Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Gestational Diabetes

I found out yesterday that I have Gestational Diabetes. This news has hit me quite hard, even though in a way, I was expecting it. I have PCOS, but along with that, I am also insulin resistant. My blood sugars have never been so crazy out of control that anyone diagnosed me with diabetes, but it was definitely something I was concerned about. When I first went to my OB/Midwife appointment back in November, I mentioned this concern and worry, especially when they told me that I would come off Metformin at 12 weeks. The midwife basically argued with me for over 10 minutes about the issue, claiming that I couldn't be insulin resistant without being diabetic and that PCOS had nothing to do with insulin resistance. I seriously wanted to choke her. I told her that I had a pre-existing condition and told her exactly where to find my labwork that showed I did have some issues with insulin.

At my second appointment, the midwife (a new one this time b/c the practice rotates several) acted as if she'd never heard this news. She didn't understand why I wanted an early glucose test. She just stared at me with a blank face and said they do the GD test at 25 weeks and there was no need to do it early. I insisted, expressing again that I was concerned about it. Finally, I was scheduled for a test at around 19 weeks (last Thursday). They just called me back yesterday at almost 5 in the afternoon to tell me that not only were my levels high, they were so incredibly high I won't even have to do a 3 hour glucose test. She used the words "Dangerously high", which of course freaked me out. Anything over 140 is bad, right? My level was 232. She then said that I would be sent to see a specialist at Duke, but when I asked when the appointment would be, she just said, "Well, if they don't call you within the next week or two, give us a call back." WHAT?? A week or two? You can't say my levels are dangerously high and then tell me it might be two weeks before anyone bothers to explain to me how to deal with these levels or begins to monitor me. I was both devastated and angry.

I went in this morning and demanded to talk to someone in patient services. I explained the problems I've had so far with the practice and that I haven't felt like I was taken seriously with my concerns. The woman agreed that some mistakes were made. For example, there was not a single note in my file about me having previous insulin resistance. She said I should have been treated from the very beginning as a diabetic patient rather than just let this go untreated. I'm so upset. I don't know whether to stay at this practice or try to find a new doctor. She said she would mark my file as MD only from now on so that I won't have to go in and see the midwives. There are 2 OB's at this practice. Ironically, I chose this practice specifically because of the fact that they have midwives. I felt I would get a better level of care and personal attention, but that hasn't been the case at all. I've been rushed through every appointment and had to argue my way through both this insulin issue as well as details of my due date, ultrasounds, etc. But I also know that switching practices mid-way through my pregnancy could be a real ordeal. Will insurance cover everything? How do I know another practice will be better? How do I find a better practice? I have no idea what I should do, to be honest.

This news of GD comes with a whole new set of fears. Will I have to be induced now? Will I need insulin shots? Is my baby going to suffer because of this? Will he be healthy? Will he be too big for me to have a natural birth? Is he growing okay in there? It's such a scary thing. I know there are plenty of women who have gestational diabetes and who go on to have perfectly healthy babies, so right now I am trying to concentrate on the positive, but it's so much easier said than done. I am going to have to be super diligent about eating well and eating low carb, high protein for the next 20 weeks. I also need to get more exercise in and make sure it's every single day. I hate that my gym closed, because that would have been an ideal place to go walk on the treadmill every day even when it's cold outside or raining. I just want everything to be okay.

Sorry this post has been kind of a rant out of nowhere, but it's been a tough day for me, and I'm so scared. I hope my baby is okay.

11 comments:

  1. Thinking of you, and hoping you get it all figured out SOON!

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  2. Honestly, I would switch practices asap. I a biased towards MD's because my hubby is a MD (neonatologist - preemie baby dr). The 'specialist' they are sending you to is probably a high risk dr. See if you can just switch to that practice. GD is scary but it is good that you know this early. Hopefully the specialist office will call you soon and you can get all this worked out! Hang in there!

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  3. Sending you hugs and happy thoughts - I don't know a huge amount about GD, but I do have a friend who had it (that the docs missed the diagnosis) who delivered a beautiful healthy baby. Keep us posted, can you phone to see if you can get the next appt. moved up?

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  4. Sorry about the GD news Sarra. I think from the sound of things you should really try researching and finding a new practice. If you are having this much problems now what about as your progress and get closer to term. How will their laissez-faire attitude go over if there is a bigger issue. Also definitely want your wishes and concerns to be a priority come birthing time. I think the sooner you find a new practice the better, but do some good research. Are you able to call Duke and see when the earliest they can fit you in? Good luck! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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  5. Hi Sarra,
    I'm so so sorry you're having such a hard time with the practice you've chosen...that's stress you don't need on top of everything else. They definitely made some mistakes. And I'm sure switching at this point is a little overwhelming but you'll figure it out. First things first you need to feel like the diabetes is under control. I think you mentioned on my blog you have an appointment Monday? That's great and hopefully they will help you with diet and exercise and testing (and possibly medication of some sort). As you know I have GD and I started to feel better about it as soon as I got diet instructions and could start testing my glucose levels. Testing was a pain at first but has seriously become no big deal, and it's comforting for me to see how much control I have over my glucose levels (there's been a little bit of a learning curve, but I've pretty much figured out what I can and can't eat).
    Ask lots of questions and make sure there is someone competent to answer them. Sorry you are having to deal with the whole GD thing but you will get it totally under control...
    Good luck and I'm not an expert or anything but I am in the middle of GD...if there's anything I can do to help or you have questions let me know...
    Hugs...

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  6. Hey Sarra. Finding out you have GD is a real game-changer. I had it in 2009 with our son and it changed my life. It can be so frustrating because you kind of don't know what you don't know and then when you do get informed sometimes you aren't taken seriously. My experience changed my so much that I started a website last year called GestationalDiabetesRecipes.com It's full of dietitian-reviewed recipes, interviews with mums who have had/ have GD, a tool kit with useful info and some articles about GD-related stuff. See what you think. I've also got a facebook page facebook/gestationaldiabetesrecipes where you can share your ideas/ concerns/ feedback with other mums. It's really lovely, there is some good conversation going on. You sound like a strong and informed person and I imagine your husband is really supportive. Hang in there! Keep asking questions of your health care network and there is a lot of info on my site. If you have any specific questions I can also email them to the registered dietitian I work with. Best wishes, Lisa xxx

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  7. Oh Sarra, I am so so sorry. I hope things are OK?

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  8. So sorry to hear this. I hope everything gets figured out soon.

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  9. Sarra, just checking in to see how things are going. I am worrying about you.

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  10. hey lady - checking in on you, hope all is okay, k

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  11. Hope all is well and you were able to switch to your OB with no problems. It just goes to show you that you really are your own advocate and doctors and midwives DON'T know everything. You know your body the best and I'm glad you insisted on the glucose test early! BTW I think that first midwife needs to do her research about PCOS..hello!!! GL and hopefully you'll get the care you need now.

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