I just passed NCLEX on Thursday, 3 days after my 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Wow, I have studied diabetes in school, but I never realized how all of the changes affect your life. My daughter is such a trooper and my own personal hero. We were very lucky that we found the disease extremely early. My husband, who has no medical background, asked me she might be diabetic because she kept licking her skin and rubbing her eyes. His boss' son was just diagnosed and had similar symptoms. I told him absolutely not, I would not have believed it in a million years. But as I started thinking more, I realized that she had been peeing and drinking an awful lot. But I had been so busy studying that I didn't really think much of it. So on Monday, I went and bought a glucose monitor and her fasting glucose was 256. At that point I pretty much knew.
We met our Dr. at the ER where he said that she looked great and not like she had diabetes at all. Well, the blood work came back and she did. Luckily, she only had minimal ketones in her urine and was not acidotic. No one could believe that we caught it so fast. They told us that most kids are first diagnosed when they are in DKA and critically ill. She is doing great, physically. Now we are just trying to regulate the glucose levels. Her A1c was 10.1- her endocrinologist said that she has been running in the 400-500 range for the last 3 months.
I got her home from the hospital on Wednesday night and took boards on Thursday morning. I am really amazed that I passed, because I was exhausted from 3 sleepless nights.
I am just so glad that I had the medical knowledge to know that something wasn't right with her and glad that I trusted my gut to check it out. I was worried that I was just being a paranoid mother, as I tend to be usually. Now we are trying to get her in with Dr. Richard Guthrie- who is a well-known endocrinologist who works only about an hour away from our house. I have heard nothing about praise about him and I hope that he can help her. I also hope to find her a friend who is going through what she is, as she is very lonely and sad right now.
During my freshman year of high school, my sister essentially diagnosed my juvenile diabetes. She was a senior in HS at the time -- I told her that I was peeing and had an awful thirst all the time. She told my mother to take me to see the doctor as soon as possible -- but my mom didn't really believe it. There was not a single diabetic in our family (that we know of).
Well, thank goodness she finally followed my sister's advice! When I got to the emergency room, I was in the mid-600s!
My sister is now in the process of applying to Yale, Columbia, Ohio State and some other prestigious graduate schools to become a Nurse practitioner. I'm very proud of her and I thank her for everything. :nuke:
Specializes in Clinical Nurse Specialist-ICU, Educator.
I noticed this is an older post, but it really tugged at my heartstrings. I am a nurse whose son was diagnosed with Type 1 at age 11. He is now 17 yrs old and is for the most part doing well, but is challenged to keep his routine as a teenager.
There are 2 resources I would recommend for you. Get in touch with the juvenile diabetes research foundation (JRDF.org, I believe). they have a family support system that will put you in contact with another family similar to yours. Your daughter can also meet others by participating in some of their family activities (a fun walk, for example).
Another great resource when your daughter gets old enough is attending a Diabetes camp. My son found it was the first time he could stop activities because he felt low and not feel self conscious of it--everyone there understood. There is a lot of learning and empowerment that happens at these camps, also.
I wish you the best in your new career and with your precious daughter. She is so lucky to have you as her mom.
Specializes in Diabetes ED, (CDE), CCU, Pulmonary/HIV.
A friend's grandmother picked up her toddler's type 1 DM in an unusual, but very logical way. She noticed that ant's were attracted to the child's wet diapers!
My daughter was diagnosed with type 1 at age 11, she too was caught early, thank god I'm a nurse and noticed the sx right away, but was still blown out of the water when the final dx came in! No one in my immediate family nor my husbands has type 1. She is now 14, and has gotten harder, I can't get her to tell me her blood sugars half the time, and she snacks constantly. The last time we went to her Endocrinologist appt. I cried as I learned she had several blood sugars that were 400-500 and never told me. I feel really stupid when I am sitting there as a nurse and the Diabetes Nurse is looking at me like I just won the worst mom award. Anyway, back to you, I wish you lots of luck, and keep on top of those bs and snacks, it will be easier now than the teen years. Maybe its a blessing that shes dx so young, maybe she will be more used to the routine by the time shes a teenager:redpinkhe My daughter is my hero, and most of the time is able to manage quite well, I can't imagine being a teen AND being diabetic, or any age for that matter. Your daughter is very lucky that she has such educated and loving parents, i have no doubt that all will be fine. GOOD LUCK:loveya:
I am an older, newbie. My son has been TI for 15 years, and I finally went back to school to be an RN, strive for my CDE and NP. Just passed the NCLEX in February and took the CDE in May. Didn't pass but scored OK. I will try again. It is a roller coaster with a T1 kiddo. Every day I check on my 25 y/o to make sure he has juice, insulin and meter, nearby; before I leave. My heart aches for you, I never say this, but I do know how you feel.
I need to pass my CDE. I was only a few points short. Anyone know of any good classes or seminars? There are not many resources out there and the ADA guideline handbook is very DRY.
I don't understand how if you just got passed the NCLEX in February, how you were allowed to take the CDE exam? Before you even apply for the exam you have to have spent at least 2 years doing diabetes education, plus have a minimum of 1000 hours of diabetes ed (with a minimum 4 hours a week).
Specializes in PNP, CDE, Integrative Pain Management.
I have copied/pasted the required practice experience section from the NCBDE, the body who gives the CDE exam below. NTPinky, you are correct, one must have 1000 hours and 2 years experience in a position whose job description is specifically "diabetes education" to even apply for the exam.
Professional Practice Experience
All professional practice experience is defined as employment for compensation as a diabetes educator in the United States or its territories within the past five years. Employment for compensation means to hold a job in which one is actively engaged in diabetes self-management education and for which paid income is comparable to other diabetes educators in the same area or region of the country. Only experience occurring AFTER completing the Discipline requirement can be counted toward the Professional Practice Experience requirement.
After meeting the Discipline requirement and before applying for the Examination, all (A through C) of the following requirements must be met:
A minimum of two years (to the day) of professional practice experience in diabetes self-management education.
AND
A minimum of 1,000 hours of diabetes self-management education experience.
AND
Current employment in a defined diabetes educator role providing diabetes self-management education a minimum of four hours per week, or its equivalent, at the time of application.
Congrats on your test. I completely understand. My son was 5 when he was diagnosed. Right before Christmas time no less. Within a 2 week period he lost 10 lbs., started asking to take a nap, & started wetting the bed. He was heading for coma the day I got him into the Dr. At first, I was told he had a virus & take him home. Due to the fact that my family is loaded in diabetes, I argued. Boy am I glad I did!
He is now 21. We've had a lot of close calls, but he's still here (stubborn as he is). One of the things he liked best was when he turned 8, he was old enough to go to Diabetes Camp & be with about 300 other kids just like him.
It can be rough & trying at times, but just relax & hang in there.:redpinkhe
Due to all I've been through with him, I really want to get into Diabetes education when I finish nursing school.
Welcome! I am a mother and a nursing student, starting this Fall, and my son has had type 1 for almost three years. He is the reason that I got into nursing. If I could offer one peice of advice, let me say that even though my son was only 6 yrs, he is a gifted student and I have let him talk with the docter first. I would and will fill in where Joshua can not say or understand but when the doctor looks to me and asks, "How is he feeling?" Well, I told the doctor that I dont have diabetes and I am not the patient. Our children will not always be in our care. They will grow up and go to college, marry and move out of the house. The diabetes will go with them everywhere. I asked Joshua how he wanted to handle things, be open with it or private, etc. and took my cues from him. At nine, he is on a insulin pump and a Youth Ambassador for the ADA and JDRF. He does a lot of public awareness for diabetes, rides in fund raisers with his cub scout pack. Diabetes does not stop him from doing anything and has brought about some great opportunity to travel, be a lobbyist at our capital, learn public speaking skills, etc. If you have questions, stay in touch. Its scary but your child can thrive with this diabetes. If you have problems with your school and her rights, contact the Amer. Diabetes Association for help. GOod luck:redbeathe:nuke:
Good for you! Congratulations! Even though diabetes is a life changing disease it is manageable. My neice was diagnosed when she was 18 months- she has been my inspiration as I trudge through school as well as raising a family and running my childcare business. I admire you! I care for my niece daily and understand how hard some days can be when you have unexplainable highs and lows. You are responsible for their life and that is a HUGE job!
We hope for a cure! Donate to the University of Minnesota- they are close!
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egv08
17 Posts
I'm so happy that you took her to the doctor!
During my freshman year of high school, my sister essentially diagnosed my juvenile diabetes. She was a senior in HS at the time -- I told her that I was peeing and had an awful thirst all the time. She told my mother to take me to see the doctor as soon as possible -- but my mom didn't really believe it. There was not a single diabetic in our family (that we know of).
Well, thank goodness she finally followed my sister's advice! When I got to the emergency room, I was in the mid-600s!
My sister is now in the process of applying to Yale, Columbia, Ohio State and some other prestigious graduate schools to become a Nurse practitioner. I'm very proud of her and I thank her for everything. :nuke: