Where did the summer go????

Well, we survived the summer!!

Latest news is that we're at square one with injections... I really think it's time for the pump.

For the last 3 months, he's only wanted his injections in the backs of his arms (choices are arms, thighs, backs of hips and his belly.) It hurts the least in his arms according to him (although he's never tried anywhere except legs and arms.) Well, he's developed lumpy spots in the backs of the arms (common for injections in the same spot over time.) The trouble is that these lumps cause problems with the absorption of the insulin. He's been high a lot, so, we're now using the thighs. His numbers are much better the past couple of days...

I had to give him his first shot in the thigh the other day in my closet (his "safe" place - where we had dinner and I cried in April). We made a deal that for every shot in his thigh, he could give me a slug in my arm. Well, if you know Jimmy, you know that he's freakishly strong. My arms are both sore!! Only a small price to pay if it helps him feel better. It takes his mind off it and I make funny faces showing the pain of the punch and he thinks it's a riot!!

Wish I could take all the pain for him.

He's so afraid of the pump... He says when he's 6 he'll be ready for it. We'll See. I think in October we'll call the company. Evidently, they do an "in home" demonstration first. Turns out that the first week on the pump, you get only saline and use insulin injections simultaneously. Once you've gotten the hang of it, then insulin goes in the pump, and you're shot free!! It's only one injection to insert the pump "line" every 3 days. He's intrigued by the thought of that, but he says he's not ready yet. Jimmy always has to be coaxed into things until he's used to it. It will be interesting to see how the first day of Kindergarten on Tuesday goes!!!

He's excited about starting school. We've been there a few times, and hopefully there are no tears (except for mine:) on the first day!! He knows how to write his name (in all caps except for the "i"), he knows his address, phone number, & all his letters and numbers. He even can read numbers in the hundreds - thanks to his blood glucose meter - Jimmy is the only one allowed (according to him) to read the meter and then he announces it to the rest of us. I guess it's his control over the situation. It's actually quite cute how he secretly covers the meter so only he can read it! But he's really good at his numbers!!!

Jenna and I worked with him over the summer on "homework." He really liked it - especially connect the dots and match the letters with the pictures!! Jenna and I are confident he'll do well in Kindergarten - let's just hope he's able to stay in his seat! lol :)

With summer coming to an end, I just thought I'd list the things I've learned and some highlights from these past couple of months...

• heat makes him go high. air conditioning is a good thing
• swimming makes him go low without even knowing it - came out of the pool once and wanted a snack, so he tested himself and was a 43!!!!! Normally at a 60 he can feel low!
• he likes roller coasters! I'm still afraid!
• he's tall enough for ALL of the rides on the boardwalk!!! at 5 years old!! who knew!!!
• there ARE carbs in sprinkles - you'd think it was nominal, but it's at least 15!!
• digging "to China" (as Jimmy calls it) on the beach counts as major exercise!
• ice cream on the beach is a good thing!
• "meatballs" on the beach are wet sand mushed into a ball - they made millions!!
• must rotate injection sites!!
• must keep an ice pack in his "kit" in the heat!
• lymph nodes can last for months (his large ones are shrinking finally, but still there - evidently we always have them, and they're not a problem unless they don't go away!)
• his "sizable" arachnoid cyst is "nothing to worry about" (yeah, right). We just have to worry about if/when he has constant headaches, throwing up, dizziness, etc...
• a bagel can be anywhere from 35-55 carbs!!! some Type 1 kids don't even eat them anymore!!
• it takes 30 minutes for numbing gel to work before you get stitches (shin meets escalator step)
• swimmers ear is not a good thing (both kids had it!)
• must always wear a bright colored bathing suit - swim club isn't that big, but if I can't find him, he's on wiffleball court with the older kids! easier to locate with his fire red suit on!!!
• successful swim lessons - he can swim in the 5 feet!!!!!
• Jimmy's a good boy, and Jenna is a huge help!

Ok, ready for school. I know he'll do well! His teachers and nurse are truly wonderful and have been preparing for him since June! We are so lucky to be in River Edge with so many caring and helpful people!!

He's off for his school hair cut now!!!

Peace,
June