Since Noah's diagnosis, almost 2 yrs ago, we've had to make regular trips to see his doctors in Peoria. This is about a 2 hour car ride and usually takes up all of his school day. Pete wasn't able to go on this trip, so it was just me and Noah. We had a fun time spending the day together, even if it was for a doctor's appt.
The Pediatric Diabetes Resource Center (long title, huh?!) is in the hospital there in Peoria. It's a nice, big hospital and the diabetes center is a really fun place for kids to visit. Everything is decorated with kids in mind and they make it a really comforting place to be. This is the waiting room, where they always have Disney stuff playing. Noah is sitting by the board that shows all the doctors, nurses, and other staff members for this department. They really try and focus, not only on the physical health of the child, but also the emotional health as well. We fill out a new form every time we visit (every 3 months) and he has to fill out a section all about his emotions. Thankfully, he always says he's doing well. :-)
We got to go in the Space Room this time. Last time we were in the Fish Room. He's holding the bear he was given when he was first diagnosed. He takes it with us every time. Since his doctor is on maternity leave, we met with the doctor he had the very first time we visited, just 2 days after his diagnosis. He is a really nice man and gave us a great report! Noah only had minor changes this time and everything seems to be right on track. They gave us the schedule for next year about taking a pump class - something we've been wanting to do for several months now. We were going to go to the class in Sept, but Madie was diagnosed with her fake chickenpox, so we had to cancel. Hopefully we can do it sometime in the spring. We are now starting to give him insulin BEFORE meals, so it takes a little more planning on our part, but hopefully that will help keep his numbers in range even more than they are now.
About 30 min away from the hospital (on the way home) there is a McDonalds with a play area. We stop here every time we go down for a check-up. Noah always looks forward to it, as do the girls when they come with us. Next check-up is scheduled for Feb. That will officially be 2 years since his diagnosis. Hard to believe it's been that long. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday, but other times it feels like there's never been a time when he didn't get shots because of food. We're pretty used to our new routine now. He handles it like a pro and it's become our "norm". But, I don't think there will ever be a time when I get used to seeing bruise marks all over him from the shots and see lumps under his skin from the scarring. But, despite it all, we are thankful for a healthy boy that came away from his last appointment with high marks! Hope all his future appointments end as well!
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