Diabetes Goes to College
After dropping Leah off at DePauw a month ago, I (like any parent of a new college student) have been asked numerous times, "How is she doing?" Naturally, friends and family are curious if she made "the right choice," if she's homesick, and if she is getting along with her roommate. Some may also wonder how she's managing with Type One Diabetes at college.
I'm happy to report that all is good. Not just good. Actually great! If her texts to me are any indication, I'd say she made the right choice in DePauw University (Greencastle, Indiana). The messages I get every 1-2 days almost always include an exclamation point or some version of smiling emoji. :) At first when I would see a text from Leah I would hold my breath and think, "Oh no. What's wrong?" But seriously, the only concerns she's texted in her first month at school with any amount of angst were a couple of almost-missed classes due to oversleeping, one paper she had to write that she was stuck on, and the time she got drenched by a rainstorm when she forgot her umbrella.
I don't think she's been homesick. Leah has always loved adventures and camps and overnighters. I know she misses us, especially our new kitten, but she's too busy to dwell on it. She and Jessica (her roommate) have much in common, including their love of music, their taste in movies, and their wardrobe. She's also making new friends from her floor, her seminar class and her piano studio class.
Today we headed down for family weekend, and this evening were treated to a sampling of many of DePauw's music school groups during DePauwPalooza. Leah introduced us to and pointed out many of her new friends and colleagues, and then entertained us with the rest of the University Chorus.
When I see her smile, her energy, and her zest for this new adventure, it's hard to recall that very sick, skinny girl who was diagnosed with T1D two years ago. I still choke up when I tell someone "her story" or when I re-read my first blog posts. I'm so thankful we're past that, and am amazed how Leah has learned to manage her diabetes 24-7. My role has become supporter, cheerleader and supply manager, so of course I was quite involved as we prepped for her big move.
Having sent two kids to college before Leah, I already knew that moving to college is a big deal. The shopping, packing and to-do lists can be daunting! Did you know that Bed, Bath & Beyond can now print out a Supply List tailored for your college? Ours included really essential items like sweater drying rack and electric toothbrush.
Even though a bit of the hype is created by big box stores, prepping for college really is a big job. I had been there, done that. But this time was different. I was keenly aware of the added complications of sending this kid to college...with diabetes. So for those who are wondering how we did it (maybe you're a T1D kid or parent of one, with college looming in the not-so-distant future...or maybe you're just curious), here were some of the extra "T1D to-do's" we discovered when shipping Diabetes off to college:
Follow the doctor's recommendations regarding technology. Leah started on her T-slim pump about 4 months after her diagnosis, and it has been a godsend for stabilizing her blood sugars. In addition, her pediatric endo(crinologist) recommended a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) earlier this year. The Dexcom G4 with Share has a good reputation and future compatibility with the T-slim, so that's the one we chose. It has been another great tool for Leah, allowing her to keep a closer eye on her blood glucose levels with fewer finger pokes. The "Share" feature was something I was excited about, since it allows me to get readings of her BG levels on my phone, and alerts when she is low and might need help (the next best thing to being there?).
Find a new doctor. For Leah, the move to college not only relocated her 3 1/2 hours away from home and her current doctor, but it also meant she had turned 18, and was no longer a pediatric patient. We considered finding a doctor near home, but felt more comfortable with the choice of physicians near Indianapolis, as well as the proximity of her new Endo in the event of complications. We were able to find a wonderful physician who reminded us of her previous doctor, i.e. a middle-aged female with a caring manner and a good understanding of the latest T1D technology...she quickly put us at ease.
Stock up on supplies and storage solutions. I made sure we had all of Leah's pump and CGM supplies as well as insulin/test strip prescriptions filled before she left. With the supplies we had on hand, and new 3-month refills, we should be good until she comes home for Christmas break.We purchased a big, multi-drawer storage unit that she filled and labeled based on her routines. Although I wanted to step in and help her organize, I let her run with this one, as I realized her systems need to make sense to her. We laughed again at the crazy amount of supplies it takes for her to simply maintain her health.
Request accommodations. While Leah could have asked for a private room (they have plenty at DePauw), we really wanted her to have a roommate that would be nearby if Leah ever had a serious low. Shortly after she and Jessica started corresponding by texts, Leah mentioned her T1D and found that Jessica was very accepting and open to going through some training when they arrived at DePauw. Leah and someone from the Health Center led the training, and Jamie, another new friend on their floor, also attended. In addition to her roommate training, the housing office arranged for a private bathroom in her dorm room so that Leah could easily change her infusion sets every three days, without spreading medical supplies all over the community bathroom. The Academic services people were great about setting up accommodations with her professors, to make them aware of the special needs diabetics may have upon occasion (e.g. extra time to complete work due to unexpected highs/lows or complications, snacks or water in class, etc). Though these may rarely be needed, it's a comfort knowing her professors are "in the know" regarding her medical condition.
Get to know the University Health Center. DePauw's campus Health Center had a booth set up on move-in day. I made sure to chat with them, and asked questions like "where can she get some lab work done?" and "what services are included in the Health Services fee we paid?" They were very accommodating and friendly, and again, helped me know I was leaving her in good hands.
Begin to hand over the reins. While I'm still very involved in her medical management, I am slowly trying to equip Leah with what she needs to begin taking charge herself. For now, she had to complete a Release of Information (now that she's 18) so I can continue to correspond with her doctors. Still, I sent her with a file folder for medical papers and included a copy of her immunization records. With a few reminders from me, she went to get her own lab work done, and sent some blood sugar readings off to the new doc. It won't happen overnight, but I'm confident that eventually she'll be independent in her diabetes management, and this supporter, cheerleader and supplier will be able to retire!
Living with T1D is constant. You take it with you to the grocery store. You have it at parties. You live with the highs and lows and pokes and tubes and sensors and monitors. And...you take it to college.
It is what it is, and you do what you have to do...at least until we find a cure.
P.S. If you'd like to help us find a cure, please consider supporting JDRF, the leading organization for research for Type 1 Diabetes. We'll be walking to raise money next Sunday, September 27th! If you'd like to support or join Leah's team (All for None), click on this link: JDRF One Walk