A couple of hours later, I was admitted to the Innisfail Hospital. I already felt that this was going to be the longest time of my life. I kept thinking what a Christmas present ... one that I would not have expected.
After being admitted there was the bed wait, while checks and other things were done. The admitting doctor once again explained the effect of diabetes on the body and recorded some vital stats. This was the first time I was introduced to a canular. The nurse had a great time trying to find the vein running along the thumb line. After a few attempts, the needle would pierce the vein and go through the other side. It was then decided to go through the vein on the top of my left hand ... SUCCESS. Now it was time to wait for a bed in the ward.
Some time later, I was in the ward and located my bed. It was great ... had a wonderful view of the hospital helipad! Now comfy in bed it was time to introduce the antibiotic drip. Once that went in, I couldn't feel anything happen but I have never slept like that before. It was going the whole time I was in to get the infection down. So part of the time went quickly as I slept but then came the other medication, the insulin.
During the day, my blood sugar was tested and then insulin was also given. I remember the lowest level I had while I was in hospital was around 14. Sleep was one way to pass the time, but I didn't sleep the whole time.
The other times when you weren't sleeping you had time to think. I had lots of time to do that. During this time, I had a range of emotions about the situation - all not good ones. First, there was the anger ... the remorse, the sadness and finally the question of what now? (I will discuss this further in the Psychological page!)
This wasn't helped by the nurse's chatter about what delicious goodies that they all made for Christmas ... Hello .. Diabetic here! I think my blood sugar went up listening to the conversation.
The first day ended and the second day was pretty much the same - change drip, take blood sugar levels and have insulin injections, even through the night! I must congratulate some nurses as they were able to do my blood sugar level and I stayed asleep! However, other nurses made sure you were awake and then I found it difficult to back to sleep!
Around 5.30am (I think! Sleepy!). There was a change of shift and the day nurse came on. I'm getting ready for the usual blood sugar test and insulin injection. But this time, there was a change in the procedure. The blood sugar test was done as usual, but the difference this time was the nurse asked me what type of diabetic I was and she said she was going to draw the insulin for me ... and that I was going to go home that day, I HAD TO INJECT MYSELF! Well I woke up after that, but pinching my stomach and pushing straight in ... no problem ... except ... I was still sort of asleep, I sort of forgot to take it out! Now I know if my diabetes changes, then I can inject. BONUS!
Later on the day, it was time to go home ... but one last job before enjoying the main reason I drove all the way to Innisfail. Time to take the canular out. That took a bit longer than I thought as the nursing staff were busy. With the canular out and it was time to leave ... Let's enjoy Christmas .... I think!