The Blood Won't Come Out: Day of Diabetes Deeper Look
Scott Benner
This post is an indepth look at a 20-30 minute window from our #DayOfDiabetes.
Last night Arden's DexCom transmitter sent a message that it needed to be replaced (That is expected as it is over a year old).
Today, during a moment that I thought would be calm, I called DexCom to order a new one. DexCom told me that I needed to call EdgePark Medical Supply.
I called Edgepark. Long explanation. Was transferred.
Arden texts that her CGM is ready for calibration - I tell her to test and put number in.
Someone picks up at Edgepark. Long explanation. Was transferred again.
Arden texts, "The blood won't come out, I did it like 12 times".
So now I'm talking to Edgepark and texting with Arden because for the first time in over seven years of having type I diabetes. She can't get a blood drop no matter how hard she tries.
Edgepark is explaining my insurance, the guy is nice and making small talk but I need him to shut up because I can sense that Arden is getting upset.
"Still not working, not going to the nurse" - Arden's Text
I tell her to try different fingers, different sides, to squeeze her arm toward her hand and then her finger toward the tip. Nothing is working.
"221" - "I got it dad but I had to do the middle finger and it hurts" - Arden's Text
I tell her that I'm proud of her by text while confirming our address with the Edgepark CSR and while that is all happening, no shit, Arden's timer for lunch goes off.
Cell phone in my left hand, telephone in my right, credit card on the counter, lump in my throat because Arden is upset yet unwilling to quit and the alarm goes off. I laughed... "At least we don't have to test", I text...
That's a #DayOfDiabetes all packed into 20 minutes.