFUL bruises. ;(

I'm sorry you have to do this, but every time I've been poked in the past 12 years, I've done the same thing...looked to my little heros to give me strength. ((HUGS)) to you dear friend!

Cindy said...

Aw, what a sweet, wonderful post! Our little heroes are amazing, aren't they? They take whatever life throws at them and just keep on going while we turn into great big sobbing babies! Their ability to adapt is incredible and definitely something to be admired!

So sorry you have to take the shots while pregnant. It's amazing what we go through to have babies! Just keep reminding yourself it's all for a good cause and you'll have a third precious little bundle to hold and cuddle when all those shots are over with!

Melissa said...

I have had to take heprin when pregnant also and I hate it but it is one of those necessary evils. I hope it goes by fast for you you.

wendys said...

You can do it! Congrats... we look forward to meeting little Daniel.

Unknown said...

You are a hero too Miss Shamae!!! Keep up the GREAT BABY GROWING. I'll give my little hero "JOE" a hug from you.

XOXO

phonelady said...

yeah glad you did it and I know about needle phobics my mom and sister were one and they were of no use when I was first dxed . My mom would buy the insulin and the syringes and she would be done with it and that is as far as she would help so I was on my own . Yes we cant wait to see Daniel if this baby turns out to be a boy . Im thinking you are going to have another girl . congrats congrats on giving yourself the shot .

The Lane Family said...

Way to get a good prospective on things..even though shots suck. I had to give myself heparin for all of my pregnancies, plus insulin plus IM progesterone shots. In fact I still have knots in my bum....but it was all forgotten when those cute little babies arrived :) hang in there!!

Jenni said...

Your entire family are my heros!!! I am sorry you have to dot his....I am as afraid of shots are you I think! :) I feel for you....but how wonderful to get a healthy baby in the end. I am soooo super excited for your family!!!!

Rachel said...

Oh I so understand where you are coming from. I have actually refused medical treatment in the past because it involved a needle! I can't even watch them on television! LOL

I'm a big old cry baby when it comes to needles.... but I handle them all the time with Tristan.

It's just very different when it's me.... :(

Amy said...

:( I hear you! I'm sorry you have to give yourself shots...but you're right. In 6 months, you'll be done...and our kiddos...well, they just keep on moving along and don't bat an eye!

Tracy1918 said...

Aren't our kids amazing?! I'm a wimp just like you. Wow...I just called you a wimp and I don't even know you! LOL

Just think, it'll be worth it to keep you and baby safe! : )

ashycam said...

Good luck with the shots. I don't think I could give myself shots, but then everyone who knows us knows that you are a whole lot tougher than I am when it comes to things like that. Way to go. Miss you guys, and can't wait to hear what baby #3 will be.

Jessica said...

If I was there, I would have cheered you on too. :) And let me know if you guys are going to head out this direction.....we'd love to have you out!!