TEDDY x2

After a fun filled morning, we packed up the kiddos and took Kyli to her quarterly TEDDY (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes) visit.  Kyli's 3 antibodies that they have been looking for tested positive the last visit.  That means her chance in developing diabetes is 1 in 50.  Anyway, we took Noah this time because they are doing a one time blood draw on family member to test for diabetes and see who is a carrier of the gene that puts Kyli at a higher risk then most youth her age.  This was Noah's first and possible only visit.  He behaved well, we just like to keep the visits calm and enjoyable for Kyli and sometimes that means without Brubra. 

Our first stop when we get there is the front desk, here they put "Magic Lotion" on that numbs the arms where they take her blood from.  This stuff is amazing and the only way that I would be apart of this study, because every visit they take blood.

Then we get to go play in the playroom until Miss Ruth comes and gets us.  On this day, we were lucky and got to go in the Dora room, one of Kyli's favorites.  We went through are usual questions, has she been sick, has her childcare changed, does she have a special diet. 

Today was a little different because Noah and I had our blood drawn too, Mike had his done last time.  I had my blood drawn first, no magic lotion for me, but Miss Ruth did it very nicely.  Next was Kyli, now ever since Kyli was born, she has had itty bitty veins.  So small that Miss Ruth calls in a experienced phelbotimist of about 20 years, Miss Michelle.  Unfortunately, today Miss Michelle was at a convention in another state and her one time back up that we have used, Miss Tricia was with Miss Michelle.  Kyli had two different nurses try this time to get her vein.  The worst part was because she was numb, they went what I call "fishing for her vein."  Now while Kyli did not feel the needle, she absolutely DESPISES the tourniquet.  Her world is over once they put that on her arm!  So, after 2 tries, one on each arm, from two nurses that have never tried Kyli's arms before.  We left with a necklace, a unicorn duckie, and a wallet, but not a drop of blood could they get from her:(  Well, not a drop except from the blood stick I did to get an A1C for her. 

Here is Miss Kyli after her first and hopefully only rough visit we have...

And our happy Mr. Noah who thought it was an easy peasy day and did not see what Kyli thought was such a BIG deal...

I really appreciate the efforts they went to to try and draw Kyli's blood, for me, it keeps me being prepared that Kyli may become diabetic.  The three antibodies they look for have been recently present and each blood draw I want to know what is going on inside her. My lesson learned, make sure our Miss Ruth and Miss Michele are there EVERY visit, otherwise I need to schedule a different day.