OGO Morgans has a close call
Posted December 23rd, 2006 by Wendy LeGateCategories: Wendy Chatter
A central person that makes up Old Growth Oak Morgans as everyone knows is my mother Sandra LeGate. She manages Indian Springs Equestrian Center where many of my foals are born. My mom has always been a healthy and very active but this last year everyone had noticed some changes in her over all health. The weekend after Thanksgiving she got what she thought was the flu and was violently ill for over a week. Just when she thought she might be feeling better things turned quickly for the worse but still ever the trooper my mom assured everyone that she was fine she just needed rest and not to come see her as she didnt want anyone catching whatever she had. I went to see her against her wishes Tues. Dec 5th and was horrified to find that my mom was hanging on the edge of death. As I was taking her to the emergency room she began falling over the edge of that cliff. We were all very fortunate that the staff at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital was able to catch her and pull her back over, they saved her life.
As it turns out my mother has been an undiagnosed diabetic for a minimum of 5 years but more likely closer to 10 without ever knowing it. Due to her already good eating practices and her very active lifestyle she was able to keep it on a level that allowed her to continue to operate in a normal way but this last year has been very stressful on her… the loss of her equine partner, Buddy, ( Higuera Bandido x FarWest Justina) hit her the hardest. Thats likely when she transitioned from Type 2 diabetes that can be controled with diet and excercise to Type 1 where the body no longer produces insulin to handle the blood sugar correctly.
When she arrived at the hospital her blood sugar was over 700 she was severely dehydrated had a potassium level so low her heart shouldnt have even been beating and a septic bladder infection that had spread to her blood. In all respects and purposes the doctors all concured she shouldnt have been alive.
A week in ICU helped her out of the woods and she is now living with me until she can get back on her feet. Her life is forever changed. She is now insulin dependant and will need to gain her muscle mass back. She was under 80 pounds when entering the hospital but after 10 liters of liquids to rehydrate her and some good food she left at a meager but nonetheless better 106 pounds. Her eyes sight was affected and she has lost some feeling in her hands and feet.
It was my moms desire for me to put this post on my blog, the purpose was to inform and warn all those that might be following along with the events at OGO Morgans to pay attention to thier health.
Looking back my mom had many signs of diabites but because there was no one in her family that had it she never once considered herself at risk.
Regular physical exams with blood work will catch diabites and many other problems before they become a risk to your life. If you suspect a loved one may have diabites or any other health problem dont hold back, urge them to get checked out early it could save thier life.
Wendy LeGate
Old Growth Oak Morgans