Final Hours Of Normal Life – DIAGNOSIS DAY

The date was January 28th, 1984 and I was on my to way to Dr. Abbott’s office because my mom was worried. I’d lost 8 lbs. and word on the street, I went from being an obedient, sweet child to a total nightmare. I demanded eating and freaked out if I was denied food or drinks. I have NO recollection of this part of my life. My 600+ blood sugar confirmed my doctor’s worst fear, I had Type 1 diabetes. Dr. Abbott cried as she explained what this meant. My only response was, “You mean no more Snickers?” My mom was given two choices:

1. Rush me to Children’s Hospital.
2. Dr. Abbott was going to call an ambulance.

There was no time waste – I was coma bound.

My nanny and younger sister were dropped at my aunt’s home en route to Children’s. My father was in another hospital and wasn’t to be released for a few more days. Plans change. Everyone’s lives were flipped upside down.

The hospital staff were waiting for me to arrive – whirlwind of doctors, needles and nurses. I was so dehydrated you could see the bones in my hand, my eye sockets were a dark shade of gray and my skin was pasty. I ended up with a bloody IV, but was later glad because they didn’t have to continue to stick me with a gagillion needles. I spent two weeks in Children’s Hospital where I learned to give shots on an orange, test my blood sugar and all things doom and gloom.

I don’t really remember much – not sure if I blacked out the traumatic episode or if those feelings are still lingering deep in my mind. Time will tell, but 31 years later, I still have all of my toes and my attitude has changed. I’m healing my soul by sharing my story and look forward to what the future holds.

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Amber Clour

Amber Clour was born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma. 21 days after her eighth birthday, she was rushed to Children’s Hospital where she spent two weeks learning how to live life with Type 1 diabetes. She has embraced the thought of being a #walkingscienceproject and hopes to score an A+ for her efforts to maintain a stable BG while living life to the fullest - whatever that means.