Thursday, April 15, 2010

Another Ambulance Ride

We had to go back to the hospital with Ayla last night. This time it wasn't because she was sick----but very intense nonetheless. Her BG had been on the high side all day. I changed the infusion set for her insulin pump a total of 3 times and still the BG wouldn't budge and in fact started rising despite lots of insulin. Checked her ketones and they were unbelievably high, 4.4, and she strated to vomit, complain of headache and blurry vision.
Called 911. They whisked Ayla and I off to the hospital, sirens blaring. I was afraid she was gonna go into DKA any minute. Somehow we remembered to give her an injection, in addition to the insulin her pump was giving and this is what turned it around. Finally her BG was back down to 132 and ketones all but gone. We believe her pump was malfunctioning and not delivering the insulin it said it was. I need to call them, and probably demand a replacement. It could have killed her. That's how fast type 1 diabetes kills. That's why I have to believe in a cure. I don't think people are aware of the differences between the 2 types and exactly how serious this disease really is. Then as I had a feeling it would, her BG took a big drop in the night. I noticed her twitching and as soon as it entered my unconscious mind--I checked her and sure enough she was only 43. Very dangerous too, but in the opposite direction.
We got home at 1:00am. As soon as I got her settled in I started working on some of my orders because I can't afford to miss any sales and Dante just headed off to work too. I have an hour and 45 minutes to complete as much as I can and meet the distribution truck.
Some exciting news:
5 of the milk cows spent the night out to pasture! They were so happy and such good girls. Walked the 1/2 mile to the gate---unfortunately the wrong gate---but they just stood and waited for us to catch up and let them in another one. The babies stayed with 2 babysitters in the barn. I need to finish their fence. If I put the mother/babe pairs in with the bulls I won't be able to go in and get them if I need to, so I need the babies in a different field with easy access.
We are still feeding hay, but those days are quickly coming to an end!

7 comments:

  1. Oh, my when I saw your title my heart jumped right up in my throat. Good thoughts and prayers coming your way.

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  2. Thanks. I didn't make the truck, so will have to deliver it myself. It's the principle now, I have really been struggling to meet these deadlines and I've got to get it completed and there, even if I don't make as much this week because I spent it on gas!
    Ayla is frisky and happy!

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  3. I am so glad she is better - I, for one, didn't realize how much of a difference there was between the two types of Diabetes. It must be so stressful to have it constantly on your mind. Thank goodness you are so on top of it! Whoever manufactured that insulin pump not only owes you a new one, but a free, working one. Bless you all.

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  4. Hugs, Jessika. The stress has got to let up soon for you!

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  5. OH, Jessika! I too am praying for the stress to ease up for you and your family! Hugs to you!

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  6. my friend bob has type one. diagnosed when he was eight. he is now over seventy years old. a few months back he had an insulin pump and the doctor tried to keep insulin margin too low. with the pump he didn't notice when things were going wrong since they happened very slowly. he got in two separate auto accidents as a result.

    i am sorry for your troubles. it seems that you are doing the right thing staying observant and being proactive. i am glad that your daughter has you to look toward her best interest. i hope things lighten soon.

    k-)

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  7. Thanks again. I'm sure we are in for a good stretch soon. I certainly hope so!

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