So, in my latest adventure of being a T1 wife (makes me sound like I'm a version of the Terminator or something... anyway); I went to the dermatologist yesterday. Now, I'm not one to go see her on a regular basis; the last time being about a year ago, give or take a month. Nothing is wrong and my reasons are more vanity than medical necessity. I've seen the physician's assistant once before this visit and I really like her. Especially this time, being that we're both female and she's able to understand my vanity a bit more than a male can (Sorry boys - somethings you just don't get :( )
I explained my reasons for the days visit; one being some scars on my arm & wrist. I had received some "battle wounds" from Mike's alter ego "Michelangelo" during a bad low in January. Long story short: infection + 2 rounds of antibiotics = finally healed with scarring.
Being the inquiring mind, of course she asked how the scars came to be. I explained that Mike is a T1, had a low, not a normal/regular thing... DON'T CALL ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES!!
She looked at me as she's examining my arm with compassion (a bit more than the usual doctor's compassion; something that I didn't understand until later on in the appointment.)
We went on with the rest of the appointment and as she continued her exam; she said "So, your husband is a Type 1?"
"Yeah," I said.
"Me too," she said
"I've heard there are more out there, I've just never met one before - didn't think they existed!" I said, smiling and joking around.
"I know" she said with the same smile, "there doesn't seem to be too many of us out there."
We went on to talk about insulin pumps, how long each has had it for (both since childhood - in case you're wondering), and the understanding of lows.
The appointment ended without a hitch, I got what I needed and left to head off to work.
My adventures as a Type 1 wife may seem boring, especially to me, but this Type 1 wife loves that other Type 1 show up in the strangest places.
I think that's more awesome than running into another T1!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the appointment went well. You may have received more from your appointment than you realize. Support is a great thing.
ReplyDeleteS
I met a Type 1 PA Dermatologist once too...shortly after my son's diagnosis (my son is Joe...he is 7...diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago). It did comfort me in a way.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you are from Detroit...are you a Redwings Fan at all? My husband and Joe are BIG TIME. Joe plays a ton of hockey.
Good to "meet" you!
Great post, honey!
ReplyDeleteYAY!
I recall getting the text message about your meeting, and even though I was busy at work, was so very excited. And you said she has a pump... That was AWESOME. I think I blurted that ou tin the office: "Hey, my wife met another diabetic!" They probably thought I was nuts...
Anyhow, great blog post!
Reyna: Yes, we are from Detroit. And YES: We're HUGE Detroit fans - hockey, and baseball and you name it.
I think it is a moment of strange connections when a spouse meets another spouse/parent or person with diabetes because it's such an invisible disease that one could pass hundreds of type 1s and never realize it. Thanks for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI have met more T1's than T1 wives
ReplyDeleteinteresting how you describe it
because we are a rare breed indeed!
until we are ready, we have a hard time admitting that we really are a unique group
I know that I did
for years I thought I had it under control
I was "in control"
Tom was great, I was great, we were great
but it was a facade
or it was coping
now when I have a meltdown
I have support
here in the "blogsphere"
so nice to know others are out there.
good for you....
It's so nice to "meet" you!! Finding other people with that D connection is fun. And really, a life saver. Knowing we are not alone is only thing keeping me sane (although that is questionable at times!). And I don't think your experiences is boring at all! Write more! I really appreciate the different perspectives!
ReplyDelete(I'm mom to Sweetpea - age 5, dx'd 4/09... Your hubby knows her "real" name!)
Great to have found your blog! I am also the wife of a type 1. Hubby was diagnosed at 6 months old. I like finding other people with type 1 also. Makes me feel like we are normal in a world that we don't quite fit in :)
ReplyDeleteGood that you met a T1 doctor, who may be able to give you some insights. Sorry, I can't help seeing that you were left with physical scars from your hubby's diabetic low. I have never had my husband "go after" me physically, and am not sure I could hang in there if he did! How scary this must have been for you . . .
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