Tag Archive for: glucose levels

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Living With Wolfram Syndrome – Adam Zwan

Worst So Far – My Hypoglycemic Seizure

Moving out on my own in April 2015 is a chance for me to increase my confidence and begin experiencing more of life’s treasures. On the other hand, there are some health risks and family worries due to my taking a chance on my own. I tell myself to be thankful to have such a close-knit family that loves and cares as much as they do.

Diabetes is the cause of most worries and I make the best of it by saying “that’s just the hand I was dealt in life.” On April 2nd this year I moved into my new one bedroom apartment where everything I will need is in walking distance. In order to relieve my father having to take me to the gym every morning as early as 5 a.m. I moved into an apartment located only one mile down the street from the gym. Along with the gym there is a Wal-Mart, doctor offices, and restaurants just beyond the parking lot. Obviously my mission was accomplished moving within walking distance of necessities. However, a health glitch occurred due to my slight change in routine upon the move in day.

Image of hypoglycemic seizureMy everyday routine, regarding exercise and nutrition, was altered resulting in a hypoglycemic seizure. My glucose dropped as I was home alone and the orange juice I drank did not do the trick. I ended up getting exhausted and after taking a shower I decided to lie down for 20 minutes. Two hours later I woke up to a room filled with family members and EMT. I was lying in bed in a puddle of sweat with an IV in my arm. I was told that I survived one of the worst seizures I have ever had and that due to the seizure I got dehydrated.

Further, the seizure was explained in detail informing me that this was the first time my heart rate plummeted and I lost consciousness. I was given a glucagon shot that caused my liver to release glycogen and increase my glucose level. An ambulance ride was offered and I declined because all was fine after gaining my bearings. Knowing what happened and why made the whole occurrence a learning experience. I now know how important it is for me to follow routine and stay regimented.

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Living With Wolfram Syndrome – Adam Zwan

flyinointmentFly in the Ointment

My uncle was the head baseball coach at Tulane University for a little more than 20 years and he, my aunt and I attended the Tulane alumni event in New Orleans, LA. When I was younger I used to be the equipment manager for the Rick Jones Tulane Baseball camp every summer for about 12 years. Thus, I got to know the players, coaches, and several alumni in previous years that also attended the 2015 Tulane alumni event. I had a fantastic time but simultaneously I felt like a man surrounded by worry.

Between glucose levels, food availability, catheterization, and Gastro Paresis there was always a question and or worry in the air. I was asked every hour how I was feeling and what my glucose is. Each day and night the meals occurred at the same time to the minute making sure I do not cause any problem because I strayed off from my routine. Like usual, restaurant choices and food offering were analyzed prior to dinning so that I did not run into issues with my digestive system. Each night my aunt was adamant about having peanut butter, orange juice and crackers on standby in case hypoglycemia occurred. Before attending the alumni baseball game my aunt pointed out that she was bringing her purse packed with peanut butter crackers, orange juice, protein bars, and bottled water; I made her fall out laughing when I said “let’s forget sitting in the stands and just tailgate in the parking lot.”

All in all, I had a wonderful time talking, laughing, and seeing faces I have not seen in many years. Even though I felt like a fly in the ointment and Mardi Gras was taking place, which made it a little tough to get around, I had the time of my life and would relive it just the same.

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