After a great start to the weekend, the rest of it just stunk. Just plain old stunk. I'm not one to air my dirty laundry in the world-wide-web-information-super-highway, but here's the short version:
The nurse practitioner told us during our visit Friday morning that we should be giving Elise a 15-30g of carb snack mid-morning and mid-afternoon. When he said that, I just smiled, nodded, and filed that information in the "does not pertain to us" file.
Fast-forward to Friday afternoon, and Elise wakes up with a BG of around 150. Fred asked me how many carbs we should give her, and I threw out the number 7. He said that we should follow what the NP said, which led to a difference of opinion on a grand scale. Fred and I don't argue often, but when we do... let's just say we are both very passionate (read: stubborn), about defending our point of view.
He accused me of thinking I know better that the docs, and I was hurt that he didn't trust my judgement, and would rather listen to someone who had only spent 10 minutes with Elise and not almost every waking hour with her like I do.
And I could see the NP's point, we should not be tailoring her diet according to what her BG is, but adjust the insulin according to her diet. But I know my child. I know how much or how little she will eat. I know that a snack off between 15-30g is ridiculous unless I enjoy force-feeding her (I don't). It's especially ridiculous considering that she gets between 15-30g for her meals.
Elise has never asked for food a day in her life. She never appears to be hungry. I would never hold food back from my child just to attain good BG numbers. The child is not lacking in energy... she hardly sits still all day! I don't believe she's underweight or not growing well (she's 33 inches and weighs 26 pounds). If they were concerned about her in that area, I think they would have said something on Friday.
I told Fred that, fine... if he thinks he knows what she needs, he could handle her snack. So he ended up giving her 10g. Of which she ate 7g.
Interesting.
It all turned out okay; Fred and I made up. And I'm back to magically pulling carb numbers out of the air.
So tell me, how many of you disregard what the endo tells you? And when I say disregard, I mean take what they tell you, and tailor it for your child. I know I can't be the lone rebel around here.
Well...I've been doing my own thing since about 7 months after Addy was dx. Partly because we moved across country and I didn't get to meet her new doc until 5 months later.
ReplyDeleteI love Addy's endo. But I live with Addy...and I'm her pancreas. I know best :)
I've also never taken suggestions from the Endo, they dont see the details. Us moms have all that stored away in our minds. We did take direction in the first month or two though. Sorry, but we are right, Moms know best. I just smile and listen to others suggestions. Hope things get better this week!
ReplyDeleteI don't think these ideas that flutter in our head are accidental. I think they are put there for a reason. Maybe it's devine help, maybe it's because we care more than any doctor could, maybe it's just we are blessed with the talent of making educated guesses better than every one else. Whatever the reason- continue to follow your gut. You're doing the right thing for your daughter, and that is all that matters. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI have so been there! I love, love, love our Endo BUT Chris and I OFTEN disregard the advice given because, as others here have mentioned, we live with Addison and we know best! That said, Chris and I don't always agree on the course of action and sometimes it causes stress but we always work it out in the end.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing a great job Joanne!! Listen to your gut!
I think the endos have a general idea of what to do but since we are the ones who live with our kids...we definitely know more what they need. We know our kids...not just diabetes. You are doing great!!
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