William’s Journey
On Friday 20th December 2019 William had finished his first term at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar school and the Christmas holiday had just started, we went shopping to get the last few presents and food ready for the Christmas celebrations. William started to feel dizzy around lunchtime; initially it appeared he was tired and hungry. However over the weekend he did not want to play on his gadgets and was feeling very tired.
So on Monday we returned to the Doctors to find out what could be done to help him feel better.
Then the adventure begins, after many checks a blood glucose test was taken, healthy levels being between 4 and 9, William was 24 and rising. We were to go straight to QEQM hospital.
From the moment we got there the whole team on Rainbow ward were so supportive and explained everything so clearly. After a few tests the diagnosis of type 1 Diabetes was shared. This came as a complete shock as apart from the tiredness he did not have any of the usual warning signs.

Thank fully working with the staff on Rainbow ward is an amazing team - the ‘Urgent care team’. Our first visit was from Steffi who talked us through what diabetes is and what is needed daily to manage the condition. We were given lots of resources including text books, booklets websites and contact numbers, along with a box of practice injection pens.

The initial plan was to develop understanding of how to test glucose levels, how to get an injection pen ready and administer an injection of insulin, along with how to identify and treat a hypo and hyper. So once William’s levels were stable and this was understood and demonstrated William would be able to go home. Due to the clear guidance and support provided by the team and Williams courage we were back at home Christmas Eve at 9pm. At the time this felt like the best Christmas present ever.

Although we now had some understanding of Type 1 diabetes we could not fully comprehend how much is involved with the management of this chronic condition, with no cure the reality begins that this is for the rest of William’s life.
The day after Christmas the urgent care team visited us at home so we could gain more information to support and care for William. As time moved on routines were developed, 4 injections every day and glucose monitoring throughout the day and night becomes the norm. The ordering of medical equipment and ensuring there is enough drink and biscuits to treat the hypos. Working out the carbohydrate content of everything that is to be consumed. Although it does become part of our daily life it is still very daunting when glucose levels are very low late at night or when a sudden change occurs.

The team has always been on the end of the phone to respond to the many questions or concerns we have, always answering in a clear and concise way. We are not medically trained and there is so much to learn. There are times when it feels completely overwhelming but they always make you feel you are doing well and you can do this.

Then came the next big step - returning to school; the care team joined us for a meeting with the staff and a detailed care plan was put in place. Almost every day William has a hypo where he feels dizzy and has a headache and then has to leave a lesson to treat the hypo. Due to the care he has received he manages to work around these moments and continues to enjoy school. He has recently joined the hockey team.

Even when you think you understand how to provide a healthy diet, keep the injections to regular times, monitor the glucose levels, there are so many variables to effect the blood levels, these include stress, exercise, being tired, changes in weather and sickness can all have an impact so life will never be dull!

Then just as we were finding our way along comes the Coronavirus, during these difficult times the team have continued to support us with their phone calls and video appointments. Providing so much guidance and support for the whole family learning to live with Type 1 diabetes.

At a time when we are all thinking of our NHS workers we would like to show our thanks to this amazing team who continue to provide this level of support to so many families in Kent.
Before the lockdown I had signed up to do the Brighton 10K to raise money, however with the current situation it has been postponed. Therefore I decided that on June 21st Williams 12th birthday and 6month milestone I will run this distance and William will join me riding his bike. This will be a challenge for both of us, but one I know we can achieve as we have come this far and together we will get there.

It would be wonderful to show our appreciation in more than words so if you could support us with a donation it would be hugely appreciated.