Gestational Diabetes....

[bexyd31]

Morning Everyone,

I was thinking about you all evening Fairygirl - I hope you are ok I guess it has kinda helped me put everything else into perspective and made me realise how lucky I am.

I hope everyone else is ok too - sorry to hear your now having on insulin too Pixelle I agree, Penny is so lovely, she spent ages with me practicing with the needle. It really does get easier, amazingly - suprisingly I'm kinda ok with injecting now lol

My (very long) visit to the clinic on Weds went ok, I don't have pre-eclampsia but they have picked up some sort of liver disfunction?? My ALT count was high and I have had more bloods taken of which I am waiting the results. The consultant said my baby's growth was ok, obviously her tummy measurement was high, but that just showed that the diabetes was having some impact.

They have increased my novorapid to 3 times a day and told me to take 14mls each time - and then increase by 4mls every two days until it works - its still made no impact yet, so I am increasing to 18mls today. I may have to start having the long lasting insulin from next week. They could not fit me into clinic next week so I have to phone Penny instead and go back on the 29th when I have another scan I just want to get to the right dose of insulin now so I can stop having the high blood sugars and chill out a bit.

A bit of good news is that I have been signed off work now, so have stopped working two weeks before my mat leave was due to start. I feel like a big weight been lifted off my shoulders - it was all getting too much; looking after my two boys, housework, dealing with GD and then work etc etc. My poor Hubby couldn't do much more either as he is back working 11-12hr shifts now the summer is over. So now, I can just concentrate on trying to get my GD under control and having a healthy, stress free pregnancy (once I've finished all the housework, dropped and picked up kids from school/activities, cooked tea, made sandwiches, done food shopping and all washing and ironing )

Sending big hugs to you all - especially you Fairygirl

Bexy x x

 

[Pixelle]

I too had you in my thoughts, Fairygirl. I hope you're okay

Glad your baby is ok and you don't have pre-eclampsia Bexy
Good luck for your blood results.
Great that you're not working now and can now concentrate on controlling the GD

Surprisingly I've found it quite easy to inject so far. I still don't like it but just have to grit my teeth and get on with it.
My levels have already come down, so the insulin seems to be working for now.

Had MW appointment yesterday and she was annoyed that no one at the hospital had written in my notes about now being on insulin. Also I've had protein in my urine for 3 weeks and higher BP but was told not to worry...she's annoyed about that too as they should have investigated apparently.

So now I'm being monitored for pre-eclampsia/hypertension which is a bit scary. My urine result should come back on Monday and we'll go from there.

It seems like every week something else happens! I've been feeling very anxious lately, constant worrying about everything from the state of our flat (trying to get people in to do some work but their schedules are tight and we only have 7 weeks - if they can't do it before then, I'll have to move out with baby for a week!) to what my next appointment with various health people will bring! I can't even seem to make a simple decision about anything!
It sounds silly though really, baring in mind what others are going through.

Had an argument with the GP receptionist this morning. I handed in my prescription request for needles for the insulin and some more metformin, on Wednesday afternoon. As the hospital only supplied me with 5 needles, they're all used now, I was assured my prescription would be ready for this morning. It's not. I have to go back after 4.30 so I'll miss a dose of insulin at lunchtime.
Doesn't sound like a big deal but it's just so annoying. If it's not ready this afternoon I'll have to go without all weekend!

Haven't been getting a lot of sleep at night due to pain in my legs and hips so I'm emotional and grumpy...more than normal

We'll be sorting out the nursery at the weekend so hopefully that'll cheer me up or knacker me out

Sorry to go on....just don't really have anyone to talk to.

to everyone.

 

[thesmiths88]

Hi Pixelle

Sorry to hear you're feeling a bit down
Glad to hear the insulin is working for you - mine has seemed to steady out now I've been taking two types too.
I've had protein in my urine for a few weeks now too and I assume they must send it off to be analysed but I never hear anything - so am assuming everything is okay! My blood pressure is okay though.
I had the same thing with my GP reception - I needed the needles for the insulin but the hospital hadn't written a prescription for it - only a note saying I was only insulin, so they were saying I couldn't have the needles! I did manage to talk them round but I agree, its a pain.
Ditto with me re the pain in hips sleeping - I think I have SPD. Mine started around 20 weeks when I had pains in hips at night - midwife got me a brace which made no difference at all so I stopped using it. Over the past few days it has got worse - now getting very bad pains across groin/top of legs when I stand up (makes me hobble) and when I turn over in bed. Don't think there is anything they can do about it though - at least its only for a few more weeks!

 

[CelticNiamh]

We have had some very sad news. Baby is extremely ill (not GD related) and the prognosis is very poor.
I wish you girls the best and every happiness xxxx

Im so sorry Im going to pray that baby pulls through you take care

 

[Tanikit]

Pixelle you can reuse needles - while they say they are single use only, they really aren't and it is better not to miss a dose and rather use an older needle again (its only going into you so there is no risk of infection or transmitting diseases) While it is better to change needles often they can in fact be used over and over til blunt - the dose does though get more inaccurate the older the needle is.

Fairygirl thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers.

 

[Claudia123]

Well I had my three hour test yesterday and feel so emotional now. I am so worried about it. I made a mistake of googling it and didn't realize that the baby could now have birth defects because of this. I just can't take the stress of this. I am also so worrried about an enormous baby. I know it sounds like a silly thing to worry about, but I want a little baby, not a huge one.

I just can't believe this is happening. I am a healthy weight. I exercise, eat healthy. I can't believe it. I gained 20 pounds so far, but my doctor said I was right on track. I am taking this really hard.

 

[natalie7]

i had gd in my last pregnacy insulin dependant and my babs was perfect and only 6 12oz dont belive everything u read and hear x x

 

[sarafused]

Claudia, the stress from worrying is probably worse on the two of you than the potential GD. I would say the problems only arise from extreme cases where there is no medical intervention, diet control, monitoring etc etc.

I had GD with my first, just diet controlled. I was induced at 38+1 and he was 8lb 5oz, 52cm and pure muscle. Not a cm of baby fat on him, very tall and lean. He needed a tiny drop of formula during the first night but then he was fine apart from some jaundice which all babys can develop.

My appointment last Friday was honestly a waste of time. The nurse told me my diet was perfect and I ate very well and regular which was very important. The only downside was Ive been eating too much breakfast, turns out the "allowance" is only one weetabix, not two. Luckily Ive cut down on that and still been full enough on it.

My morning level is now hanging around 5.4 so I shall see the doctor on Wednesday and see what happens next. They may want to put me on one dose of evening insulin. I asked the nurse and they prefer not to do the tablets here but I may fight my corner on this considering my other values are still perfect. I guess it also depends on how big baby is looking at the scan the doctor does, really hoping baby will finally show the gender though!

 

[bexyd31]

Good Morning Ladies

I hope everyone is well today - your still in my thoughts Fairygirl, I spent some time reading through your journal this morning, I am so sorry you are going through this....sending you big hugs

I'm feeling ok today, although really really tired after what turned out to be a pretty busy weekend. I'm still really struggling to keep my blood sugar under control. My fasting levels are creeping up during the day and my after meal readings are still in the 8's - although this is an improvement. I wonder if I do now need a long lasting insulin - I will ring Penny (the diabetes midwife) on weds and speak to her about it.

I still have not heard anything about my follow up blood tests (ALT levels) so am assuming that its ok.

I hope your ok Claudia123, I think it is perfectly normal to feel emotional at this stage....I hope you get a good result from your GTT, but if not at least you will have been diagnosed in plenty of time and will get the best possible treatment. Try not to worry from your googling (we've all done it!), my midwife did say to me that if you have had your 20 week anomly scan and everything seemed ok, then it was unlikely that the GD will cause any birth defects at this stage. And please remember, you are not responsible for your GD through your lifestyle choices - your placental hormones are stopping your insulin from working. Let us know how you get on

Sorry to hear your in pain with SPD thesmiths88, but glad your insulin is leveling things out for you

Thanks for sharing that info about needles with us Tanikit , thats useful info to know as GP's can make getting prescriptions difficult!

Hey Pixelle , hope you had a nice weekend sorting out your nursery - its good to have some time to focus on the nice bits of being pregnant and the whole reason you are going through this I hope you are getting on ok with the insulin and are still finding your levels are improving. Easy for me to say I know, but try not to stress to much about your flat as its no good for your blood sugar levels! I hope you get a good result from your Pre-eclampsia test today - let us know how you get on

Thank you all for your support and advice on this thread, it makes such a difference to be able share my thoughts with others who understand

Love Bexy x x

 

[bexyd31]

Claudia, the stress from worrying is probably worse on the two of you than the potential GD. I would say the problems only arise from extreme cases where there is no medical intervention, diet control, monitoring etc etc.

I had GD with my first, just diet controlled. I was induced at 38+1 and he was 8lb 5oz, 52cm and pure muscle. Not a cm of baby fat on him, very tall and lean. He needed a tiny drop of formula during the first night but then he was fine apart from some jaundice which all babys can develop.

My appointment last Friday was honestly a waste of time. The nurse told me my diet was perfect and I ate very well and regular which was very important. The only downside was Ive been eating too much breakfast, turns out the "allowance" is only one weetabix, not two. Luckily Ive cut down on that and still been full enough on it.

My morning level is now hanging around 5.4 so I shall see the doctor on Wednesday and see what happens next. They may want to put me on one dose of evening insulin. I asked the nurse and they prefer not to do the tablets here but I may fight my corner on this considering my other values are still perfect. I guess it also depends on how big baby is looking at the scan the doctor does, really hoping baby will finally show the gender though!

Hey Sarafused,

Glad your to see your managing your GD so well with - I can't seem to go near weetabix anymore unless I want a reading of over 13, which is a shame as I was eating one with a banana every morning before I was diagnosed!

I hope your doctors appointment goes well on Weds, and you finally find out whether you have a little boy or girl - how exciting!!!!

Bexy x x

 

[sarafused]

Im another one in the insulin brigade!

Just a very small amount of long acting for night time, Im starting at 8 units and seeing how that goes now. Its actually not painful at all. I see the doctor again in 3 weeks for another growth scan then at 38 weeks.

 

[Pixelle]

Hello ladies

Not posted on thread for a little while as had a bit of a hectic time and also been feeling crap about the GD, so didn't want to come and moan!

Had an appointment for the clinic today but just had a phonecall telling me that it's manic over there and to phone Penny (Diabetes MW) for a telephone consultation. Suits me fine....I've had to go there for the past 4 weeks so a week off is great!

All my levels are now controlled and mostly below 7.8, 1 hour after meals. A few have crept slightly over after dinner so she's upped my insulin to 6ml before dinner, just to pre-empt them going too high again. Still on 4ml for morning, lunch and overnight. And still on Metformin tablets 2 times a day.
Pleased with how it's going and I find I can eat "normal" food, if I check the labels closely.

Craving Fajitas at the moment and they have no effect on my blood sugar so am very happy about that!

Not heard anything about my urine coming back (re pre-eclampsia) so I assume everything is fine. Got MW appointment next week so will discuss then

Had a nightmare at the GP surgery yesterday. Put in a repeat prescription for test strips and Metformin on Thursday as I knew I'd be running out Monday night. Went to pick it up yesterday and it wasn't done because they couldn't find the letter from the clinic as to what dose etc. I was fuming and left to stand there for 40 minutes while they tried to sort it out!
In the end it got sorted but it's not the 1st time I've had problems with prescriptions being signed off...it's such a pain!

SPD is here with a vengeance! Tried getting a GP appointment but they want me to speak with MW next week, rather than GP. I was in agony at the weekend and could barely walk and sitting was painful too! It seems to have calmed down a bit today, could be because I haven't been out yet and down the 3 flights of stairs!

Got my next growth scan next week as Penny brought it forward a week. Looking forward to seeing little one again and seeing if anything has changed. My OH can't take the time off work (he won't get paid) so my Mum is coming with me....that should be an experience!

Thank you for the info about the needles Tanikit....useful to know

Bexy: I hope your conversation with Penny works out ok and your levels start to come down. I'd presume they'd up your insulin by a couple of ml's if your levels are still above 8....hopefully they sort it out for you

Sarafused: Good luck with the insulin. Mine doesn't hurt anymore now I'm used to it

Hope everyone is okay and managing, whether on diet or meds

 

[kirmal12]

Hi Ladies, I haven't read the whole thread but i would like to put a few minds at rest if i can. I had GD but it wasn't picked up until i was 34 weeks pregnant (should have been picked at 28 weeks, doctors cock up!!). It was only picked up because LO was measuring big, anyway i controlled mine with healthy eating. I was told i needed to be induced at 38 weeks because he was so "big". I was terrified he was going to be huge and have problems after the birth. In the end he was 8lb8 (so not huge)and required a little formula straight away to get his levels up after that nothing at all and i went straight back to normal soon as the cord was cut!.

Don't worry to much ladies i know it's hard but the only real possible complications come when you have diabetes anyway and only then it becomes a problem if it's not controlled, stop googling!. Good luck and enjoy your last few weeks of rest because that's something you wont get for a while!!

 

[kazzywazzy]

Kirmal12, thanks so much for your reassuring post!! I'm pleased everything worked out well for you.

Good advice about not googling too!

 

[Pixelle]

Thank you Kirmal12. That's very reassuring

Just a note, I won't be induced because of a big baby. But I won't be allowed to go over 39 weeks due to unexplained stillbirth and complications etc in my particular NHS trust, after 39 weeks.

Your info is reassuring though, so thank you again

 

[kirmal12]

Good luck ladies, i'll probably hear from you in "baby" soon enough xx

 

[Pixelle]

Just wanted to say, hope everyone is doing ok!

 

[bambikate]

Hello ladies can I join you all for some support? I posted over in 3rd tri but just saw this post and it's answered so many of my questions. I had a very large baby (10lb 8.5oz) and although I don't have family history or high BMI I'm being sent tomorrow for a glucose tolerance test at the hospital - part of me is looking forward to getting a definate answer because I was adamant I had undiagnosed GD with my first as she was so bloated and puffy when she was born. My MW hadn't noticed my previous birthweight until now when I mentioned it because she wasn't the one that booked me in so she said I should have been having consultant led care and already had this test by now!

Anyway got a bit teary now it's sunk in that I might have it, they mentioned inducing at 38 weeks and I really wanted a waterbirth or homebirth!

Hope everyones OK just spent 20 minutes reading all your posts on here, very helpful and reassuring. Wish me luck fro tomorrow lol xx

 

[Pixelle]

Welcome bambikate

Good luck! I know you're worried about having GTT but at least you'll get a definitive answer If you are diagnosed with it, there's lots of support here and once it's being managed by your care team, it does get easier to deal with

In regards to induction, I wanted a waterbirth but due to GTT and other rubbish medical problems, I can't. I was pretty upset about it but now I've got used to it. Afterall, it's all for the best for baby

I wish you luck for tomorrow

------------------------

I have my 2nd growth scan tomorrow, so please keep your fingers crossed that baby is still measuring ok

My Mum is coming with me, so that'll be an experience!

 

[kazzywazzy]

Good luck with the scan Pixelle