Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Thirty Years In

Thirty years ago today, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

It's a day I remember every year, and a day I never know how to really commemorate.

This year, it's particularly special because I have my four month son keeping me company as I write this. A son who was born without any complications during my medically-intensive, but otherwise healthy pregnancy.

In fact, the first thing I thought this morning was, "I know I'm a diabetic parent when my infant son sleeps nine hours straight for the first time ever, and I'm up at 4am treating an insulin reaction."

But what else is new?

I wrote about this anniversary last year, and others in the blogosphere have written about it.

For a moment, briefly, I thought diabetes had robbed me of the chance to give birth vaginally. For those who follow, my eyes have had retinopathic issues and docs thought a vaginal birth would be too much pressure on them. The truth is, after having a scheduled c-section and an easy recovery, and hearing about long and involved vaginal births that went on and on, that will filled with pain, or became emergency c-sections anyway, I'm happier having given birth via scheduled C. Going vaginally sounds a lot scarier than what I did. And while breastfeeding was a challenge and milk supply continues to be, my non-diabetic mother had similar issues with me and my brother, so I now suspect genetics versus diabetes for my breastfeeding woes.

I don't have anything special planned for today, other than my usual Wednesday stuff. In fact, I've given more thought to a job interview I just had earlier this week. I'm going back in for a second interview, and was asked to do an editing test (standard procedure for senior-level editorial jobs), and I'm wondering more about whether I want to go back to full-time work when Baby L is four or five months, versus staying at home and freelancing and having my son stay at home, rather than at daycare.

I'll be pondering this over the next few days, and will try to update the blog sooner rather than waiting a month to do so.

But thirty years in, I'm feeling just fine today.

Just fine.

15 comments:

Annie said...

I love this post. I'm 14 years in this week, and I'm just fine too.

Good thing for support groups and our own desire to stay healthy.

Congrats!

Allison said...

Happy Anniversary!

I loved this post. I loved the last two lines. I hope I feel the same same way as you when I'm thirty years in.

Scott K. Johnson said...

That is great stuff L. Congratulations on doing so well.

Dr. Grumbles said...

Feeling fine must be a darn good thing.

Kelsey said...

Congratulations on the anniversary, your little one, and feeling fine!

Keep us updated on what you decide to do jobwise... I'm starting to look into daycares now, kinda scary!

Flmgodog said...

mazel Tov on thirty years! I hope I can say the same at some point for myself.

Let us know what you decide with the job. Inquiring minds want to know:)

Minnesota Nice said...

Yuppers. That's what it's all about.
>>>>TODAY<<<<

Laurie said...

Thirty years in? I'd say you are doing pretty darn fine, L!! Congrats on all the great things going on in your life, give Baby L a big old hug, and keep us posted in the job debate--your perspective is always so honest and refreshing!

BetterCell said...

Stay Home with your Son and freelance..........Your Son needs you as his Mother.

Anonymous said...

Wow, you should be so proud of yourself, 30 years of diabetes and a totally healthy pregnancy. There's a huge amount of care and attention behind that achievement. You are an inspiration.

Thank you for your sweet comment. I do see a therapist but I was going through a period when it felt like nothing helped. I'm feeling better now.

I'm interested in hearing about what you decided to do as regards work. And great that your son is sleeping through the night!

Bernard said...

Happy D-Anniversary

Happy because you've reached this milestone unscathed. Though I never thing the day itself is a reminder of a happy occasion.

Anyway, good for you for keeping the various and sundry complications under control.

And I do hope that in the next 10 years or so you won't have to mark these days anymore. That maybe we'll all be celebrating the anniversary when the big D when away for all of us.

Jen said...

Congrats.
Like Allison said, I hope I feel the same way 12 years from now.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comment, I'm also relieved all is fine, actually that should RELIEVED!

How are your work plans going?

This is a great post. You are in an inspiration in the face of all the scary news about diabetes we get your post is hope that things can go ok.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Stay home with your baby. You can work your whole life - he'll always be your baby, but he won't always be a baby or a toddler. He needs you now!