Marydean, I have had 2 kids diagnosed in February this year. My then 15 month old and my then 8 yo. It was very frightening so I understand how your sister feels. The amount of information they throw at you at first is confusing but after a while it becomes second nature. The pumps everyone has told you about are about $8000 per pump however the government has recently given a rebate for them. Unfortunately the rebate is means tested. The hospital will tell your sister (if she isn't already) to join basic hospital cover in a PHI as this will actually cover the cost of the pump (under implantibles) after 12 months cover. Your sister will need to apply to the National Diabetes Services Scheme and this will entitle her to free needles and Centrelink will issue a health care card so the cost of the insulin is cheaper. JDRF is a fantastic place for info and also when you need to get the pump. They are the ones that work out the rebate.
My kids have been on the needles now since we found out and with my toddler we are still having trouble with her levels but my son is usually ok. We still have days when he will go high or low but he is pretty good. If you need any more info then you can pm me.
Big hugs for your niece and sister as I know how hard it is at the start
Kim I can only imagine how distressing your year has been. Thank you very much for that info about pumps. That sounds like the sort of advice that gets missed depending on who you're talking to at the hospital, so I will pass that on to my sister. She's still a bit shell shocked (it's only been a little more than a week) but already it sounds like they are both coping a lot better with "the new normal".
Glad to hear that your sister seems to be coping. It is very daunting at first but soon becomes 2nd nature. Your niece will probably get used to it before your sister lol. We have heard that my youngest DD is being offered a pump through a local community group where I live and it seems to be happening at the end of this month We are very happy about that as you can imagine. That will make life so much easier for her and for us as we won't have to give her 4+ needles a day. Hopefully your sister and niece have a great diabetic team as that can make all the difference as well. I have had to make numerous midnight phone calls and have had answers there and then. We are quite famous in the diabetic world as it is very unusual to have 2 siblings diagnosed at the same time lol. Not that that gave us special treatment (bummer lol) I'm sure your sister will be told to watch out for when your niece gets sick as it can affect her sugar levels and also to have her eyes tested. She should also be checked for coeliacs as diabetics are prone to it as well. Sorry if this is a lot of info but I'm remembering about more stuff.
Hope some of this helps. PM me any time with any questions
Thanks again Kim. I bet you're really pleased about getting the pump! My sister has already mentioned levels when sick and eye testing so they sound on top of that, but I will mention the coeliacs too. I bet your head is stuffed full of info you'd much rather never needed to know
To true lol. One problem your sister will find is that nearly all the school snacks are high in sugar. I am in talks with my local supermarket to start stocking diabetic food (we are getting a new Coles) and I'm hoping that will help solve some of the problems. Even some of the healthy food (like fruit) is naturally high in sugar and are therefore exchanges. I'm sure your family will get the hang of it in no time.
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I can only imagine how distressing your year has been. Thank you very much for that info about pumps. That sounds like the sort of advice that gets missed depending on who you're talking to at the hospital, so I will pass that on to my sister. She's still a bit shell shocked (it's only been a little more than a week) but already it sounds like they are both coping a lot better with "the new normal".
We are very happy about that as you can imagine. That will make life so much easier for her and for us as we won't have to give her 4+ needles a day. Hopefully your sister and niece have a great diabetic team as that can make all the difference as well. I have had to make numerous midnight phone calls and have had answers there and then. We are quite famous in the diabetic world as it is very unusual to have 2 siblings diagnosed at the same time lol. Not that that gave us special treatment (bummer lol) I'm sure your sister will be told to watch out for when your niece gets sick as it can affect her sugar levels and also to have her eyes tested. She should also be checked for coeliacs as diabetics are prone to it as well. Sorry if this is a lot of info but I'm remembering about more stuff.
My sister has already mentioned levels when sick and eye testing so they sound on top of that, but I will mention the coeliacs too. I bet your head is stuffed full of info you'd much rather never needed to know 
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