Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Last Friday Jessica had an appointment with her doctor. We were going every week, and she was doing so well that the doctor scheduled her next appointment for a whole 4 weeks later, instead of one. We were feeling pretty good about that. Her cheeks have filled out again, and she is looking much better.


Imagine our surprise, then, when discovered that she had LOST 3.5 pounds. That is alot when you are already at least 20 pounds lighter than the doctor would like. We are shocked, and dismayed, to say the least. Her blood sugar, has improved, overall. Her monitor is working, and she is doing all of her injections. I am not sure what else we can do. At this point, all I can think of is those nutrional supplements, that come in a can, like Boost, or Ensure. She needs to gain weight, in a healthy way.
I found out that her insulin isn't covered by my plan, either. The powers that be have suggested changing insulins, to a cheaper one. That is not an option for me. Changing insulin means changing her whole life style. I just can't see that helping. She would have to stick to a strict schedule, and that would only depress her more. Plus, the insulin that she is on now is just plain better.
We go back to see her doctor on December 21 st. I am hoping that she has gained enough weight by then. If she has lost anymore, then the doctor will put her back in the hospital, just in time for Christmas.
I wish that I had a magic wand that make everything better.

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

I wish I had a magic wand for you too...

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this...As a mother, I can understand your heart is aching.

I am thinking good thoughts for your beautiful girl.

Biddie said...

jj- Thank you. I am trying like heck to NOT dwell on all of the negative, but this is always on my mind. She is a good kid, and I hate that she is going through all of this/

Burfica said...

oh how I wish, us as parents could just fix whatever is wrong with our babies!!

Keep strong, one day at a time. And you and yours are in my prayers.

Biddie said...

burfica - Thank you :) From your mouth to God's ears.

Gabriel said...

Oh, crap. Why do bad things ONLY happen to nice people? I mean, seriously, have you ever heard of any person you despise who has to go through all this junk? And Jessie is only 13!

Sigh. You bet we will keep Jessica, you and your family in our prayers, and if there's anything you need, just let us know. We're just 5 minutes away...

I would personally recommend she spends five days with me, eating the stuff I eat and the weight wouldn't be a problem anymore, but I haven't been able to demonstrate that rule yet.

Biddie said...

gabriel - Thank you. I suspect that Gabby's cake was a help with the weight issue. I think that I gained weight just LOOKING at it, with the real whipped cream and fruit, and....Oh man, it was GOOD.
Thanks for your kind words. I will ask Jessie if she is up to spending 5 days with you and your family. She is so shy that she will probably faint at the thought of it :)

Heidi the Hick said...

Try that Boost stuff. We gave it to our Girl for awhile when she lost weight from being sick. I'll ask my mom what she mixed it with to make it tastier.

Biddie said...

Heidi - Does it taste that bad?? We actually have the diabetic kind, and the Equate stuff. She hasn't tried either one yet, but I am thinking of getting her to eat one every day. The problem with her eating anything is that she still needs to have a needle.
SIGH.
I say - LIQUID BUTTER. :)

.:.KC.:. the brown eyed girl said...

I am more than willing to donate 5-10 pounds to the cause. ;)

Phoenix5 said...

We'll definitely keep Jessica in our prayers. Have you tried phoning your MPP and letting them know what kind of trouble you are having with the disability drug restrictions? This is something they really need to know about. Remind them that it is your constitutional right to quality healthcare, and cheaper is NOT always better!

All the best to you both!

Canadian flake said...

I certainly feel your pain where meds are concerned...alot of drug plans now only cover "generic" drugs..

I am told there are drugs that could help my gremlin's ADHD better..I know that isn't life and death like for your daughter but it IS serious and the government needs to wake up...the morons!!

As always, praying for good news for ya.

Love and prayers sent your way.

Biddie said...

KC - I am willing to donate, and I have others make that offer. Anyway, you're not big enough to donate much. I, on the other hand....

pheonix - I am still waiting to hear whether or not I can find a way around this.
You are so right. Cheaper is very seldom better, and just doesn't make much sense to me when you are talking about healthcare.

Biddie said...

canadian flake - Do you have a health plan at all? Or are you the same boat that I WAS in, just a month ago, with no plan?
It is so frustrating. I wonder if the Powers That Be had children or loved ones with similar conditions, if things would change?

Anonymous said...

Biddie, remember that Ontario government website I sent you on your last two posts? Did you check into it? I think it's worth a phone call for your meds and your daughter's.

Heidi the Hick said...

The stuff didn't taste that bad, and she would have downed it as-is, but you know, picky. Picky picky.


Did the dr give you any advice on getting weight on her?

Gabriel said...

Biddie, Glucerna tastes good and it's good for diabetics. It comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry flavours.

There is a problem, though, and it's the usual in these cases: it's not cheap. I think it's about $1.50 to $2.00 per can...

whimsical brainpan said...

"I wish that I had a magic wand that make everything better."

I wish I did too. (((HUGS)))

If she can, have her eat lots of nuts and cheese. A good healthy way to gain wieght.

Marni said...

Such a roller coaster ride! Keep on it, though, mom. You are doing a good job. You will get through this...

Hugs

FOUR DINNERS said...

You've got to be tough for her babe.

I'm waving a stick I found in the garden. The neighbours think I'm nuts anyway. x

Biddie said...

babzy - Thanks for the info, but until Shawn's tax problem is fixed, we can't apply for that. I am hoping that we will be able to work something out in the meantime. :)

heidi - Yeah, not really. He seems shocked, too. We stuff food in her face like nobody's business. We are counting carbs, and watching that her insulin is taken. She is eating healthier, and is more active now, too. He adjusted her insulin, and we go back to see him on the 21st.

Gabriel - Yes, it is about $2 a can. The Wal-Mart brand is only $1.47, but even that adds up if she is taking it once or twice a day. I bought 2 cans the other night, but she hasn't tried it yet. Course the cheaper stuff probably tastes like EWWW, but we'll give it a go. I'll find a way to get her some, if she will drink it.
Have you tried it?

whim - Jessie LOVES nuts and cheese! We bought her a bag of cashews the other night, and I am pretty sure that they are gone. Part of the problem is giving her snacks that she have at school. She can't have any kind of nuts, and the cheese gets slimey. She is also big on carbs - bread, crackers, that kind of thing. Of course, when she eats a lot of carbs, she needs a lot of insulin.
We also have to watch her cholesterol, which sucks wind when you are only about to turn 13.
The nuts are a good idea though, and we're going to try to have them in house at all times.

marni - Thanks :) I sure don't feel like it when my kids are sick or suffering. Just keep your fingers crossed until the 21st for us.

4D - LOL. Thanks, I needed that. I'll be by to your new place, soon. My computer keeps crashing, and I haven't been able to update my links, or sometimes even check my email. I'll be there, asap. :)

.:.KC.:. the brown eyed girl said...

LMFAO at 4D. He kills me.

whatevergirl said...

Bless your hearts! I hope you can keep her on the good stuff. And since she is 13, you might try some weightgain formula from GNC or a nurtitional store. It tastes pretty good actually. I have never tasted the Ensure stuff.
I don't want to get on a soapbox here on your blog, but I work for a major American insurance company and though it has its issues along with our healthcare system, I will take it over
Hillary-care any day!!

Gardenia said...

I wish there was a magic wand. This is such a heavy burden to see your child suffer.

I get so mad at the insurance companies and pharmacies - the arrogant ass----- think they know better than the doctors what to prescribe, when in reality they are only trying to save a buck.

Gabriel said...

I have tried it, Biddie, and it's not bad. And I think I have one or two over here. If I do, I'll take them over your place on my way to choir rehearsal tonight.

raine said...

My thoughts are with Jess, biddie. All the best.

Distant Timbers Echo said...

Maybe we can drive up to Canada and get the insulin shots for cheaper!

Distant Timbers Echo said...

Oh wait...

katy said...

my fat is in the post! god i wish it was that easy girl, it's true what Gabriel says 'Why do bad things ONLY happen to nice people?'
and that dont make any sense now does it?
thinkin of you sweetie

Rick Rockhill said...

((HUGS)). I'll keep her in my prayers...

jAMiE said...

I hope things get sorted out for her soon...wishing you all well!

Michael Colvin said...

Cute photo's, I hope she's doing OK. :)

Canadian flake said...

just stopped in to check on you....worrying about you here...hope all is ok.

Please let us know how ev1 is...

((((((((((hugs))))))

Phoenix5 said...

Dropping by yet again, checking up on you. I hope everything is alright, and that your silence is evidence of being busy during this Christmas season and not because of some nasty thing happening to you and/or Jessica.

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best!

jAMiE said...

Hi..just checking in for an update..i hope all is well, please let us know.

Take care!

Heidi the Hick said...

Hey everybody...here's an update...

Their computer is sick sick sick! That's why she hasn't been able to write back. Hopefully it'll get fixed today and she'll be back at it.

Also I talked to the young lady herself the other night and she sounds great- just like her little sweet self.

Gardenia said...

Just checking in to make sure you and yours are ok. Holidays must be a rough time for diabetics. I'm trying to avoid sugar and white flower carbs just because I don't feel well when eating them........and its not easy.

.:.KC.:. the brown eyed girl said...

Our computer went in today and should be back for the weekend and I'm sure my mom will have some blogging to catch up on.
Jessie is doing well,thanks for all the kind thoughts and prayers.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Heidi the Hick said...

I hope it's done by tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!