Spencer was diagnosed with T1D in March of 2011 at the age of two, on the same day his little sister was born. One day he came down with the flu but became worse. He struggled with keeping food down, becoming thirsty, wetting the bed even though he was potty trained, dry skin, headaches, and weakness.
His grandma took him to the doctors as his mom was in prep for surgery for a C-section. She learned of his diagnosis as they wheeled her back into surgery. For nearly a week Spencer and his mom remained separated except by phone. Spencer's grandma stayed with him the whole time loving him better and being trained on how to care for him.
Spencer's mom left her hospital early so that she could be there to support him when he left his. Staying at grandma’s house after going home was the best support they had in learning how to medically care for Spencer.
Two years later Spencer is a bright, happy, intelligent, brave young boy. He loves his little sister, spider man, and playing games. Spencer has taken charge of testing himself. He washes and pokes his fingers six to ten times a day to check his glucose levels. He receives two shots every morning and another when eating. In all he usually has 5 shots a day. Spencer has to monitor his numbers even closer with activity, can't leave the house without his tester and insulin bag, check his key-tones when he's sick, visit the doctor for check up's every three months, and keep in close contact to his doctors.
Although diabetes is hard every day it has become easier for everyone. Spencer has wonderful family and friends who support and love him. One of his nurses once said that it was a good thing he was diagnosed so young because he won't remember ever being any different or a life without shots. I hope she was wrong and that he will be able to look back on his life with shots and know he will never have to live like that again.
UT, UT
