Chapter Six: "Daddy, I Don't Want to Take Any More Shots"

Depending on your child this may come sooner rather than later but it will come. Let's face it, shots and finger sticks hurt. Imagine having 4, 5, 6 or more holes poked in you every single day. Day in day out, week after week, month after month, you get the picture. This would be difficult for us as adults. We can't really imagine what this must be like for our child.

Pain is a funny thing. As an adult if we cut our finger we feel the pain, cope with it however we choose, and then forget about it. Sounds pretty simple right? Well it's not that simple at all. It's pretty complex. We all experience pain differently and react to it differently. Pain is not only different from person to person, but for each of us the same pain can be different depending on a variety of circumstances. Watch your kids when they are playing with their friends. They're fully absorbed in what they're doing and having a blast. They stub their toe. They yelp once hop once and continue running without another thought about that dumb toe. Now watch your child when they're tired or mad at you because you called them in from play to clean their room. On the way in they stub the other toe. They drop to the ground and scream and cry like they've been shot. It's the same pain but it's a lot more painful and upsetting because of their mental state. The same thing will happen with shots.

Some days Kari will take them all in stride giving them no more attention than the time it takes to poke the needle in. Other days it's a battle. Pay attention to your child's overall emotional state. Usually your hospital or medical center has a social worker or a psychologist on staff. We have Stacy. She's a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Kari loves her. Since I'm not having any more children at this stage of my life I'm going to name my next goldfish after her. Your child will go through all kinds of phases with diabetes. I don't want to take any more shots will be one of them. Like everything else, be prepared. Know who to call for help when this happens. Be aware that it will happen. Have plenty of hugs, kisses, and sympathy ready and waiting. This too is now a normal part of your life.


 Next

Chapter Seven: Real Low Blood Sugar Levels


 

Legal Statement

The Book "So Your Child Has Diabetes" A Step by Step Plan for You and Your Child , is Copyright © 2004 by Russell A. Turner.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any other means: electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the copyright holders. This book is supplied for information purposes only and, as experienced in this subject matter as the contributors are, the material herein does not constitute professional medical advice. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and contributors are not engaged in rendering medical, psychological, or other professional advice. If medical or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The reader is advised to consult with an appropriately qualified medical professional before making any medical decision. The publisher and contributors do not accept any responsibility for any liabilities resulting from decisions made by the purchasers of this book.

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