Glucose is not yummy

[monkeyjunkie]

A couple of weeks ago I had my first regular prenatal check up. The usual stats were checked, the baby's heartbeat was listened to, I was given some pamphlets about different topics, and I left behind a decent amount of blood. I asked when I would get the results of the bloodwork (though I was only concerned about the glucose tolerance test) and

Comments

[ginky]

Ugh the 3 hour test SUCKED. I had to do it in the early stages of pregnancy with Jack and they wouldn't let me have water and threatened to make me do it again if I actually did puke. :/

When I failed the 1 hour with E at the end I said "can we just assume I'm GD and not do the 3 hour test?" Since I only failed by a few points, they let me redo the 1 hour and I passed, so YAY...but yah, there was no way I was doing that again.

[monkeyjunkie]

I failed the 1 hour and then failed the 3 hour with Livi, but those tests were done much later in my pregnancy than this one. I ended up on insulin, and because I'm insulin-resistant, much of my third trimester was spent just finding a high enough dosage!

I tried so hard not to throw up today because I didn't want to have to redo it! Thankfully, I made it through, then threw up after I got home and had something to eat. :P

I think they had me take the tests much earlier this pregnancy because of my previous history of gestational diabetes + insulin resistance. I seriously expect to be starting insulin injections within a month.

I'm even taking metformin right now which is supposed to help with insulin resistance. I took one the morning of the first test (because I wasn't expecting the test) and failed it anyway. I didn't take any this morning, but I did take two the night before.

[ginky]

I had to take a one hour early on with both because I'm fat. Whee!

[monkeyjunkie]

Oh, I'm fat too, but that was never mentioned as a reason. :)

Except I'm not even as fat as I was before pregnancy! Morning sickness is like the best weight loss program I've ever been on, both times. :P I'm down 10lbs from pre-pregnancy and into my second trimester. So I don't look pregnant yet, just still fat.

I have to keep hiking up my maternity pants which I insist on wearing anyway because the waistband is the comfiest.

[imzadi]

I think that's a ridiculous policy to have no news is good news. I have heard SO many stories about lab results and specimens getting lost in the system. Patients should always feel welcome to ask about lab results.

I've often heard it said over and over that patients should be more in charge of their healthcare, and partners in making decisions. By not letting the patient know what's going on, that sure doesn't encourage them to be responsible about their own healthcare.

Speaking of glucose tests, check out what they use in Mexico: coconut flavored water.

[monkeyjunkie]

This wasn't the first time I've called about test results only THEN to have someone realize that, yes, there was a problem with one of the tests. (It's the first time with this place.) But I've had other "lab accidents" that required retesting and I wasn't notified until I'd called in to find out the results.

I'm very glad I didn't have to take this test in Mexico. I HATE coconut!

[sistrmoon]

I agree.

My gyn had a "call only if something is abnormal" policy, which would stress me out when he did call. If they called regardless, it would've been better.

[monkeyjunkie]

Yeah, I hate that, because I spend the time up to when they'd have the results wondering if there's something wrong, then if they don't call, I worry that something is wrong and they've forgotten to call.

[sistrmoon]

man, I had to do a FIVE hour glucose tolerance test and it was horrible. I felt so weak and sick. I can't imagine doing it while pregnant.

I hate hearing bad nurse stories. Sorry she was stupid, unprepared, and silly.

And I hope you get good news. But bother Shitty Nurse until you get a copy of the labwork to be sure.

[monkeyjunkie]

It's not even your field/department(?), but oh, I'd love to have you as my nurse! :D

[sistrmoon]

OB scares the hell out of me. I spent my OB rotation in complete awe and wonder. Diabetes, I know a lot about though.

But thanks:)

[monkeyjunkie]

Why does OB scare you?