Summer Camp Stress

Diabetes is a chronic disease that is manageable. That's not to say that the managing isn't a full time job. Even with myself, my husband, a team of specialists and AJ working to maintain good blood sugar numbers, it doesn't always happen. We have our good days and our bad.

However, diabetes doesn't usually impact our lives dramatically on a day to day basis. Yes, there are the small annoyances like school parties. Typically the treats get packed up and sent home. This bothers him a little bit but we deal with it. With all the allergies that kids have he knows he's not the only one in the school.

Unfortunately, there are times that I am painfully reminded that my son is "different". My feelings of guilt, sadness, anger, frustration, etc. that accompany this disease always seem to rear their ugly heads during this time of year. What is so special about February you might ask. Hard to imagine, since we have about 30 inches of snow on the ground, but this is the time when camp information starts flying around. Our area is lucky to have some great camp programs. The problem is that most of them don't have a nurse that could deal with AJ's medical needs. I doubt that many (if any) programs are going to take the responsibility of counting carbs and giving insulin. Even if they are willing, will I be comfortable with the situation?

Diabetes camps do exist. The problem is that most are only for about a week or two. And all the overnight camps start at 7 or 8. We do take part in a week long diabetes camp in Delaware. It is an hour drive each way, which means 4 hours a day of driving. Of course, it is worth it because he has a blast. He loves to meet other kids that know what it's like to have the big D.

So where does that leave me? Well there is a camp fair coming up on the 28th. I plan on attending and I am going to cross my fingers that I find a program that will work for us. Otherwise, this may be a VERY long summer.