GD support thread

[madmae]

I hate reading the statistics that GD only effects a low percentage of women. It seems as though there are tons of us that deal with it! Maybe they should update their statistics I feel nauseated an hour after every meal. So over you GESTATIONAL DIABETES!

I think it probably does really only affect a small amount but I think its not until you suffer from it that you even notice others do too. My son suffers from a rare visual impairment and I am an admin on a face book page for it. There's several hundred members.....members being parents, grandparents and sufferers. If you were to look at that you'd think it wasn't that rare but that's people from round the world and not just one country. I think GD is a bit like that in that you naturally gravitate towards people who are going through what you are. Though I do agree that better screening policies mean that more people who perhaps would have slipped through the net are now being diagnosed. The docs looked back at my 4 th pregnancy and all that happened with that and say that if I had been screened back then they think I would have been diagnosed with GD then as well.

What gets me more than anything are those that think they know better than the medical profession when it comes to this. I've heard/read some lovely comments from uninformed people who think they know better than those with medical training just because they can google. I know that docs can and do sometimes get it wrong but overall I do tend to trust them far more than a stranger on the internet who tells me I just need to stop eating sugar and exercise more. If only it were that simple. I just thank god I found this thread as without it I'd still be battling those high breakfast numbers and getting more and more fed up with it all.

 

[daisyfflur]

Hi everyone. After self testing on my own for a couple of weeks I went to the doctors with my results and she agreed that perhaps I wasn't going to be able to control my GD with diet alone. My MW didn't seem overly concerned at my 7.7 result when I had my GTT at 16 weeks so I'm kind of in this on my own. My doctors said she would "sort it out" and call the hospital and find out who the endocrinologist was that I dealt with in my last pregnancy. I'm hoping I hear something today at the very least. I've had two pieces of wholemeal toast this morning carbs 31g, sugar 3.1g and my result was 8.2. I'm hungry all the time. Are you calculating your total carb allocation per meal?

 

[madmae]

Hi everyone. After self testing on my own for a couple of weeks I went to the doctors with my results and she agreed that perhaps I wasn't going to be able to control my GD with diet alone. My MW didn't seem overly concerned at my 7.7 result when I had my GTT at 16 weeks so I'm kind of in this on my own. My doctors said she would "sort it out" and call the hospital and find out who the endocrinologist was that I dealt with in my last pregnancy. I'm hoping I hear something today at the very least. I've had two pieces of wholemeal toast this morning carbs 31g, sugar 3.1g and my result was 8.2. I'm hungry all the time. Are you calculating your total carb allocation per meal?

No I don't count carbs as such. I just try to make sure if I am eating carbs I am also eating protein. So for breakfast I have cheese on toast. If I just had toast my numbers would sometimes be as high as 13.....with the cheese they are consistently below 7.8. If I want a sandwich it is filled with meat. If I have a jacket potato I have something like tuna or prawns with it. It doesn't always work but a lot of the time it does. Though I am on insulin as well which obviously help some.

If you're hungry eat......there's nothing worse than feeling hungry all the time.

 

[madmae]

As for the midwife I have found that unless they are trained in GD they really don't know much about it at all. When I was being induced with my last one they even admitted they didn't know and would be taking their lead from me.

 

[izzy29]

Thanks hakuna - nice of you to say that- I wish all women felt like that - I've come across nasty comments like 'too posh to push' but at least this time I'll be prepared for them. I think I just need to accept and let go of my own sense of failure of not being able to birth my own child. But you never know - maybe just maybe I will go into labour naturally before the section - that they said I am allowed.

Awh Marley, thats a shame that they led you on thinking you could have a natural birth. Maybe now you know a section is a big possibility you can get your head round it. I had an emergency section last time after a long labour, with them knowing all along that it would prob end up that way due to DD's high birth weight but I didnt have a clue, I was totally shocked and traumatised. I dont know what will happen this time but I will just have to go with what way they advise for the best of my and baby.

 

[izzy29]

Just back from the Endo apt, with a prescription for metformin!! I knew the Doc would give it to me this time. She said my numbers are all really good and obv I am keeping good control over them. My fasting is still within rang ebut the upper end of the range so she wanted to intervene now. Any advice from anyone taking it would be much appreciated. Does it lower your overall levels? Do you have to be less strict with your diet? Does it increase your likelihood of needing Insulin later on or not make a difference?

 

[daisyfflur]

I did get a call from the Diabetes clinic and they are making me an appointment for next week. So relieved. She asked what I'd been eating to give the high results and possibly I've been eating the wrong things. She said to steer clear of fruit and eat eggs and bacon for breakfast (oh well, if I must) and protein salads for dinner. I had the most tedious lunch, an egg, cottage cheese, some ham and chicken...oh and some sugar free jelly which cheered me up no end. In the end it was a result of 4.5 so thats something at least.

On the subject of induction, as I'm considered high risk, (GD & previous c-section after failed induction at 40 weeks) I was told that my hospital GWH in Swindon had agreed a policy that they wouldn't induce after a c-section because of risk of rupture but Bath hospital had no such policy. I'm so totally fine with a c-section again, 1) so I can remember to do all the things I'm supposed to do after birth which I was too tired to do after being awake for 40 hours after previous induction and 2) so they can sort out my hypertrophic scar. The thought of being all breezy and wide awake to remember to feed and do skin to skin fills me with joy!

 

[tracy143]

Hey all
Had a bit of a day of it today - basically broke down crying at consultant appointment. It was potentially my last one. All along I've been told that I could have an induction (using the cathether method) but with no drugs at 38+4 because I've had a previous c-section. They were never 100% keen - prefering I went straight to c-section but respected I wanted to try a vaginal birth. I was even given a date to go in for this. Then today, I went in thought we'd be discussing growth scan and what time to come in and was told they will not do the catheter induction AT ALL and booked me in for c-section. I feel so upset that they have knowingly led me on all this time. I've done so much research on it and felt really happy about it and the potential for a vbac. I think they were secretly hoping my last growth scan LO would be huge and mean automatic section as that's what happened last time - and then they'd be able to back out without having to tell me they wouldn't have done it anyway.
They have agreed to do two stretch and sweeps - one at 38 weeks (they will try break waters same day if poss) and one at 38+5 if no joy then the section has been booked for the morning of 39 weeks.
I really cried at the appointment - I think all the frustration of everything and the way they have treated me just came out. The consultant was then very nice and even gave me hug and apologised saying he just wanted me to be safe but I wish I'd known this all along.
Still I'm going to try and be really positive now about the stretch and sweeps and hope they work for me. Baby is partly engaged -3/5 so at least that is something. Just feel that ever being able to have a vaginal birth has slipped through my fingers so was quite hard thing for me to deal with - esp as I got depression after not birthing my daughter the normal way.
Now can't sleep - what a day. Didn't help clinic was really hot, no aircon and because of bank holiday they had double the amount of ladies in - a total wait of 4 hours with no snacks and a hypo to boot before I even got in to see them. Ended up having to eat chocolate from machine - at least that tasted nice!

Marley,

I am so sad for you. I know how much you wanted a vbac. That is the one thing that terrifies me, having to have a c-section. I go in on Friday for another growth scan. I will be 34+2. I pray everything will work out for you and that you will avoid that nasty depression this time around.

 

[hakunamatata]

Well ladies day 3 of the induction and I'm still here with no baby. The pessaries didn't really do much was only 1cm dilated after 2nd one but was told they should be able to break my waters and I was next to go down. That was at 6pm last night its now 6am and still here lol x I'm getting all emotional and crying at everything x hope all is well with you all x just please keep your fingers crossed makes and appearance today at some point x

Good luck honey, hope your baby makes an appearance soon

 

[hakunamatata]

I did get a call from the Diabetes clinic and they are making me an appointment for next week. So relieved. She asked what I'd been eating to give the high results and possibly I've been eating the wrong things. She said to steer clear of fruit and eat eggs and bacon for breakfast (oh well, if I must) and protein salads for dinner. I had the most tedious lunch, an egg, cottage cheese, some ham and chicken...oh and some sugar free jelly which cheered me up no end. In the end it was a result of 4.5 so thats something at least.

On the subject of induction, as I'm considered high risk, (GD & previous c-section after failed induction at 40 weeks) I was told that my hospital GWH in Swindon had agreed a policy that they wouldn't induce after a c-section because of risk of rupture but Bath hospital had no such policy. I'm so totally fine with a c-section again, 1) so I can remember to do all the things I'm supposed to do after birth which I was too tired to do after being awake for 40 hours after previous induction and 2) so they can sort out my hypertrophic scar. The thought of being all breezy and wide awake to remember to feed and do skin to skin fills me with joy!

Yeah isn't it funny how fruit becomes the potentially problematic food and it's recommended to eat eggs and bacon!

 

[Doodar]

Hey ladies, never did get round to adding you on fb. Just updating now so if anyone wants to add me. PM me and I'll give you details x

 

[rt1397]

I did get a call from the Diabetes clinic and they are making me an appointment for next week. So relieved. She asked what I'd been eating to give the high results and possibly I've been eating the wrong things. She said to steer clear of fruit and eat eggs and bacon for breakfast (oh well, if I must) and protein salads for dinner. I had the most tedious lunch, an egg, cottage cheese, some ham and chicken...oh and some sugar free jelly which cheered me up no end. In the end it was a result of 4.5 so thats something at least.

On the subject of induction, as I'm considered high risk, (GD & previous c-section after failed induction at 40 weeks) I was told that my hospital GWH in Swindon had agreed a policy that they wouldn't induce after a c-section because of risk of rupture but Bath hospital had no such policy. I'm so totally fine with a c-section again, 1) so I can remember to do all the things I'm supposed to do after birth which I was too tired to do after being awake for 40 hours after previous induction and 2) so they can sort out my hypertrophic scar. The thought of being all breezy and wide awake to remember to feed and do skin to skin fills me with joy!

Hi sorry to go off topic but we're having our babies at the same hospital as I live in Swindon too Although this is my third pregnancy this is the first one at GWH. They've been alot better at monitoring me cos of preterm births I hadn't been diagnosed with GD in either of my previous. Sorry as I say off topic just wanted to point that out

 

[marley79]

Hi ladies
thanks so much for cheering me up with your supportive comments. You're all amazing!!! This thread has really helped me. I'm feeling more positive today and really going to try all the natural induction methods. I've decided to think like I'm having a natural birth - as I will be disappointed regardless if its c-sec, as even if I mentally prepare - that hope will be there even if I pretend it is not. The way I feel now I'd be happy just to experience part of labour - like contractions, at least that would be something and i could feel like I had a taste of what its all about. I know that may sound wierd to some of you - lol! It's just such a psychological thing with me and such a complex emotional issue. So today I've booked three reflexology sessions - one the morning of my sweep and am bounding around on my birthing ball. I saw midwife today and she was quite frustrated at consultant - said he's c-sec happy etc but agreed that there's not much that I can do now except hope things get moving and try not to hold anger about it - though she clearly has issues with him :0) . She did feel he should do a mild induction but its in the consultants hands and not theirs sadly. baby is half engaged - so at least that is something. I really hope my cervix does the do now and opens enough for them to break waters when I have my sweep. Does anyone know if they break waters how long they leave you before they would want to do section - bearing in mind they won't use any drugs to speed up.
Big hugs to all and thanks again x

 

[izzy29]

Not sure of them manually breaking waters but I know naturally they gave me antibiotics 24 hrs after to prevent infection. Prob completely diff though

 

[Doodar]

Marley hun I'm sorry they led you up the garden path, I've heard this so many times before when it comes to vbacs. It's so unfair. I know exactly how you feel. I was told around the same time as you when I had DD that I would have to have section and it hit me like a ton of bricks, I cried buckets and I hated every minute of it. I'm sure it was a contributing factor towards my pnd and definately the reason me and hubby decided not to have any more children, hence the vasectomy! and here I am again. This time I was adament that I would be having a vbac come hell or high water, but in the early stages of pregnancy I was told no way and then with every other complication that has come along It kinda went out of my head. As it happens baby is breech anyway so I'm not left with much choice. I do feel a bit better about having a c-section this time round. I don't know if thats because I am older now than when I had DD or if its because I've had more time to get used to the idea. I do know that I wouldn't be happy if I had been told I could have a vbac, only to then be told no you can't. That really stinks and I really feel for you. I know what your saying and I too would give anything just to experience labour and childbirth how its meant to be and it chews me up to think that I'll never get that. At the moment I'm feeling calm about the c-section, not happy about it but just calm. I really dont want to go down the pnd route again and it terrifies me that the section could do that. I know lots have things have changed since I had my last c-section and I pray to god that my expectations arent too high and I'm going to come crashing down with a bang. I'm keeping everything crossed that you go into natural labour hun and you get your wish

 

[sarahgx4]

Hi ladies
thanks so much for cheering me up with your supportive comments. You're all amazing!!! This thread has really helped me. I'm feeling more positive today and really going to try all the natural induction methods. I've decided to think like I'm having a natural birth - as I will be disappointed regardless if its c-sec, as even if I mentally prepare - that hope will be there even if I pretend it is not. The way I feel now I'd be happy just to experience part of labour - like contractions, at least that would be something and i could feel like I had a taste of what its all about. I know that may sound wierd to some of you - lol! It's just such a psychological thing with me and such a complex emotional issue. So today I've booked three reflexology sessions - one the morning of my sweep and am bounding around on my birthing ball. I saw midwife today and she was quite frustrated at consultant - said he's c-sec happy etc but agreed that there's not much that I can do now except hope things get moving and try not to hold anger about it - though she clearly has issues with him :0) . She did feel he should do a mild induction but its in the consultants hands and not theirs sadly. baby is half engaged - so at least that is something. I really hope my cervix does the do now and opens enough for them to break waters when I have my sweep. Does anyone know if they break waters how long they leave you before they would want to do section - bearing in mind they won't use any drugs to speed up.
Big hugs to all and thanks again x

When are you due?

 

[sarahgx4]

Well today was my 1st ob appointment since being diagnosed with GD. My doctor was very brief with me, and seemed to rush me out the door in less than ten minutes. I was told when he called me with the GD diagnosis that I was going to be put on the type 2 diabetes pill. Well today I was told I need to keep changing my diet, and that my levels are too high even when I wake up in the morning. IDK what to do. I'm trying really hard to make my levels perfect and I feel as though I'm failing. I thought for sure he'd want to sit and have a conversation with me on what he thinks I should be doing, how many carbs I should be taking in or whether or not he's concerned with LO's size. I dont even have a growth scan appointment. Anyone else have an experience like this?

 

[madmae]

My OB doesn't deal with GD. I am seen at the same appt by a seperate team and they all work together. So does your OB actually know a lot about GD? Perhaps you called call his office and speak to someone and see if they can refer you to someone who can help. At 32 weeks you don't have a lot of time left to get your numbers sorted and you should be getting a lot of guidance from them.

 

[jenny25]

Hi girls I posted the other day that I found out I have gd I went to my appointment yesterday and I got my numbers it was 4.5 before and 8.7 2 hours after at first they said about changing diet too see if the diet can control my levels if that doesn't work then I will be put on metformin or insulin, I've been on metformin up until 16 weeks for pcos and recurrent losses I'm due too go back next thus too go over my levels in my book x

 

[izzy29]

Jenny I think we are due the same date!! I am starting Metformin tomorrow. Did you hae any side effects? The doc told me it might make me feel a bit sick but to perservere with it but I googles it and the symptoms seem a bit more severe for people with vomiting and diarrohea. I am a bit scared to take it. My number are fine during the day, its just the fasting numbers that are creeping up to the high side of normal and I suppose there is nothing I can do about those. I also have pcos but have never been treated for it.