#1730 Fat Beagle

Summary

Juicebox Podcast: Type 1 Diabetes

Episode #1730 "Fat Beagle" – Summary

Host: Scott Benner
Guest: Megan (mother to 7-year-old Edison, diagnosed with Type 1 in February 2025)
Release Date: January 7, 2026

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Overview

This episode features Megan, a mom navigating the first year after her son Edison's recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Scott and Megan candidly discuss the family's diagnosis journey, emotional challenges, practical decisions about diabetes management, and the ripple effects of chronic health issues on caregivers. The conversation is marked by humor, blunt honesty, and heartfelt guidance for parents of T1D children—especially those facing sensory, mental health, or systemic hurdles as they advocate for their child and themselves.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Edison's Diagnosis Journey

Early Missed Signs and Diagnosis (04:37–11:15)

• Megan noticed symptoms as early as October 2024, including frequent urination, weight loss, and vomiting.
• Both Megan and her mother's encounters with healthcare (her mom has Type 2 and had DKA episodes) primed her to be vigilant.
• Diagnosing Edison was difficult due to lack of family history and an initial urgent care visit where staff were dismissive of Megan's suspicions, even as Edison's blood sugar was unreadably high.
• "I’m a big research person... it really isn’t that hard." (09:57, Megan)
• The urgency was compounded by Edison's distress over missing a promised Taco Bell outing due to being routed to the ER instead.
• “Edison was pissed because we had promised him Taco Bell…” (11:28, Megan)

Hospital Admission and Early Management (13:02–18:24)

• After the ER, Edison is admitted and eventually transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
• Megan describes feeling both vindicated and frustrated at delayed recognition by medical staff.

2. Coping With the Diagnosis—Child and Family

Adjustment Issues for Edison (18:05–23:08)

• Edison has struggled emotionally, expressing “diabetes stresses me out, I don’t want to eat today, I’d rather just not get a shot.”
• He reacted negatively to insulin pumps (esp. Omnipod): “He just said, I hate it. It’s heavy. He’s like, I don't like having all the devices.” (19:24, Megan)
• He sometimes prefers finger sticks over CGM for a break from devices, but his hypoglycemia unawareness makes CGM critical.

Sensory Issues & Psychology (23:18–25:00)

• Edison’s aversion to devices may have sensory roots—further evidenced by preferences with clothing and socks.
• Megan observes similar sensory tendencies in herself and realizes the importance of exploring this for both.

Therapy and Acceptance (21:16–21:55; 22:02–23:08)

• Edison is in talk therapy to support processing the diagnosis and life changes.
• The family’s focus: helping Edison accept diabetes as a lifelong reality, not just a temporary disruption.

3. Megan's Own Health & Caregiver Dynamics

Chronic Health Overlaps & Medical System Frustration (25:00–47:47)

• Megan details her struggle to get adequate attention for her own thyroid issues, recounting symptoms of hyperthyroidism/Graves’ disease (hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, blurry vision).
• Scott pushes her to advocate and schedule care—tying her well-being to her role as an effective caregiver.
• Key Scott quote:
  "When you learn about yourself, you’re going to be able to help him better." (30:59, Scott)
• Systemic hurdles are discussed including repeated referrals on military bases and inconvenience of specialist access.
• Both acknowledge how chronic caregiver stress and undiagnosed physical issues can impact parenting, household dynamics, and emotional health.

Family Roles and Marital Support (35:27–40:18)

• Megan is the primary health advocate/manager due to husband’s work (active duty military, frequent absences).
• While she’s competent, she feels anxiety being the “default” parent for health logistics.
• Scott breaks down how “I trust you to manage everything” can be both a compliment and an unspoken burden (“here’s another job for you to do” – 39:43, Scott).

4. Practical T1D Management & Advocacy

Transition to Tech & Device Preferences (31:54–34:28; 48:02–49:22)

• Initial diabetes management was with injections and fingersticks; CGM started ~1 month post-discharge, pump added months later.
• Delays in getting a CGM and insurance/clinic hurdles are noted.
• Edison is currently using a CGM and is transitioning to a Medtronic 780G pump with 7-day wear infusion sets and 15-day CGM—a solution aligning better with his sensory needs.
• “I've always been like, my, my children advocate for themselves... My kids advocate for themselves very well.” (49:22, Megan)

Parental Advocacy Lessons (50:11–51:03)

• Megan emphasizes fostering self-advocacy in her children rooted in her own experience of lacking it as a child.
• She teaches her kids to express needs/fears and participate in decision-making, especially around diabetes care.

Work, School, & Logistical Adaptation (51:20–52:44)

• Megan works in the school cafeteria for flexibility and to be available in emergencies—an example of creative adaptation for diabetic parents.

5. Reflections and Acceptance

Parental Guilt and Hindsight (54:07–58:35)

• Megan reflects on missed early symptoms, feeling guilty, and how provider language exacerbated feelings of blame.
• Scott reassures her: “Hindsight is much more focused than you trying to live through it in the moment…” (58:28, Scott)
• Edison expressed gratitude: “You saved my life” (57:54, Megan), helping her move past the guilt.

Current Outcomes & Confidence

• Megan, after one difficult year, feels confident making basal/bolus adjustments (“I make changes based on what I know he needs…I’ve never felt this need to depend on asking the doctors for anything...I know my kid, I know his diabetes.” – 61:10, Megan)
• Family is achieving strong glucose management and Edison is adapting to new tech and routines.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Megan (about online research):
  "[The urgent care] kind of rolled their eyes...I was like, no, I have a computer, like the rest of the modern world." (08:06)
• Scott (on health system skepticism):
  “Did they charge you for that visit?” (10:43)
• Megan (on guilt):
  "I carried it—a lot of guilt, because I always say...I didn't know until I knew." (57:54)
• Scott (on the emotional burden):
  “What he doesn’t understand is...when he tells you that...here’s another job for you to do.” (39:43)
• Megan (on child advocacy):
  "I always tell my kids, I'm like, always advocate for yourself." (49:22)
• Scott (on caregiver health):
  “When you learn about yourself, you’re going to be able to help him better…” (30:59)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------------------|-------------| | Introduction / About Edison | 03:01–04:32 | | On symptom onset and seeking care | 04:37–11:39 | | First hospital admission & CGM delay | 13:02–18:24 | | Edison’s emotional/psychological adjustment | 18:05–25:00 | | Megan’s health issues and family pressure | 25:00–47:47 | | Parental/family roles and advocacy | 35:27–40:18 | | Technology, pumps, CGM, adaptation | 31:54–34:28, 48:02–49:22 | | Parental guilt & reflection | 54:07–58:35 | | Achieving confidence and positive outcomes | 59:00–61:10 |

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Overall Tone and Takeaways

The episode mixes warmth, humor, and real talk, stripping away both medical jargon and sugarcoating. Scott—part mentor, part standup comic, part friend—urges tough self-advocacy, healthy skepticism, and emotional openness, while Megan’s vulnerability and candor make her a model for new T1D parents.

Main Messages:

• Parental intuition, research, and advocacy matter—trust yourself, even in the face of dismissiveness from professionals.
• Managing T1D in kids includes addressing mental health, sensory issues, and family dynamics—not just numbers and devices.
• Caregivers’ health impacts kids’ well-being; self-care isn’t selfish.
• Guilt over early missteps is natural but unfounded; learning and adaptation are what count.
• Empowering children (and oneself) through advocacy is transformative, both medically and personally.

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Memorable Moment:
Edison finally got his Taco Bell after leaving the hospital, marking their first family attempt at carb counting—"We went with it, and he was fine." (58:41)

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Recommended Actions (for Listeners):

• Advocate for early device access and appropriate therapy for children.
• Allow kids space to express how diabetes feels and impacts them daily.
• Caregivers: Prioritize your own health, both physical and mental—it’s intertwined with your child’s.
• Leverage resources like the Juicebox Podcast and diabetes communities (e.g., support groups) for both expertise and connection.

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For those newly diagnosed:
This episode is a permission-slip to be bold, imperfect, and persistent, and to balance vigilance with self-forgiveness as you lead your family through the unpredictable first year of T1D.

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Further Resources:

• Juicebox Podcast’s "Bold Beginning" series
• Touched By Type 1 (nonprofit featured in episode)
• Online T1D parent communities for practical support and advice

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Transcript

[A]

Hello friends, and welcome back to another episode of the Juice Box Podcast.

[B]

My name is Megan, mother to Edison, who's been a type 1 diabetic since February of 2025.

[A]

If you or a loved one is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and you're seeking a clear, practical perspective, check out the Bold Beginning series on the Juice Box Podcast. It's hosted by myself and Jenny Smith, an experienced diabetes educator with over 35 years of personal insight into type 1. Our series cuts through the medical jargon and delivers straightforward answers to your most pressing questions. You'll gain insight from real patients and caregivers and and find practical advice to help you confidently navigate Life with Type 1. You can start your journey informed and empowered with the Juice Box Podcast. The Bold Beginning Series and all of the collections in the Juice Box Podcast are available in your audio app [e-mail] in the menu. While you're listening, please remember that nothing you hear on the Juice Box Podcast should be considered advice, medical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before making any changes to your healthcare plan or becoming bold with insulin. This episode of the Juice Box Podcast is brought to you by my favorite diabetes organization, touched by type 1. Please take a moment to learn more about [e-mail] on Facebook and Instagram touchedbytypeone.org check out their many programs, their annual conference awareness campaign, their D Box program, Dancing for Diabetes, they have a dance program for local kids, a golf night, and so much more. Touchedbytype1.org you're looking to help or you want to see people helping people with type 1? You want touchedbytype1.org Today's episode is also sponsored by the Eversense 365, the One Year Ware CGM. That's one insertion a year. That's it. And here's a little bonus for you. How about there's no limit on how many friends and family you can share your data with with the eversense now app. No limits ever since. The podcast is also sponsored today by the Tandem MOBI system, which is powered by Tandem's newest algorithm, Control IQ technology. Tandemoby has a predictive algorithm that helps prevent highs and lows and is now available for ages 2 and up. Learn more and get started today at tandomdiabetes.com Juicebox My name is Megan, mother.

[B]

To Edison, who's been a type 1 diabetic since February of 2025.

[A]

Is his middle name Thomas?

[B]

No.

[A]

Is your last name Thomas?

[B]

No.

[A]

Where'd you get Edison from a Grandfather.

[B]

Is named Edward, and we wanted another Ed in the family, so we went with Edison.

[A]

If Edison was a girl, would he be at a daughter?

[B]

I have no idea. I thought about that.

[A]

Did you really?

[B]

And yes. And then, because my husband also liked the idea that his initials would spell out the word ear, because my husband's initial spelled word car, and, like, he's trying to, like, spell words with initials, and I'm like, oh, my gosh.

[A]

I call my wife by her initials.

[B]

Do you?

[A]

Yeah, sometimes I'm like, hey, Cab, come here. Like, I'm calling a cab. But not like that, because her name's CAB, but her initials are K.B. but I was saying Edison is basically ED, son.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

If it was a girl, would it be Ed, Daughter?

[B]

No, I'm probably not.

[A]

Yeah, because the thing I was saying was stupid. And then you were like, we thought about that, and I thought, that's insane. There's no way you thought about that.

[B]

We thought of, like, some kind of play on Edison in a female way, I should say. Maybe it wasn't necessary.

[A]

Maybe Edwina something. Can you imagine? And if your name's Edwina, I'm not making fun.

[B]

I would not.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, yeah, right.

[A]

Oh, I do want to say that Megan seems to be making fun of it, but I'm not. I would not. All right, so this kid's how old now?

[B]

He is? 7.

[A]

7. He was diagnosed when?

[B]

February of this year.

[A]

So, no, that's recently. It's only December now, correct?

[B]

Yeah. He just turned seven in October.

[A]

Okay, well, happy birthday to him.

[B]

It's been an interesting year.

[A]

It's been an interesting year. Tell me about why you said that. What's been interesting?

[B]

Well, I guess it goes back to his diagnosis, and honestly, it goes back to the previous year because there were so many symptoms. But we have no history of type 1 diabetes in our family, so it wasn't something I was familiar with or, like, I didn't know what I was looking at. I just knew something was wrong. But it wasn't until my mom is a type 2 diabetic. And it was crazy because leading up to his diagnosis, she ended up in DK twice.

[A]

And when your type two mom ended up in DKA twice.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

How'd she do that?

[B]

I have no idea. I really don't. It was really upsetting because we had gone to see them for Christmas, like, that. December of 2024.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

On our way there, I remember she had called me, or she was talking, and she watches my sister's children regularly. She was just like, really stressed out. And she was like, my chest is hurting so bad. I'm, like, vomiting and stuff. And I was like, can you go to the hospital? And she's like, I'll go eventually. And I'm like, what do you mean, eventually? And so, like, we get there, and I'm like, why has no one else in my family, like, my siblings live near my mother? And instead of, like, helping her and pushing her to go to the er, they're just like, hey, take my kids. Or like, hey, so whatever. I'm like, okay, can we go to the er? And she's like, oh, I'll go in a little bit. I don't know what I'm gonna do with the kids. I'm like, hi, we're two adults. We've just arrived from out of state. We can watch these children while you go take care of yourself.

[A]

Are you mad at your sister? I just want to know.

[B]

I was.

[A]

I could hear it.

[B]

I was also mad at my father.

[A]

Well, he's. He's sick of your mom. He was thinking maybe that would take her out.

[B]

Oh, you're not lying. You saw the look on his face. If you could see the look on his face when I said that. I was like, can we get her to the air?

[A]

He was like, but we're so close, Megan. We're so close.

[B]

He literally shrugged his shoulders and was like, I mean, we tried. I was like, what?

[A]

So, yeah, your mom and I have saved a little bit of money, and I have plans that she doesn't seem like she cares about. So let's just see what the Lord has in mind today. Okay?

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Oh, my gosh.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, I forget why we were talking about your mom. I don't even care.

[B]

Oh, because she was decaying.

[A]

That's right. I'm gonna ask you. Pretend you're in charge for a second. Do we need to continue down this path, or can we pivot to your kid?

[B]

No, we could pivot.

[A]

Pivot. Awesome. I should start yelling pivot before we move on to something else.

[B]

Well, we're not recording an episode of Friends.

[A]

How long before people were just like, oh, that's got to stop. Maybe three minutes, Right? Okay, so what are your first signs for Edison?

[B]

Again, it. Now, looking back, it started in November of 2024.

[A]

Okay, I should have said, what are your first signs you paid attention to enough to get you to a doctor. I'm sorry.

[B]

February. The signs were a lot of drinking, weight loss, and on and off vomiting.

[A]

Oh, gosh. Who was he in dk when you got him there?

[B]

No. He had a blood sugar of like 600. When we finally got to the ER, we initially went to an urgent care. They were like. They kind of rolled their eyes at me when I was like, I suspect it's diabetes. And they're like, well, what makes you suspect that? And I was like, judging by his symptoms. And I was like. They were like, do you have experience with it?

[A]

I was like, no, no, I have a computer. Like the rest of the modern world.

[B]

Exactly. But also, like, once I started putting two and two together, I was like, this. I mean, common sense just dials it down to this. And I'm a big research person, so I was like, it really isn't that hard. They were like, well, we'll take his sugar. We'll do a urine test, this and that. And I was like, good, because he's peeing, like, every five minutes. So go ahead. I'm sure he'll pee again.

[A]

Isn't it funny that we live in a world where people think they understand everyone else? They understand politics more than they do. They think they understand. I see ladies building built ins with IKEA dressers. Everyone thinks they know everything because they have access to the Internet and they can read for eight seconds. Or get a couple of headlines and you go in there and say, hey, I think my kid has diabetes. And they go, oh, sure. How do you know?

[B]

What.

[A]

What do you got? The Internet? Like, yeah, that's what I've got.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Unbelievable. Like, bizarre. Like, everyone thinks they know everything because they have access to some information. Right. And we're learning more and more. Apparently, people really are able to figure stuff out pretty quickly. Have you ever seen some of those building cabinets the ladies are making with the IKEA dressers? They're really nice. Okay. And I don't. My feed is insane. My wife says things out loud that ends up in my feed. She's like, have you seen women building buildings with. I'm like, oh, God, what is happening? And next thing I know, I open up Instagram and I'm watching some lady with a nail gun. This is not the point that you understand, but my point is, is, like, in that situation, your child is sick. They have a bunch of, you know, issues going on. The nurse or the doctor doesn't think you might want to, like, throw that into Google or say, hey, chatgpt, what. What does this sound like?

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Very strange, like, response, I think. Anyway, I don't know. What? I don't know exactly. All I think about that yet, but it's going to bother me for a little while. Go ahead.

[B]

It bothered me, too. I mean, really, honestly, the Internet is in our hands. It's in our pockets. It's with us all the time. Like, it really wasn't that hard to just narrow it down. I was like, top diagnosis. They were like, what makes you think that Top diagnosis that came up, like, for his symptoms. I'm like, and I'm assuming since he has many of the other symptoms now that I'm looking back on it, I'm like, it's really not that hard to put two and two together. I was like, can you just check? They were trying to do a blood sugar test with their little meter and the urgent care. And of course his blood sugar was too high. It wasn't reading. It just kept erroring out. And they're like, yeah, you're gonna have to go to the er. And I was like, okay, thanks.

[A]

Why? How'd you figure that out? Because the meter didn't work.

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Yeah. Not because they had any inclination about what might be wrong, Right?

[B]

Correct. Yeah. They were like, oh, the meter's not working.

[A]

Quick question. Did they charge you for that visit?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Inconcionable. Keep going. I'm sorry.

[B]

Go ahead. Yeah. And then as we were leaving, they tried a second meter as well. They were like, yeah, he's probably just too high to read. They're like. Or our meters just aren't for some reason working. And I was like, well, you tried too. So, I mean, which is it? You might. You're better off going to an er. And then they came running out with his urine test, and they're like, yeah, he's got, like, sugar in his urine, so definitely go to the er. I was like, okay, thanks, but I'm gonna tell you right now. Edison was pissed because we had promised him Taco Bell. And, like, that was the plan. I ended up taking to the urgent care right after school. And I was like, hey, we'll get Taco Bell for dinner, but can we go to the urgent care first? I was like, I suspect you have this, but I could be wrong, you know, I was like, so we'll just find out. And they were like, yeah, no, he can't eat. Like, if his sugar is high, he's not gonna be eating anything. Like, he needs to go. And he was so mad.

[A]

Did you use the Taco Bell to trick him into going to the urgent care?

[B]

No, I just told him, like, we do, like, family Fridays, so we only eat out on Fridays. And that was the plan. Hey, after school, we'll. For dinner, we're gonna do Family Friday at Taco Bell. He loves Taco Bell. And so it just turned into oops. Well, you have diabetes, and you're gonna go to the hospital, and they're not gonna let you eat.

[A]

He's like, this is not the Taco Bell experience. I was thinking. Yeah, what's he like there? A chalupa. What does he eat? Do you.

[B]

Do you have a. Oh, he gets the chicken quesadilla with two Doritos Locos tacos.

[A]

Okay. Where'd you get that smooth accent from? Where are you from, Megan?

[B]

I am Mexican.

[A]

Oh, I was gonna say that came out real nice. So no Taco Bell. The kids pissed. We're on our way to the hospital.

[B]

We arrive at the pediatric unit, and he's like, hey, I just. I. I can't stop peeing. He's like, I think I'm throw up. And I'm like, okay, well, we're trying to, like, sign in again, the attitude, like, well, what makes you think he has diabetes? What makes you think. And I'm like. I'm like, we just came from the urgent care. They confirmed that he has sugar in his urine. They couldn't get his sugar to read. And then the lady was like, oh, well, he could just have this or he could just. And I'm like, can we please just get him somewhere? Like, can we just get this ball rolling?

[A]

Yeah. I mean, were they very busy? You know what? It's funny. Those intake. Intake questions are interesting, Right. Because they have to ask them.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

At the same. And you have to realize the person asking you has asked it a thousand times that day. But still, it is hard not to, like, rub up against. I will insert here. I called in Dexcom sensor that didn't last 10 days. It's like, you know, like, the third one this year for us. I know everybody else is like, oh, my God. But, like, we have incredible success with G7, so this one didn't last as long. It's been sitting on the counter. I called up, and the questions start coming, and it is hard. I know. It's just a person asking questions off a script that they have to ask and that they ask them all day. And it's probably hard to, like, be conversational about it, but it's also difficult not to be insulted when someone says to you, did you do it right? And you're like, yeah, she's had diabetes for 20 years. This is the 900,000 thing we've stuck on her we did it. Okay. Are you sure? I mean, I feel like a pro. I feel like you wouldn't like look at a, like a guy who's been in the NFL for 10 years, dropped the ball and go like, did you. Did you know you're supposed to catch it like. Yeah, no, I was aware. Thanks. I take your point. And at the same time I have a little bit of like space for them too.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

But go ahead. This episode is sponsored by Tandem Diabetes Care and today I'm going to tell you about Tandem's newest pump and algorithm. The Tandem Mobi system with Control IQ technology features Autobolus, which can cover missed meal boluses and help prevent hyperglycemia. It has a dedicated sleep activity setting and is controlled from your personal iPhone. Tandem will help you to check your benefits today through my link tandomdiabetes.com juicebox this is going to help you to get started with Tandem's smallest pump yet that's powered by its best algorithm ever. Control IQ technology helps to keep blood sugars in range by predicting glucose levels 30 minutes ahead and it adjusts insulin accordingly. You can wear the tandemoby in a number of ways. Wear it on body with a patch like adhesive sleeve that is sold separately. Clip it discreetly to your clothing or slip it into your pocket head. Now to my link tandomdiabetes.com juicebox to check out your benefits and get started today. This episode of the Juicebox podcast is sponsored by Eversense 365 and just as the name says, it lasts for a full year. Imagine for a second a CGM with just one sensor placement and one warm up period every year. Imagine a sensor that has exceptional accuracy over that year and is actually the most accurate CGM in the low range that you can get. What if I told you that this sensor had no risk of falling off or being knocked off? That may seem too good to be true, but I'm not even done telling you about it yet. The Eversense 365 has essentially no compression lows. It features incredibly gentle adhesive for its transmitter. You can take the transmitter off when you don't want to wear your CGM and put it right back on without having to waste the sensor or go through another warmup period. The App works with iOS and Android, even Apple Watch. You can manage your diabetes instead of your CGM with the Eversense 365. Learn more and get started today at eversensecgm.com JuiceBox One year, one CGM.

[B]

No, I totally understand. I was the same way. I was like, I get it. I know you've probably asked a million questions that you're supposed to ask when you triage. I was like, but you could do it without rolling your eyes. Because when I came in with, this is what we suspect, the urgent care semi confirmed it, and I was like, so this is why we're here. Like, again, I've narrowed it down. I get you're asking questions, but it's just like, man.

[A]

Oh, the attitude you felt read a little bit like, oh, look at this one thinks they know something.

[B]

Yes. Kind of like, okay, like, oh, you're just making up assumptions. I'm like, no, I'm not. Like, I've deducted it down pretty. Pretty reasonably. And so. But, yeah, once they got him in a room and on a bed, did all the blood sugar testing and everything, he was IV'd, and they were like, well, we can't handle him here, or we can't do much more except, like, try to get his blood sugar down. We're gonna put him in an iv and you're gonna take an ambulance ride to chop. So we ended up at Children's Hospital, Philadelphia.

[A]

Oh, you and I are local to each other.

[B]

Yes. You're in New Jersey. I'm in New Jersey as well.

[A]

Let's not tell people where I'm at. Okay, But. Okay, just say local. I know. I'm kidding. I say it all the time.

[B]

Come get me.

[A]

Come get me. Go ahead, try.

[B]

Because I remember I was listening to an episode when you finally said. I was like, oh, how convenient. Like, we get My son gets diagnosed in New Jersey, where the diabetes podcast is typically recorded.

[A]

Are you using a satellite office now?

[B]

No.

[A]

No. Okay, so you still go into the city for appointments?

[B]

Yes, for now, we only use a satellite office first. Like his psychological meetings or, like, appointments. He. He needs. He has struggled with it, with the diagnosis. It's been stressful for him just to be kind of, like, thrown into such a rapid change.

[A]

Tell me about that. I thought you were going to say he's. He's been struggling since we didn't take him to Taco Bell, but tell me about that part. Who sniffed that out and. And. And put you on the. The. The care.

[B]

I did. I could just tell that he was. He just seemed more down. He wasn't as active as he used to be. He also has expressed diabetes. Stresses me out. I don't want to eat today. I'd rather just not get a shot. We tried the Omnipod and he had some reactions to it in the beginning, but they kind of cleared out. And he was doing great for several months. And then in the summer, they just kept falling off. So we took a break and we went to go put them back on for this school year. And the reactions were like 10 times worse. And then he just started getting like, I don't want it. Just stop doing this to me. I don't. Like, I'd rather just go back to the reactions.

[A]

His, like, visceral reaction or, like, adhesive or. What are you saying?

[B]

It was. It was almost like the stress was causing visceral reactions to the pump itself. Like, he just said, I hate it. It's heavy. He's like, I don't like having all the devices. He's like, I don't even want to wear the Dexcom anymore. And I was like, dexcom really helps the nurses and me, you know, and your dad just kind of monitor where you're at, Try to catch things before they get out of hand. He's like that. He's like, I could just finger poke myself whenever. He's like, when I think I have a problem or whatever. I'm like, you're in class. It's not just as easy as I'm feeling low. Let me take care of it. Now you could just pass out. Because he does have the tendency to go low without realizing he's low. There was a time where he was like, can I please just have a day? And I was like, okay. And I was just monitoring him closely. He started getting, like, tired and kind of, like, lagging behind. And I was like, let's check your blood sugar. And he was like, I feel fine. And I was like, I know you feel fine. I was like, but I'm noticing a demeanor change. So I was like, let's just test and make sure everything's okay. He was 33. Oh, walking around. And I'm like, this is bad. Let's, like, start drinking the soda. Start doing, like, get something in you. He's just not adapting.

[A]

Is it sensory, or do you think he's depressed about it? Or what are you. What are you guys figuring out?

[B]

I think it is a sensory thing. He. You know, the clinic is saying right now, let's just try to get, like, accepting the fact that this is going to be a lifelong day.

[A]

Okay?

[B]

That's. That's the main goal. Because right now he's just saying, there are days where I feel fine. I think. I don't think I need so much or there are Things where, like, maybe it'll get better. Maybe I won't need so many injections. Like, you have to remember that this is going to be lifelong.

[A]

Is it talk therapy? Is that what they're doing with him right now?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, that makes sense. He's so young. I don't know how he's supposed to understand forever. And when somebody says you're sick, but you feel okay, you're sick. So I think that's hard for people in general, and it's proven out over and over again. I mentioned this a lot because I think it's important for people to hear, but there are issues people have. Thyroid medication is a good example of it, but there's a ton of other examples that take a pill, a daily pill. So you start off and you don't feel well. You take the pill. You take the pill. You take the pill. One day you feel better, and the first thing you do is stop taking the pill because you're like, well, I don't feel sick anymore. Except the pill is the only reason you don't feel sick.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

Very common, you know, so anyway, I'm sorry that. I'm sorry that he's going through all that. That's. That's sucks.

[B]

It mostly started, like I said, peaking like this behavioral, like, towards diabetes and like, this change. And it started with the school year when we tried to put the pump back on him and I. So I think once we narrow down the fact that, like, make him realize there's not a day where you're just going to magically be better. This is a lifelong disease. Like, you're gonna have to, like. It's not gonna stop you from doing anything. You just have to remember that you have diabetes. Once we get past that, we have to start addressing. I think it is a sensory thing with him again, because he was complaining that the omnipod is just so heavy and this. And he's like. And I have to. He carries a fanny pack around to put his medical device in. That's what we call it. Not a phone, because we don't want him to see. I have a cell phone. He carries around his medical device. Glucose meter, just in case. And like, of course, his emergency snacks. He's like, I just have to wear so much. So we just stopped the pump. He doesn't mind multiple daily injections. He'd rather just do that than have to wear a Dexcom and a pump.

[A]

Was he even to ask about the past is ridiculous. He's so young. I was going to say, is that feel like it's part of his personality. But, my God, how would you even know, you know?

[B]

Yeah, Well, I think it could be, because now looking back, I think he does have sensory issues, and I think we need to address those as well. And I think he might, because he, like, he has a thing about socks. Like, I never realized it was a habit or, like, a pattern, but he has a thing about socks, specific socks, and how they touch his ankle and things like that. I'm like, oh, now I'm noticing more.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean? Like, now looking back, I'm like, he might have. He might be on the spectrum somewhere.

[A]

You or your husband give any vibes like that?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Which one?

[B]

Me.

[A]

You. What have you. What have you noticed in your own self now that you've been paying attention to him?

[B]

I noticed that I have a sensory issue towards, like, specific shirts. I didn't realize that all of my husband was like, how did you not know? He's like, I thought you were just OCD or something. You know, I'm like, no. Like, certain materials, and I can't even explain it. I don't even know how to like. It just makes me itch, like, completely.

[A]

I'm not laughing at you. I'm sorry. It was the way you said it. Yeah.

[B]

It's just. You're good. I don't even know how to explain it. And then, of course, I realized my socks, too. I didn't realize I was a person who took my socks off, like, as soon as I walk in the door.

[A]

Why do they. Why do they have to come off?

[B]

And it's funny because it's the way that they touch. Like, it's the way that they wrap around my. My leg or, like. Or like, my ankle. Even if I'm wearing ankle socks, it's the way that they touch the back of my ankle.

[A]

So do you put up with it when you're out in the world because you don't want your feet to smell inside of your shoes, or are you not aware of it during the day?

[B]

My feet smell regardless, unfortunately, so. And that's. That's another thing. So, yeah, I just kind of deal with it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Do you have a thyroid issue?

[B]

Let's see. I knew that question was going to come up. Yes, I do, but I don't. I've always been the type to test, like, right before the mark, and they don't ever want to treat because I don't surpass the mark.

[A]

Do you have any symptoms besides the anxiety?

[B]

Blurry vision? I'VE been told I have Graves disease or almost have Graves disease, but they wouldn't treat it because I was literally right at the cut off. It was like, I can't remember. I just remember the number 134. And they were like, you have to like, 135, 136. I was like, oh, cool, thanks.

[A]

I'll keep trying. I'll let you know when I get there.

[B]

And my parents or my mom's always like, well, go back and get retested. No, you should just. And I'm like, eventually.

[A]

What do you mean, eventually? What is wrong with everybody? Go back and get that. What, are you busy? What are you doing?

[B]

I am. And I'm not like. It's just. It's a pain in the bum to get appointments.

[A]

Is it more painful than blurry vision?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Just go to the doctor, Megan.

[B]

Just know. I know.

[A]

Go to the doctor and then get there. And when they say, you know, oh, it's only one point off, go. Shut up. These are my symptoms. Give me the medication. I want to see if it helps.

[B]

Yeah, it's between them.

[A]

You know what they'll say?

[B]

They'll go, okay, that the blurry vision, the hot flashes have gotten, like 10 times worse. I'm standing in the freezer at work all the time, just trying to cool down. Like, I literally create steam in there. It just radiates off my body. I don't know. There's. There's a lot. And I do need to go back. It's been a year and a half since I've been checked again, so probably should. Yeah.

[A]

Listen, here's what we're gonna do for fun, real quick. Okay? Going to write, does any of this point to a thyroid issue? Right. Hold on a second. And then I'm going to say to you, tell me your symptoms. So we have hot flashes, is that right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Blurry vision.

[B]

Night sweats.

[A]

Hold on. Night. I, I, I'm not a typist. Night sweats. What, what, what was the other one? You have anxiety? I don't know if you know that or not.

[B]

Oh, absolutely.

[A]

Okay. All right, sensory issues. What else?

[B]

That's about it. On and off.

[A]

Headaches, but random headaches. I don't think we're going to need the large language model on this one, but I'm just going to press enter anyway. Okay. And see what it says. And then I'm going to ask you if it thinks you should go to a doctor. By the way, I'm using Google Gemini right now. I'm cheating on ChatGPT. This new Google Gemini Pro. Is this lit? I know lit's probably not the word people apply to stuff like this, but I think it's amazing.

[B]

So I don't keep up with lingo. I can't do it. I don't.

[A]

You can't do that?

[B]

No. I don't know what kids are saying these days. I was never a lingo person.

[A]

While these symptoms can be distressing, it is important to remember that I am an AI, not a doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be replaced by a professional medical diagnosis. Well, I. An entire podcast full of people's stories that say, possibly that's not true, but to answer your specific question, yes, several of these symptoms can point to a thyroid issue, specifically hyperthyroidism. Oh, isn't that crazy? It didn't say hypo. It said hyper. Isn't that what Graves is? However, they also strongly overlap with other conditions, most notably hormonal changes like perimenopause or menopause. You're not that age. Connection to thyroid hyperthyroidism, hot flashes, and night sweats. Hyperthyroidism causes heat intolerance. You may feel overheated when others are comfortable, sweat excessively, or experience sudden flushes similar to a hot flash. Anxiety. This is a hallmark symptom of an overactive thyroid. It can feel like nervousness, irritability, or physical jitteriness, like tremors. Blurry vision. In autoimmune thyroid issue, like Graves disease, the tissue behind the eyes can swell. Are your eyes puffy, sticking out?

[B]

No.

[A]

All right, well, that. I mean, it's the last one. Causing double or blurry vision, light sensitivity or feeling of pressure. Okay, sensory issues. While not always listed as sensory issues, the heightened state of arousal and anxiety caused by excessive thyroid hormone can make you feel easily overstimulated and sensitive to noise, light, or being on edge. Are you sensitive to noise or light?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Do you feel like you're constantly on edge?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Okay, well, you know, I think you should continue to ignore this then, Megan.

[B]

Oh, that's my plan until I can.

[A]

Get an appointment out of here. Don't make me curse, Megan. It's close to Christmas. For real?

[B]

It's my. I'm trying. I gotta get it. It's a pain in the ass with this. This base, and there are doctors.

[A]

Oh, are you on a base?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

These people, they're busy blowing up boats in Venezuela. They don't have time for you.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Hold on a second. That's as political as I'll get I.

[B]

Was gonna say I can't. I can't dive into politics.

[A]

All right, hold on a second. I'm opening up my email because I'm feeling like a mensch today. I don't know if you know the word. Do I have your email address? I should. Megan, does it start with a B?

[B]

It does.

[A]

All right, I'm just gonna use the subject line, you're welcome, and then I'm just gonna send this over to you so you can see it later. Okay?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Also, welcome to the newest episodes of the podcast called People Describe Their Problems to AI and we decide what's wrong with them on the podcast. I think that's actually a good idea, but we'll maybe do a couple of those next year.

[B]

I mean, it explains our whole situation right now, even with Edison's diagnosis.

[A]

So I'm cruising into the new year right now, so I'm not going to get started right now, Scotty. Going to take a break. But wait a minute. What? Say what you just said again. It explains.

[B]

It explains everything right now. I mean, even with Edison's diagnosis. So.

[A]

Yeah, no, I mean, first of all, listen, you gotta take care of yourself. And what I'm gonna tell you to try to motivate you is, is that when you learn about yourself, you're gonna be able to help him better. Right? So not only will maybe, like, imagine if your anxiety went away. Hell, just imagine if you were able to keep your socks on, how great that would be. Point being is that you might then look at him and realize, oh, he has some of these things. I wonder if. I don't know, his thyroid's okay. I wonder if this, like, it'll give you more context for the world, and it'll help you help him. I promise. So just make the appointment, and however long it takes is how long it takes to get there. But don't not do it saying that it's a pain. It's hard to get an appointment because if you make the appointment today, you will eventually go in and see them.

[B]

It's true. It is true.

[A]

All right, I'm sorry.

[B]

We're.

[A]

Are we back in the hospital? I'm sorry, what? A left turn. Are we still in the hospital for Edison?

[B]

Yeah, that's. We arrived at chop.

[A]

Right, right. Sorry. I know. And then I. It's my fault because I went after the psychological stuff while you were still talking about the thing. Let's fast forward a little bit. You go to Chop, blah, blah, blah, they send you home. Kids got diabetes now. Do they start you with pens. Do you get a CGM right away? How long until he starts saying, I don't like the way this feels. Etc.

[B]

We did not start with a cgm. We were sent home with pens. So we were on multiple daily injections. And then when did we start the Dexcom and stuff? I want to say end of March. So he was diagnosed February 20th. We were in the hospital from for about two days and then sent home. And then at the end of March is when he started his CGM with the DexCom. And then he didn't start the pump until May.

[A]

I don't know. It took over a month to get a cgm?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

You have insurance, right?

[B]

We do, yeah. I don't know why.

[A]

Well, let me say this, and I unfairly happen to know a couple of things once in a while, but, like, there are people who work at shop to listen to this. Why does it take her so long to get a cgm? How come she doesn't leave with one?

[B]

I think that they wanted us to kind of learn on our own.

[A]

Like, what'd you learn?

[B]

How to explain it, that your kid.

[A]

Could be 33 and look fine, Basically. Great lesson.

[B]

I don't know. I don't know why it took so long. And then we left with a meter. We had to test on one meter while we were in the hospital because our insurance only covered a specific meter that they didn't have on hand. So we almost didn't leave the hospital with a meter until they finally, like, found one that our insurance would approve that we could take home. And I was like, you couldn't just told me, hey, go buy one from that Walgreens. Or like, yeah, or something like that.

[A]

Right?

[B]

There's something.

[A]

But what's the level of understanding about diabetes you have leaving the hospital? Is it minimal? And then they try to make it up at the first appointment or how. How do they have it staggered?

[B]

It was pretty good.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Like, fully. I'm a big learner. If you tell me something and or something happens, I'm gonna do like all the research I can on it and learn it. So, I mean, outside of their training that they do their diabetes teachings, they do like multiple classes over those 48 hours. It's all like counting carbs, injecting, pre bolusing, things like that. And understanding the timing and how long it takes to, you know, go through the system, when to correct xyz, all the. Basically, like the basics.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I went from there. Like, I was up all night in the hospital. Like, there's Got to be more to this. And so I was like, I just want to make sure that I understand it and what I'm looking for. So I was doing research on my phone just to make sure that I could leave with a little bit more knowledge and I could ask all the questions I needed to ask before leaving the hospital.

[A]

Well, so the anxiety helped you there?

[B]

Oh, absolutely.

[A]

Seriously? Right. Because you were like, I'm not just leaving here with this. I need to know things.

[B]

Oh, yeah. My husband says. He's like, you know, you have anxiety and you. You're, like, really hyper focused on things. Like, once you. Once you are told something, you have to go and you dive deep. And he's like, I think your anxiety plays a great, like, attribute to that. He's like, because you will hyper focus, and if you don't know everything about it, he's like, it makes your anxiety worse. I'm like, yeah. Like, if my.

[A]

They're not knowing.

[B]

Yes. Yeah, yeah. He's like, then you get. You. He becomes. Or he said, I become more irritable. And he's like, and not irritable.

[A]

More irritable.

[B]

Correct. More irritable.

[A]

I heard that. Go ahead.

[B]

But it was funny because he was like, I basically wait for you to do all the research and then you teach me. I was like, okay, cool.

[A]

So does that make you upset?

[B]

No.

[A]

You're okay with him dealing with it that way?

[B]

Yeah, he was. I'm okay with him. He's like, you know how to explain it to me? It. And he's like, you. Because we. We've been together 20, 25. Oh, I am terrible with. How old.

[A]

How old were you when you met him?

[B]

16.

[A]

Okay. And so were you dating at 16?

[B]

Yes, we started dating late. It was. So we've been together, what, since 2009?

[A]

Seventeen years.

[B]

Yeah. And so he's like, you. You know me best. He was like. And we. He's like, if you understand it and you. You know it. He's like, I know you'll be able to explain it to me more clearly. He's like, and you know Edison best so.

[A]

Well. That's. That. That must make you feel good, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Oh, Megan. What is. Does nothing make you feel good? Hold on a second. What's wrong?

[B]

I mean, it makes me feel good that, like, he has that confidence, and it just also. I feel. It makes me feel a little anxious.

[A]

That he's counting on you.

[B]

Yes. Yeah. Because in my mind, he's always been the one that's like. He's always been the one that takes a lead on stuff. And he's like, I don't know how you see it that way. And he was like, because you're always the one that's, like, on top of everything. He's like, you could close your eyes and tell me exactly the layout of. Of our house and, like, walk around with confidence because you know exactly where each, like, toy is on the floor at that moment. That doesn't mean anything to me. I was like, I. I understand that I can grasp concepts and learn things really quickly, but it makes me feel anxious knowing that, like, you don't want to put forth the time to do it.

[A]

Listen, I've been married a long time, and I recognize his statement as a huge mistake immediately. So that's why I asked you, does it make you feel good that he counts on you? But I can tell you being married, that that just makes people feel like now there's more pressure on them to do everything because you're not. Because you're counting on them.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Yeah. No, I know it's the wrong thing to do unless you're cool with it. Like, if you're cool with it and that's, you know, and that's your division of labor, then that's great.

[B]

But I think it's just unfortunately that way, because he comes and goes a lot with his job, you know, being active duty, Military.

[A]

Yeah, He's.

[B]

He'll be home two weeks. He'll leave for a week. He'll come back. The routine's different when he's gone. It's a lot of changes. So in his mind, I typically run things. I'm. I am the manager of the household. I'm the manager of the children, their schedules, their health care. Like, I mean, he's the type of person. He still has to ask. Like, he didn't even remember that Edison had his tonsils out. Like, he was. He asked. That is he took Edison to an appointment. He happened to have a day off, and I didn't. He still got us into an appointment. And then he was like, edison, have you had any surgeries? And Edison was like, dad had to ask me if I had surgery today.

[A]

What a little narc. Edison is. Okay.

[B]

So, you know, like, it's just like, things like that. Like, it just slips his mind because, you know, he's in and out all the time. It's not his area of focus.

[A]

I'd say a couple things. First of all, he's in the military. He's used to people having jobs and those people doing the Jobs and counting on those jobs being done and having to trust those people. And so, on one level, it's nice that he trusts you and he believes in you. What he doesn't understand is that when he tells you that what he's saying to you is. And I'm going to sound like a white lady in therapy right now, but what he's. What he's saying to you is. Is, hey, here's another job for you to do. And if you don't do it right, then everything falls apart. Because I'm counting on you. Right?

[B]

Yeah. There's. There's a bit of pressure.

[A]

Yeah. And have you felt that pressure your whole life, or has it been more recently?

[B]

Well, I mean, we had this discussion earlier. I have felt that pressure my whole life.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

And so it's kind of just something I. I've learned to accept, but. And that's where it falls into play, where, like, I know if I fall a lot of things behind me domino, like, they're just gonna fall as well.

[A]

Can I tell you a secret? I know you're saying that, and I agree with you also, there's the boy perspective, which should give you some sort of comfort, is like, it'll all be fine. Don't wor. Yeah. And.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But.

[A]

So are you telling me that these hyperthyroid symptoms you have have been plaguing you for years?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

All right. I've been waiting to do this for, like, 45 minutes now. Megan.

[B]

Oh, goodness.

[A]

I don't need to know a ton about your mom's situation, but your mom flaked on you at some point, right? Did she have any of these symptoms of thyroid issues?

[B]

Most likely. I wouldn't know. I was distracted by other things at a young age. So. I mean, does she have them now? Again, I wouldn't know. Like I said, she doesn't call until there's, like, an actual issue.

[A]

Does she make excuses like it's hard to get appointments?

[B]

No, because they're. They're retired. They live a very. All they do. They. They watch my. My nephews and my nieces from time to time.

[A]

Are you picking up what I'm putting down here, Megan?

[B]

I am.

[A]

Okay. All right, well, then let's not talk around it and insult me and the listeners. Okay? Let's get right to what I'm saying. What am I saying?

[B]

Take care of myself.

[A]

Okay. When am I saying to do it?

[B]

Now.

[A]

That's right. Should we do it tomorrow? No, today. Well, that.

[B]

Today I'll get on and I'll make an appointment right after that.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Schedule.

[A]

I don't want to have to worry about you. Look, I'm going to do to you what you do to your husband. Don't put me in charge of worrying about you. I got enough to worry about. Okay. Take care of yourself. By the way, you're 10 years away from looking at him and going, you know what? I'm not your mom. Take care of yourself.

[B]

Oh, my gosh, that already happened. Actually, it was reversed.

[A]

It was your said that to you?

[B]

Yeah. And I was like, don't. Oh, I said, you took a wrong step there, bud.

[A]

Jokes on you. My mom didn't do anything.

[B]

It sent me into a spiral.

[A]

Listen, oh my gosh, I'm never gonna know. We're never gonna know, etc and so on. Everybody isn't gonna know. But I do often wonder, having these conversations, how many of these, you know, personal interactions are we having with each other that are impacted by our, you know, our internal chemistry not being quite right in one way or another?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I swear to you. Like, and, and I, I mean, I've tried to be really open about stuff that's happened to me on here so you guys can all see yourselves in it somewhere and take care of yourself. But, like, you know, I'll go back to, like, right before I was, before I took care of my iron problem. We were just driving in the car somewhere and like, something about the radio happened and I thought I had a completely reasonable response to it. And now in hindsight, I was like yelling, yelling about the radio. And everybody was like, mortified, like, looking at me like, what's wrong? And I'm like, there's nothing wrong. I'm fine. And then the truth is, I wasn't fine. My ferritin was really, really low. And it turns out that's an important part of your brain working well. And so if it's a thyroid stimulating hormone or, you know, or an anti thyroid stimulating. I think that's the other thing. Like there's. If you have graves, you'd have like an anti thyroid medication, maybe a beta blocker. I'm not sure. I'm not a doctor. Yeah, but like, that would balance that out more. What if?

[B]

You definitely would. Yeah.

[A]

What if all your reactions were different, better? So let me say it in a way that I think will sound sad, but I don't mean it to. What if you're experiencing your marriage and your life and your child in an altered state and you're not getting the experience and they're not receiving the Experience from you that you would give to them. And if you were more finely tuned in your chemistry, how would that make you feel to know that was happening?

[B]

I've thought about it.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

I made. I'm trying to make an effort. I did try to make an effort earlier this year regarding something else, and it's just been. Again, it is the scheduling here, because, like, shortly. Oh, my gosh, my dog is in the background having puppy dreams. So sorry. If you can hear that.

[A]

Oh, is that, like a little thumping?

[B]

It's thumping. And then he's also going, well, he's not a puppy. He's just. We call him a potato. He's a fat beagle. And he's just, like, hyperventilating under the blankie, but also, like, kicking.

[A]

He's a fat beagle.

[B]

Yes, he's a fat beagle. Yeah. So, I mean, I've tried. I've tried to address some of my health issues. It's just one thing after another. And then everything here is referral referred out, like, this space. You go and you see your main. Your pcm, and then they're like, yeah, that could be the issue. Let me refer you. And then you have to drive almost an hour to, like, the next appointment. Like, you just schedule that next appointment.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

They have to drive it out. It's just a lot. So it's like one thing after another.

[A]

Talk about this any way you want to. We could talk about it in a supportive way where I could say, it's okay for you to carve out time to take care of yourself. We could talk about it like, you know, like, I was brought up. I just. Just shut up and do it. And like. Or anywhere in between, like, Megan, I like you a lot, and I hope this is coming across that way, because if I didn't like you, I wouldn't be pushing you so hard. I just wouldn't care. I honestly, whatever you're going to say, I don't care. Just do it. Okay?

[B]

I know.

[A]

Okay. Don't make excuses. Get things done. All right?

[B]

My husband's already told me.

[A]

Well, listen, you're not going to listen to him. I mean, he's only devoted his entire life to you and loves you wholeheartedly. Why would he. Why would his opinion matter? You should listen to a podcaster.

[B]

I should. You're leading me in the right direction.

[A]

Megan, I've had a recent experience with this person in my life who. This is what it feels like to talk to them. It's like, what about this? Well, there's a Reason that I can't. I'm like, just stop. Like, it's. You're gonna. You're gonna do this, and your life's gonna disappear.

[B]

Going to just tell my husband about this conversation, and then he's going to be like, I've been telling you that. And I'm going to be like, roles reversed. Because you ever give your husband, like, great advice or you're, like, recommending something, but it's not such a good idea until he hears it from a friend?

[A]

Why don't you. Instead, may I make a better suggestion? Why don't you get the appointment and then tell him, hey, I heard what you said, and I really should be taking better care of myself. I've made an appointment to address my thyroid problem issue. I really do think I have a thyroid issue. I looked online, and I have a ton of symptoms that point to a lot of stuff, and it's going to be a little difficult because I'm going to have to make the ride to the appointment, so I might need your help. But, you know, I think it's really important because I. I'm not even sure if I'm interacting with you or. Or with Edison correctly, because I think I might be a little mistuned here as far as my thyroid goes, and I think it could be impacting a lot of things. Be sincere.

[B]

I will definitely present it that way. Like I said, we have addressed this. This thyroid issue once in the past, and again, it was just. You're at that mark. We're not going to do anything or treat it. Come back and, you know, however many years, and I was like, that's horrible.

[A]

And the phrase.

[B]

And then I just never. I never went back.

[A]

The phrase you respond with Megan is, I don't want you to treat the numbers on that test. I want you to treat my symptoms.

[B]

Yeah, that's what I do. I need to stand up for myself a little bit better.

[A]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, treat them the way you treat that boy. That's all he listens, right?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Yeah, you're fine. All right. Well, we didn't learn a ton about Edison, although we did hear some things that I enjoyed, and I'd like to go back over them a little bit. You were very supportive of the issues that he's having. Yes, you did. You didn't ignore them or tell him to put the. You know, put. Put it on. I don't care what it feels like. You really did try to help. None of it worked. And now you're doing talk therapy to try to get it back on him. Is that helping? First of all, is he wearing a cgm?

[B]

He's wearing a cgm, yes.

[A]

Good.

[B]

Yeah. And he doesn't mind the cgm. He's. Yeah, he's more open to that and he understands why. We are going to move to a new pump and we're hopefully going to get it soon considering the sensor that goes to that pump just came out and so we're waiting for it to ship.

[A]

Which pump are you going to go to? Medtronic 6.

[B]

Yep, Medtronic.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Moving to the Medtronic. He said since I already carry a fanny pack, he's like, I think a pump would be. A pump with a tube wouldn't be so bad because I just put it in my fanny pack and I already carry that. So.

[A]

And it won't be attached to him, which is something he doesn't enjoy.

[B]

Exactly. It'll be a just simple port that's attached. And the Medtronic is seven day wear, so fewer.

[A]

He'll have fewer changes.

[B]

Exactly.

[A]

Yeah. And that's good.

[B]

The, the new sensor, like the CGM that comes with it is 15 day wear. So again, fewer changes.

[A]

Yeah, that's awesome. Good, good, good.

[B]

He's looking forward to it.

[A]

That's great. You're doing a great job with that stuff. By the way. Medtronicdiabetes.com Juicebox support the sponsors. Megan, please. I know you're like, oh, I didn't get it through the link. I feel bad now, but it's okay for everybody else. That's a great step. Awesome. So you think maybe he's making some adjustments that make him more comfortable, moving closer to some acceptance on this stuff?

[B]

Yes, absolutely. I've always been like, my, my children advocate for themselves. I've always told them that, like, so if you feel a certain way or you, even if it comes off rude to me, I'd rather you tell me than to not. I don't ever want you to feel like you have to do something or like. And I always tell my kids, I'm like, rarely do I tell you to do things. I typically ask you, hey, can you please do this before you reach a point where I'm like, I have to tell you now. This is the point where we're getting to. And so my kids, I'm like, always advocate for yourself. If you'd rather do something this way or you have a system or you have a feeling, express it. And so my kids advocate for themselves very well. I mean, it's the only way to, to get through this. Like, you know, like, to help him understand it.

[A]

Taught you that. How'd you figure that out as a parent?

[B]

The lack of ability to do it. When I was younger, and basically, like, again, I started working at a very young age. I started. I realized I had to advocate for myself a very young age, and I didn't really have the ability to do that. So I was like, that's not some way. That's not the way I would like to raise my children.

[A]

You didn't like the way it felt for you?

[B]

Correct.

[A]

Good. Okay.

[B]

And I. I have those same discussions with my husband all the time. Like, I'm like, imagine just the way you express things. Explain it. Like, explain it the way you would want it. Somebody, like an adult to explain it to you. It was like, treat yourself or treat the kids way you want to be treated, only it's just a simple way to live. Like, they understand. Like, they understand more than they. Than you think. Sure.

[A]

And if they do something. If he does something eventually, like, if his ideas are going to be harmful to him, then you step in and you do a little more parenting right there.

[B]

Absolutely. Yes.

[A]

That's a good idea. Good for you. How long's your husband in for? How much more time do you have living on the base?

[B]

Well, he'll be 15 years, so he'll be 15 years in March, so we have about five more years. Five, six more years.

[A]

What are you going to do when he gets military?

[B]

I have no idea. Yeah.

[A]

Are you working currently?

[B]

Yes. I have degrees or a degree. I was working towards a master's degree, but I had to put that on pause because ran out of money, basically. Funding, couldn't finish that.

[A]

Expensive.

[B]

But I'm currently working in the cafeteria at my son's school because it's just the most convenient right now as far as I can be there in case of emergencies. I can always step out when I need to, but it's just flexibility. I don't have to pay for child care or, like, before and after school care, because.

[A]

Awesome.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you. A little bit of that initial worry about the diabetes thing probably is alleviated too.

[B]

Right.

[A]

That's great. That's wonderful.

[B]

Yeah. I had a. When he was initially diagnosed, I had a job outside. Like, I had a whole different job.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But it was. I was constantly having to leave work because there were emergencies with Edison, because I was like, this is too much. I was like, I'm going to have to step away. So I ended up quitting, leaving that job. And so when I this opened up. I was like, well, at least it's. It's part time work. I'm like, but it's like right there. And so if like there's ever anything, the nurses, they know exactly where I am and they will come right to me or he'll. They'll just send him right to me.

[A]

Right. There's a ton of positives. That's awesome.

[B]

Yeah. And it works out great. He loves it.

[A]

Good for you. That's really cool. I'm going to thank you, Megan, for doing this. I really appreciate you taking the time and letting me talk to you the way I did. I really hope you do that stuff and take care of yourself. I think you'd be surprised at how much better you'd feel after you got it sorted out. And I just think a lot of people are living in this situation and I don't just mean from thyroid, like a lot of different things. Right. It's just not something we talk about like in health right now, like some people do. But yeah, not enough people. And, you know, if you can make an adjustment for yourself, that helps in a big way, I think it's going to be really worth your effort.

[B]

So, anyway, well, thank you for having me.

[A]

No, it's a pleasure. Did I do okay for you or are you right now, like I said, and go the way I wanted it to?

[B]

It went. It was a good conversation. I do wish I would have touched a little bit more on Edison. I always think, like, I feel like diabetes presents differently for a lot of people. And when I looking back on it, like I said, I think there was an event that kind of triggered the start of it. And like, I wish I would have recognized those symptoms sooner.

[A]

I heard you say in the beginning you felt like a bad person, which I didn't spend any time on. But what. What do you mean? Like, go ahead, take your time and tell me what you mean.

[B]

So like I said, Edison was diagnosed in February of this year, but the year prior, in October, Edison had fractured his clavicle. And it played a pretty big effect in like one healing. There was like that trauma and then his demeanor started changing that. And then I started after diagnosis, I started putting symptoms together and I was like, wow, it dates back to that moment almost because he had symptoms on and off from October through February. Okay. He would have moments where he would. The frequent urination, but not just frequent urination. I should have realized when he would urinate being a boy, you know, he'd get a little on the seat or the toilet it was crystallizing.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

And I was like. I thought about. I was like, ew, why is this pee crunchy? Like, but then it would be fine, like, the following week. Nothing would. Like, it would be normal. It was almost like his pancreas was, like working on and off at that time. And then, like, he kept having, like, little bouts of sickness. And it wasn't like vomiting or anything. It was just like, oh, he's just not feeling well. Oh, he's just like, not feeling well today. He's tired. And it was just on and off from the moment he fractured his clavicle and was trying to heal. And then January came around and he got the flu. And that just like rapid send him into where he is today, basically. Yeah. So, like at the end of January, like, he still wasn't healed from his clavicle and he got the flu and it was just another thing on top of the fractured clavicle. And he was. The symptoms just went to 10,000. The same symptoms everybody explains the frequent urination, he had vomiting, he had the crystallized urine. It was like extremely prominent at that point. Discoloration in his urine, things like that. So I was like, I really wish I'd have noticed sooner. I probably could have helped him a long time ago as opposed to waiting till February, because they kept telling me, they're like, oh, well, you know, he's got this issue and, oh, he's been on and off sick, so maybe whatever he had is just not out. Oh, he just got over the flu. He's, you know, he's just still getting over it. I'm like, he's not, though. Like, there's something more going on and you feel.

[A]

And even though he's fine and everything worked out fine, you're still beating yourself up about that.

[B]

I was, I was fellow for a while. Especially, like, the biggest thing is like, they. They also, when we were taking like the ambulance ride to Chop, they were like, asking again, like, what made you realize what. And then they would be like, well, what made you wait so long to bring him in? What. What took you so long? And I'm like, nothing took so long. I was bringing him in. He was being treated for the flu. He was being treated for this. He was being told this. Like, we were being told X, Y, Z. You know, it wasn't until this moment I was like, there's something more going on. And they were like, oh, okay, well, do you have experience with it? I'm like, no, I don't have experience with this. Why? It Took so long, like. And so it's just the way they question it. It's making me feel guilty.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, what made you take so long to bring it? And I'm like, it wasn't that I wasn't bringing them in. It's just the way it was being addressed.

[A]

Yeah, it's a lot. And it's a lot of the wording that they use in that moment that puts you in this feeling later.

[B]

Yeah, exactly. And so it was. It was. I carried it. A little bit of guilt. I can say a lot of guilt, because I like looking back on it. I always say to myself, I'm a rational person. I didn't know. I didn't know until I knew.

[A]

Right.

[B]

So, I mean, I only carried it around for about a month or so, and then he was. Edison started saying, you saved my life. It's like. Like, you know, he's like, you knew. He's like. Once you realize he was like, you saved my life. And I thank you for that.

[A]

Well, see, Megan, I don't know if you'll be able to do this or not. I wouldn't give us another thought if I was you. It's not fair to. You know, hindsight is much more focused than you trying to live through it in the moment and pick through things all the time. Like, crunchy pee didn't make you go diabetes. Like, I mean.

[B]

Yeah, exactly.

[A]

What are you gonna do? You know what I mean? Like, you figured it out. He's okay. I say, you know, move forward on that one.

[B]

Definitely moving forward. That's all we can do.

[A]

So. Yeah, no kidding. I appreciate it. All right. Did the kid get his Taco Bell? Eventually, yeah.

[B]

Right after we got out of the hospital. That was our first attempt at counting carbs on our own. And, like, we literally left, left, Chop. We were in the car. We were like, the nearest Taco Bell is here. I'm like, all right, let's calculate. And we were just going. And we just. We went with it, and he was fine.

[A]

I think you guys are doing well. I think you're going to be fine, by the way. I like the way you think about this, and I think you're on a good path, so, I mean, I wish you nothing but success. Is he having the outcomes right now that you're hoping for?

[B]

Yes, we have great control, actually. And thanks to the podcast and thanks to a bunch of, like, other books and such. I did read your book, by the way, which was great.

[A]

You read my book?

[B]

I did, I did.

[A]

Where'd you get It Amazon. Did you have to pay too much for it?

[B]

No. I don't even remember how much I paid. I bought it, like, long ago.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah, I've read it twice because it is a good read.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

It made me chuckle in several parts and I made my husband read it.

[A]

Did he really?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Do you like that story about having sex in the field?

[B]

I do.

[A]

It's. I thought that was a great bit.

[B]

I was. I was like, this is actually really great. And I love that it. The perspective of a stay at home dad. And I was like. I was like, it's. It's. It's awesome.

[A]

Oh, I really like this. Thank you, Megan. Jeez.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Listen, do whatever you want with your thyroid. I don't care.

[B]

No, I'll still go get checked.

[A]

No, I take it back. You don't have to do anything. I appreciate you reading the book. Thank you.

[B]

Yeah. So, I mean, we. We've got great control. Diabetes is going to do its own thing. So, like, his and he's a growing kid, so things are going to change and fluctuate, but for the most part, like, I've gotten to the point where I don't, like, I make changes based on what I know he needs, and I don't even. I've never felt the need to consult. Ask the doctor, hey, is it okay if I do this? Whatever. I'm like, no, he clearly needs this. I'm like, I'm gonna go ahead and do like this. And we manage. If I need to change his basil, I do it. I don't, like, I don't consult with anybody. If I know that he's running, like, a certain way and I've noticed a pattern. I make changes on my own. I've never felt, like, this need to depend on asking the doctors for anything because, like, I know my kid. I know his. His diabetes. At this point, like, I've. I've pretty much followed all of his patterns and I, like, I could just.

[A]

Tell Megan you're doing a great job. I think if you can find a way to help yourself, it'll help everybody. I think you'll probably find a lot of lessons in your own health for his. I hope he has, you know, success with the therapy and finding his way to it. I think probably, you know, not to oversimplify it, but I think that as time passes, you'll see that he'll become more comfortable with this stuff and.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah, before you know it, this part will be over and you won't even remember the first year.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Yeah. It really, it's kind of how it happens. So congratulations. You're doing a great job. You are a really fantastic mom. I don't know if anybody's ever told you that, so. Because your mom, I think, is on crack or something.

[B]

Excuse me.

[A]

I don't know what's wrong. You wouldn't say. So I get to joke about whatever I want. But seriously, like, you're doing a really great job, so good for you. I mean, I think it's. It's well done. I'm figuring you must have learned a lot of lessons raising yourself that you're using now.

[B]

Yes. Well, thank you. I appreciate the hearing. It's just that it's crazy. You just don't know whatever, whatever what's going to happen day to day, so.

[A]

Well, don't forget to tell yourself. Don't forget to tell yourself once in a while you're doing a good job. Okay?

[B]

I try to.

[A]

Good, good. I'm glad. Hold on one second for me, okay?

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Thank you. The podcast episode that you just enjoyed was sponsored by Eversense CGM. They make the ever sense. 365. That thing lasts a whole year. One insertion every year. Come on. You probably feel like I'm messing with you, but I'm not. Eversensecgm.com Juicebox Today's episode of the Juice Box podcast was sponsored by the new Tandem MOBI system and control IQ+ technology. Learn more and get started today at tandemdiabetes.com Juice Box check it out. Touched by Type 1 Sponsored this episode of the Juice Box podcast. Check them [e-mail] on Instagram and Facebook. Give them a follow. Go check out what they're doing. They are helping people with type 1 diabetes in ways you just can't imagine. Okay, well, here we are at the end of the episode. You're still with me. Thank you. I really do appreciate that. What else could you do for for me? Why don't you tell a friend about the show or leave a five star review? Maybe you could make sure you're following or subscribed in your podcast app. Go to YouTube and follow me. Or Instagram TikTok. Oh gosh. Here's one. Make sure you're following the podcast in the private Facebook group as well as the public Facebook page. You don't want to miss, please. Do you not know about the private group? You have to join the private group. As of this recording, it has 74,000 members. They're active, talking about diabetes. Whatever you need to know. There's a conversation happening in there right now and I'm there all the time. Tag me. I'll say hi. Oh my, did I get lucky. The Celebrity Cruise Line reached out to me and said, how would you like to come on a cruise before your Juice Cruise so you can get a real good look at the Celebrity Beyond Cruise Ship and share some video with your listeners? I said, thank you. So that's where I might be right now. If it's December, may actually find the date for you. I'm not 100% sure. I think I'm going in December, right before Christmas. Like, you know, like, I don't know, like the third or fourth week of December. I'm sorry, I know this isn't much of an ad, but if you want to see video from me on the cruise ship, my wife and I are going to head out and really check it out to see what it's all about to grow. Grab some great video for you. Get it up on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook so you can see what you'd be getting if you came along on Juice Cruise 2026, which of course leaves from Miami on June 21, 2026. We're going to be going to Cococay in the Bahamas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis. Do not miss it. It's a great opportunity to meet other people living with type 1 diabetes, to form friendships, to learn things and just swap stories. It's a relaxing vacation with a bunch of people who get what your life is like. And trust me, there's a lot of value in that. Juiceboxpodcast.com JuiceCruise come check it out and go find my socials to see what that ship looks like. There's also a video at my link that's kind of a ship tour for the Celebrity beyond. And let me tell you something, if this ship is a tenth as nice as this video is, I am in for a great time and so are you. Juicebox podcast.com juicecruise Come along, have a podcast. Want it to sound fantastic? Wrong way recording dot com.