14 year old smells of acetone

[DakotaFanny]

Just that really....he says he feels absolutely fine but the following things are really bothering me.

He smells like I smelt when I did Atkins! He eats plenty of carbs.

He is suddenly heavy eyed- his lids are more closed than usual. But maybe he is just tired! He’s been up a bit in the night going to the loo etc.

He’s drinking loads (but seems to be doing this because he’s been told we should drink 8 glasses a day etc.

He’s weeing a lot (see sleeping but also, increased liquids so of course he Is!)

It’s all so easily explained, except for the smell, and as I said he says he feels absolutely fine.

Would anyone be worried??? (He is never ill!)

Thank you oh wise mumsnetters.

So sorry for your son but v glad you got a swift diagnosis. Best of luck

I got type 1 as a teen. I am now in my forties and can honestly say it hasn't stopped me from doing anything - including some pretty adventurous travel, trekking etc.

What a good comment. It's true you can do so much nowadays. I've been to China, South Africa and Australia on beautiful walks. I lived alone no problem. I've been drunk. I've fell in love, got married and been pregnant. My life experiences are normal. Just sometimes I need to stop and eat or test or inject. Rest of my life is pretty normal.

Hi OP, my dh is an insulin dependent diabetic. Still waiting on official T1 diagnosis (long story I won’t go into) but he’s only been on insulin for a few months. He uses the Freestyle Libre and apart from a few blips with faulty sensors it has been amazing. It has made his first few months on insulin so much less stressful and allowed him to achieve pretty good control. I can see his readings via the app as well, which I imagine for a parent worrying about a child would be very reassuring.

Or you could look at getting a pump.

Our diet has changed somewhat since he got the Libre because we can see clearly what effect certain foods have.

We are members of diabetes UK and receive an informative magazine every couple of months, so I would recommend you join that.

We have also joined some Facebook groups for T1 diabetics which has been very useful, and dh (who does a lot of running and cycling) follows Ian Gallen’s advice on the runsweet website for how to dose on days when he’s taking a lot of exercise.

I did find coming to terms with it hard, and worry a lot about my dc who have an increased risk of developing it too (my dh was first diagnosed when I was pg with dc1, but told he was T2; 18 years later told he probably has latent T1 after all, so I have been worrying all these years - unfortunately it never goes away!).

HTH and best of luck.

I so feel for you, OP. I know there are a lot of big emotions heading your way but you just saved his life. At some point things will feel normal again but that may not be for a while. Seems like a good idea to reach out to other parents of T1s, whether on here or through the hospital, but it is ok to feel sad and overwhelmed just now. Your admiration for your son at this stage is a beautiful thing. Lots of people thinking of you all and wishing you well.

Awww, thanks guys. We’ve been busy watching the (amazing) Videos from the diabetes clinic in the hospital and making notes! I will get this right. Feeling a bit ore positive.

DS is just about to have another snooze so think I might put my feet up on his bed and try and catch a by myself.

So good to know you are all there. dH due in very soon after sorting the practicalities at home- workmen in, daughter to school, dog sorted, bags of provisions packed. I know both of us will feel better when he gets here.

Unmumsnetty kisses again- I will be forever grateful. Xxxx

Eek, lots of typos! Sorry- a tad tired!

We just confirmed what you thought OP, well done for taking him in - is he still in hospital?

I ran the London Marathon the year Sir Steve Redgrave did it, they had blood testing stations round the course so you could check (which he used). Theresa May is also diabetic, Nick Jonas - it's all going to be a bit overwhelming at the moment, but as time goes on you'll notice more examples of good management.

Yes he is Croissant- probably till Saturday and definitely till tomorrow. At least I get a bed tonight!

Blood sugar issues are so daunting. What’s really good news is that even without a diagnosis, you picked up that something was wrong based on symptoms - the fact that you now know there’s a problem, will have medication and the equipment to monitor it is great news. Just know your son can live just as fantastic a life as before, with some planning and care everything will be fine. Hang in there

My child was diagnosed in dec at 7. It’s bloody hard the first few months and to be honest it’s still catches me now and again now. Be prepared for lots of tears (from yourself too) but look at all the positive stories and don’t read anything negative til you feel a bit stronger.

What good instincts you have. You are a good Mum :)

Look out for yourself as well Dakota. It’s a big adjustment for you too x

My DS was in a week when he was diagnosed. I would take the little ones to school then go straight to the hospital. A friend would pick them up .and have them till DH could get there. I then would stay at the hospital till they kicked me out around 11pm. It's coming up to 2 years since his diagnosis and it seems to have flown past.

I have saved the post about Grandad on the war ship he is going to love that.

Glad you and ds are getting the treatment he needs. It is very daunting at the moment but will soon become second nature at times you will both feel angry about his diagnosis. But he will get good care and it is manageable a steep learning curve but take in in your stride and look after each other.

Wow, MN can be bloody amazing at times.

Take care OP.

A friend's teenager has just been diagnosed T1, they were in hospital for nearly 2 weeks as they were struggling to get blood sugars to the right level, but they are now home. They have to have a few more days off school, I assume so they can get used to the new regime.

My friend and her DH have had a number of sessions with nurses/dieticians to help them with the diagnosis.

Well done for responding so quickly. What a shock for you all but I'm sure it will be fine in time once you all get your head around it and adjust. Sending lots of best wishes your way xxx

Threads like this demonstrate how brilliant mumsnet can be.

for you and your son Dakota

OMG that was a roller coaster of a thread. So glad you trusted your instincts OP and good catch MN. Can't help thinking this thread should be kept somewhere safe to help anyone else who happens to have similar symptoms.

I'm glad you got him checked so quickly. Mums instinct should never be ignored (mums always know best). on the plus side, your DH will always have to agree you are right

I know you must all feel shocked but It will get easier and just become part of his routine, like brushing teeth.

Best wishes and hope you are home soon.

www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/testing/continuous-glucose-monitoring-cgm%3famp

Probably not for right now but here is some info about continuous glucose monitoring. It’s only available on the nhs under special circumstances but it can be self funded if within your means.

Very best of luck. My friend is going through the same thing just now, only about 3 months down the line. It’s been one hell of a roller coaster. The pancreas will be sporadically and unpredictability producing insulin itself which means predicting the dose of insulin needed is very difficult indeed. It’s so hard not to get frustrated but don’t beat yourselves up if it feels like you can’t get a grip or the insulin regimen he needs. It’ll come with time. There will be a lot of nhs support available to you and your family and remember that you can see your gp if you’re finding the mental or emotional adjustment hard.

Well done OP. You've done well by your boy.
There's loads of good advice on here and in time this will all become part of your daily routine.
Just a word though about online forums/facebook groups. They're fabulous and I genuinely learn something new every day that I wouldn't have found out otherwise. There's always an answer or multiple answers to concerns and queries.

Having said that, although I wouldn't be without them now, I had to step away from them for a while a few weeks after my DC diagnosis as I found it all too overwhelming.
I was then able to rationalise that people tend to post when they're having problems. Always try to be mindful of that and the fact that type 1s around the world live happy normal lives, albeit with a bit more forward planning required.
Be kind to yourself and take it all one day at a time. You'll be well supported by your team and in time, although you can't imagine it now, you'll be making decisions and have the confidence to do that.
Oh, and technology is advancing at a rapid rate which will only make this condition much easier to manage.
for you.

Totally what mint choc said. I had to step away from the Facebook pages and even deleted most of them as they were doom and gloom and I found them upsetting. Also had to realise that people mainly post when they are upset / worried etc. Just be careful of them and how they can make you feel rubbish sometimes. 9 months in and I don’t always look at them every day depending on how I’m feeling.

Glad you took him in and he’s being treated and given lots of info.

This thread is educational!

Well that's quite the shock to get. He'll adjust with time, then rebel, then adjust. It's a shitty age to get it at funnily enough.