I woke up to an unbearable thirst and a room littered with empty sachets of water strewn across the room I shared with my brother. I settled for the running tap water while brainstorming on how to hide the fact that I had again peed on the bed. I am twelve and still actively bedwetting.
After all the shaming I experienced from my younger brother, you will think I will stop being a Pee-Queen. My mum also makes me sun my bed outside in the compound we share with four families, and trust the embarrassment moves me to tears every morning on the way to school.
However, before bedtime today, my dad mentioned seeing a doctor tomorrow morning. I am excited not only about missing school. I am also stirred with the hope that the doctor cures my bedwetting.
I was shocked by the doctor’s diagnosis, my parents were too. Initially, they thought my bedwetting issues were due to a developmental problem, but it turns out I might have an illness. As it happens, my excessive thirst and eating habits were symptoms of something more serious. The doctor explained that my frequent weakness and fatigue were likely caused by diabetes.
I always thought diabetes was something that only affected adults like my grandmother. But the doctor told me that there’s a version of diabetes that affects children, which wasn’t exactly reassuring.
I’m not entirely sure what this all means or how my life will change, but the doctor shared some important information. I will be receiving shots of an hormone called insulin, and I’ll also need to adjust my diet, which is known as a diabetic diet. He mentioned that exercise will be important as well, and that sounds like quite a lot to take in.
My mom has been really supportive; she assures me that it won’t be difficult because she’ll be by my side. She promises to make dieting and exercising fun and exciting. My dad even joked that I won’t be the “Pee-Queen” anymore, but maybe the “Dee-Queen” since it stands for Diabetes. They make it seem easier than it feels, and I truly appreciate them for that.
