My children are not 'normal'

Not even in sickness.

Type 1 Diabetes is a pretty rare disease (although Diabetes gets a lot of news coverage) and accounts for about 10% of all types of Diabetics. Rarer still is to develop the disease before you reach your adolescent/teenage years.

Alec was diagnosed on his 3rd birthday.

Hypothyroidism (under active Thyroid) is known to be associated with Type 1 diabetes, as it falls under the umbrella of autoimmune diseases. It's a condition that Diabetics are screened for every year after diagnosis.

Hyperthyroidism (over-active Thyroid) is mostly seen in women in their 30's and 40's. It is not common to see in children, much less young boys.

Alec was diagnosed with Grave's Disease (over-active Thyroid) just before his 6th birthday.

We were told he had about a 20% chance to go into remission from Grave's disease if we tried the anti-thyroid drugs for 3 years. We prayed that he'd fall into that small percentage, but that was not God's plan.

Alec remained off the medication for a total of 8 weeks last summer before the symptoms returned. We knew it was only a matter of time before we'd have to take the radio-iodine route....as his chances for remission were cut to less than 5% after his relapse.

The treatment (drinking a radio active iodine solution) was simple and painless. Alec didn't even gag! We went about our business as usual, assured that there were no side effects (and certainly not in children with the small dose he received).

Alec woke up vomiting violently the next morning.

His blood sugars went through the roof.

He lost his appetite, yet still had high blood sugars.....something was NOT okay.

After pestering the doctors with several phone calls (close to 30), it was finally decided that Alec's Thyroid was acting in a very unusual fashion and producing way too much of its hormone. His Grave's disease symptoms were coming back in full force, and he needed to be put back on his anti-thyroid medication.

If you haven't guessed by now, nothing about Alec's health history is 'normal'. I think (as strange as this sounds) that I would never again complain about the extra care needed for his health needs if only he would follow a 'typical' path.....one that didn't surprise Doctors.

After his Thyroid is dealt with, Alec will be getting a full work-up to find out why he is losing weight. Doctors suspect it is another auto-immune disease that may be rearing its ugly head. As worrisome as that makes me, I am relieved that I am finally being heard by his Doctors. They are beginning to agree that Alec is paving his own path, and they need to keep an eye on it.

I will continue to have faith that God's plan is to prosper Alec (and our family), not to harm us. One day I will see clearly through these trials, and have a deeper understanding of the Strength that only God can give to those who are weak.

Please keep Alec in your prayers.