Today I spoke a bit with his diabetes team about the various systems. We were in agreement as to which system would work best...the one that I can't get right now of course.
As adamant as I am about getting a system, my son is equally as adamant about not having one. He detests the idea of another site. He cannot stand the idea of carrying around the receiver. He would prefer to carry his meter and test when he feels he needs it.
I tried to tell him that he could safely miss more tests with a sensor. I would still have data and trends that could be used. I would be able to rest at nights with the knowledge that he is stable or his readings are headed up from a lower range. He would not necessarily have to test in front of his friends. He still wants no part of it.
I have been racking my brain trying to figure out how to convince him that it can work. Using it may be the best solution but it is not something that anyone has laying around for me to try him with. He is of an age when he can have a say and it kills me. I appreciate the independence but the stubborn "I will not try anything new. I am still alive with the old way." attitude kills me.
What hurts me even more is when I read stories like I saw today. The tale of young Matthew Calderon. He was diagnosed at age 2 just like my son. He played basketball and after a night of play, had a seizure and died. In other words, he went low and never recovered.
I try not to read these stories. I cannot think that this could be my child but I also know that technology can help to save lives. It is not perfect. It can fail but it can also help. It can only help if it is used. It can only be used if you can afford it. If you can afford it, it can still only be effective if you wear it.
I desperately want my son to wear it. I want him to appreciate the benefit. I want to change his stubborn attitude. It scares me for the future. I pray that this is disgruntled adolescence after a week that did not go his way. I pray that he will be open to keeping himself as healthy as he possibly can.
This is tough. Even if you bought it for him, and he didn't want it...he wouldn't wear it. I know how expensive it is, and I have the medtronic sensor and they tend to last not very long. I think about a year...I know it brings you such a peace of mind. Perhaps you could explain this to him? How it would mean so much to you? Many people though manage without one, and I understand how it sucks to have even more stuff to deal with. But perhaps if you show him the perks, he will lean more your way...good luck!
ReplyDeleteHopefully an implantable cgms will become a reality. Even adults who have worn cgms often take a break from it or stop wearing it. It is invasive to have to wear two sites, but for our teen it is more a matter of body image she feels like a "robot" (her words) wearing two sites and hated the Dexcom alarms even when we put it on vibrate. Dexcom did bother her as far as insertion or pain went. It was more a question of thinking about diabetes once every three hours or having alarm go off at a time she was not willing to think about it. How I wish cgms was out when she was diagnosed; because we could have used pump/cgms as a combo initially.... she may then not be aware of the difference. It is her body and we have to respect her choice. She is too old for us to make that decision for her. I, too, worry about college. Looking into diabetic alert dogs possibly as an alternative, but only if the dog does not have to accompany her 24/7. Not sure what we are going to do. she is not stable at night...
ReplyDeleteYep, it's tough alright! I have a 14yo T1D son and 11yo T1D daughter - they both use insulin pumps but both of them absolutely refuse to use a CGM because they refused to have something else attached to them 24 hours a day. Both of my kids have said that they will not even consider an Artificial Pancreas (when it becomes available) unless and until it involves having only ONE device attached to them. Don't have any answers for you Barb - just know exactly how you feel x x x
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