Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Jada Update

Well- we spent what seems like the entire day getting Jada figured out!  We met a super nice dr.- who just moved here from Oklahoma a year ago and is familiar with Jada's endo in Tulsa!  That was a good connection- it's a small world!  After looking at her ears- which were a little red and her throat (which he couldn't see much of anything), and then listening to her chest - which- as he put it - were a little "rumbly" but not bad.  His conclusion was that it was most likely a viral illness, but wasn't 100% sure.  He recommended some blood work to make sure that her white cell count wasn't too high- which could indicate a bacterial infection.  I appreciated his awareness of diabetes and how he realized it could really complicate things.  We went ahead and did the blood work and the dr. called us this afternoon saying that her white cell count looks nearly perfect- indicating no bacterial infection.  He did go ahead and prescribe an anti-biotic more for preventive measures than anything.  
Tonight she has been a little better- still running a fever, but her cough has loosened up quite a bit and I finally got her to eat some crackers.  She had moderate ketones this morning and this afternoon when we got home, but they were all gone by tonight.
Something interesting at the dr.'s office today.  Jada had a low blood sugar- 45.  We were in the exam room when I checked her and proceeded to get a juice box for her.  The nurse asked me to wait until she took her temperature- I replied- no- she needs this right now.  The nurse gave me a blank look- like "really?"  So, Jada drank the juice (which took all of 30 seconds) and then the nurse took her temp under her arm.  At this point, I could see she didn't really "get" diabetes- but we weren't there to see her- right?  The nurse finishes her stuff and I decided to go ahead and give Jada a 100 calorie snack pack because I had a feeling that the juice just wasn't going to bring her sugar up.  The nurse asked why I was feeding her- then I explained to her that her blood sugar is very low and that she needed to eat to bring her up.  Then- she asked me if I needed insulin for her!!  ??What?? Aren't you a nurse?  She left the room after that and David looked at me and said- "Don't you think she needs a little bit of eduation on diabetes?"   I told him I couldn't agree me- that she ought to know a few of the basics!  
So- thanks for prayers for Jada today!  She's had a miserable few days and I'm thinking tomorrow wil be better!

8 comments:

Wendy said...

I'm so happy to hear you're on the mend and the blood work was okay. WHEW!

Was that really a NURSE??? Could it have been a tech who has never given meds before...I just can't fathom a NURSE not understanding that insulin is inappropriate for a low blood sugar!!!!

I've always said that NOTHING in nursing school ever prepared me for this...but...um...come on -- YOU DON'T GIVE INSULIN FOR A LOW!!!! I did manage to catch that part in school...

Anonymous said...

NO offense to any nurses reading this, but I've met alot of nurse who are just lost on diabeties. Excuse me, didn't you go to school and pay like 50 grand to learn about this stuff? I learned it on my own for the past 6 years..

But you are right, you aren't there to see her, your there to see the doc. That's awesome that he knew your endo from Tulsa!

Is he a baby doctor or a big people doctor?? I may have to look him up for Hubs when we get there!

Anonymous said...

And YAY that Miss J is getting better!

Melissa's Thoughts said...

sometimes I wonder about people. Good thing she was not treating Miss Jada. Take those times to educate nurses though. They might educate their friends. (can you tell I work in a healthcare faclitity) With all that; I am so glad that Jada is feeling better and on the road to recovery.

Shamae (Ghost written by Loren her hubby) said...

Well first I am so glad she is on the mend!! YAY! I am glad you had a patient doc that dealt with Jada's needs.

Second, I have had more than one nurse tell me that as well. It is so wierd for me. I can understand everyday folks but not those who you depend on for medical guidance. But glad you were there and that is why moms are the kidos best advocates! Hope you guys are having a better day!

Amy said...

Wendy- I assumed she was a nurse- she had a name tag on but it didn't state her position.
Rocksee- He's a family practice guy. He won't be Jada's dr. for her diabetes, but I think he'll be the one that we go to for all other needs. I'm rarely impressed by dr.'s, and I really appreciate how he was very concerned for her diabetes and factored that into all of her symptoms. I might say also- that he was quick to remind me that even though she has a chronic condition and is currently ill- that she is over all a very healthy little girl. He doesn't know it- but that comment made my day!

Jill said...

Seriously, if a nurse is asking YOU medical questions, I'd ask for another nurse! Oh my word! So glad Jada had a good dr. at least!

Jennifer said...

I have said from day 1 that the LACK of education about diabetes is AMAZING! That is exactly why I refuse to put my daughter in the care of anyone without me being there!!!!!!