From Very Sick Tadpole...To Strong and Brave...in 11 days

Taken March 28, 2010...just one day before being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

Taken April 8, 2010...just 11 days after diagnosis! What a difference some insulin makes to Sven's appearance, energy level and overall well-being.


I can't say thank you enough for everyone who helped him. We have our oldest boy back! Safe and Well and no longer sick!

Tadpole's Diabetes - Day 3

Sven is still in the hospital...but continues to improve. He cried last night with Daddy about his condition. He is a bit scared. He understands that this is something he will always be dealing with...his entire life.

His spirits were pretty good today. We all got out of the room and went to dinner in the cafeteria. He was given wheelchair rides by his sisters and brother.

He gave himself one injection tonight and only poked 4 times before finally getting the needle fully inserted. Ouch! Seems like the difficult way...but he is trying really hard. His nurse, Tasha was really proud of him...as was I.

He practiced beforehand on his older sis madeline. She wanted to know what the needle felt like...so Sven gave her a shot of saline in her arm. They are trusting of each other and both brave! Bryson and I are both so proud of our kids. They are attentive to the training we have all been given. They are concerned about Sven and all jump in to help figure his dosage of insulin based on the number of carbs he is going to eat.

I wanted to attach a closeup of Sven so that everyone could see his skin color. He told us all earlier that he put on lipstick...we almost believed him because his lip color looks SO good! We are thankful he isn't so sick anymore. There is nothing harder than seeing your child ill and down and out!

Hey everyone...it's Sven. Thanks for praying for me. And Thanks Heather for figuring out why I was so sick. See you when I come back to school.

Tadpole Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes

Sven was diagnosed with Type 1 Insulin Dependent Diabetes yesterday, Monday the 29th of March.

Let me recap the events. 

Sven had been under the weather for nearly two weeks since having a baby tooth removed at the dentist office. His lip was cut at the time and he got an infection at the site. He was placed on a steroid paste to help facilitate quick healing of the lesion.  He was unable to eat for a couple of days and was on a liquid diet. He started complaining of headaches, a stomach ache, and started urinating much more frequently within a couple days of starting on the steroids. We helped him to get plenty of rest and kept up with the fluids and did all that we knew to do. He was on Ensure and extra vitamins.    

Well, nearly 5 days ago, Sven's weight started to decrease at a rapid pace. He was always slender...but he lost a total of nearly 10 pounds and he was tired all the time. He went to school on Monday morning and within an hour the school nurse called. Sven was in her office. I told her I had a call in to the doctor and was waiting to hear back. As she knew, it is difficult to get a same day appointment. She asked that I come to the school and discuss some things in regards to Sven.

Upon my arrival at the school, she let me know that while taking Sven's temperature, she smelled a fruity sweet smell on his breath. We then checked his blood glucose level and it was high. Very high. She helped me contact my doctor direct and we made the decision to head to the ER. Sven was immediately administered insulin and saline solutions through an IV. He was pale, gaunt and very tired.

We were in the ER and ICU nearly 12 hours when another decision was made...Sven was going to be transported to SLC Primary Children's Hospital. He would go via a lifeflight airplane and he wanted me to fly with him.

Arrangements were made in SLC and we were on our way. He was in his new room by midnight and a new staff of wonderful doctors, nurses and techs started going to work on him. Within 7 hours, he no longer was in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) and his ketone levels were beginning to drop in his urine. An hour later, his IV's were removed and an insulin injection regiment had begun. He started eating. 

Our son looked more like himself and he was smiling! Praise the Lord. He answered many prayers. 

By 10 am, Bryson and 4 of the siblings had arrived at the hospital, and Sven was excited to see his family. 

The day was filled with diabetic schooling! We were all taught how to help manage Sven's diabetes and even were allowed to practice injecting an orange with saline solution! How fun.

Sven did one better than that...he 'shot'  me with saline so that I could feel how the needle felt. Now, I am terrified of needles, so this was no fun for me...but I did learn that I was not hurting him by giving him his shots. He needs them and he only feels a small pinch!

Sven even has a favorite nurse. Marielle. She was not only fun, energetic and full of wonderful information...but he thought she was pretty! Thank you for helping all of us and teaching us what we need to know about diabetes and letting us know it is okay to grieve and be very sad that our son/brother is so sick!

Some have asked that I post our address for get well cards. Sven would love to have mail I am certain.

Sven Pickens

HC 33 Box 33358

Ely Nevada 89301

Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. I will be posting more about Sven and his diabetes as his condition improves.

He is in for a life changing experience...and he says he is ready for the challenge! He is a great student and will handle this with the best of them.  

Sven...you are much loved. Love you Son!