Tag Archives: gestational diabetes

November 10, 2010 · 3:40 am

Week 33 Update

I’m not sure anyone really thought I would make it this far once I was dilated and in the hospital.  The false alarms also led us to believe that these little ones were breaking out.  But here I am … still pregnant!  Now start the jokes of how we can get labor going and of course the bets on when they really are coming.  I say the next few days are all good … they’ve got great birthdays!

  • 11-9-10
  • 11-10-10
  • 11-11-10
  • 11-12-10

After that the birthdays just aren’t’ that great …  Who knows, I’m such a freak of nature, I’ll still be pregnant at Christmas!

I’m dilated to about 5 cms now, but not contracting.  So we are waiting for more of a progressive labor before we deliver.  Each morning I wake up hoping today will be the day!  I’m still on bed rest, so I’ve been laying around and watching TV.  It’s funny as I have tons of projects to work on – Thank You notes, work on my scarf, gifts, creating the blog book.  But I just don’t have the motivation to do them.  I’m turning into a vegetable!

My belly measures 59 cm!!  Thank goodness for the Plus size maternity shirts … those are barely fitting these days!

Rae brought me a present too!  A princess crown.  I think I get a little sassy when I wear it too :)

My nurses, mom, Rae, Doug and me have been brainstorming ways to get the babies to come faster.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Salsa dance in my huge room
  • Walk laps back and forth
  • Hide my anti-contraction meds like a psych patient would
  • Hit every bump on my wheel chair rides
  • Better yet, instead of going on a wheel chair ride, push my wheel chair around the hospital
  • Eat spicy food like Dad’s chili
  • Mom says some kind of oil and root beer is supposed to work

Those are just a few!  Dr. Akea came to check on me this afternoon.  I told the doc how miserable and how uncomfortable I am.  I even reenforced that even though I was laughing and smiling while I said it I really meant it!  She smiled and encouraged me to talk to Dr. Epperson tomorrow to pin point a more solid plan of action.  She then reminded me that every extra day in the womb is one less day in the NICU.  At this point I’m ok with the NICU!  I mean, come on, they have the best docs and nurses there!  Right?

As much as I complain or joke about wanting the babies out and as much as I really mean that I want the babies out, I still want them to come on their own time.  They should come at the “right” time.  Who am I to say that they are ready?  I can’t even see them!  I just don’t want to force something.  What I really want are these contractions to kick in and the docs to make the call.  I had one contraction while playing cards with Rae and I got SO excited.  That was it though … one contraction.

Thank goodness for my visitors!  They all keep me sane!  The mornings are so sluggish and yucky.  Then when my visitors come, the whole day gets better!  Mom and Rachael make me laugh SO hard!  They usually play a game or two of cards with me (even though they LOOSE!).  Tonight she cut out a little early since Brittany, Rae, Doug and Jaden were all there.  We were in the middle of a game so I think she just forfeit (afraid of loosing again haha)!  Visitors are the very best part of my day!  Thank you to everyone who has spent some time with me.  You all have made each day a little brighter and me a little happier.

Love you!

Mel

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October 24, 2010 · 7:34 pm

Busting Out!

I’m busting out of the hospital today!!  They still want to keep a close eye on me and make sure that I’m close the hospital just in case.  So I’ll be staying at my mom’s house rather than going to my house in Sussex.  Still a little hard to see my boys, but WAY better than the hospital!

Last night I went out with a bang!  Rae, Sarah and Abby came to see me.  Oh boy did I laugh!  They brought some games to play.  One was a drawing game.  You were given a topic to draw, for example submarine.  Then you drew your picture for 45 seconds.  Then drew a category card, for example “the heaviest” and we would then vote for the drawing that best fit the category.  Sounds simple enough … but boy oh boy did we have fun with it!  My overnight nurse was joking about us having a party.  But all of the morning nurses and the doc had heard about our party  :)   leave it to me to be “that” patient!  But honestly, what other patient would I be?  haha!

So the doc orders are to rest and lay around.  I’m not to be going out and about, I’m not to take long showers standing or doing things for myself.  My job is to rest.  I follow-up with my OB on Thursday and then the specialist on Friday.  I asked what were the chances that I’d find myself in the hospital again next weekend and she sort of smiled and said “it’s possible”.  Being 31 weeks preggers with three babies puts more pressure which causes the cervix to thin.  It doesn’t mean I’ll go into labor, but it might.  The good part is that I am not feeling crampy or having contractions.  If I did, it would be a whole other story.

I’m also on insulin for now too.  The steroid shots make my blood sugars go crazy so the insulin helps to regulate that.  Giving myself the shots isn’t so bad.  I just freak myself out right before I do it….usually takes me like three times before I can actually stick myself.  I’m really hoping that if I be good with my diet that they let me stop the insulin.  I have to call in my numbers to the diabetes nurse tomorrow so we shall see!

Three nights in the hospital and I’m home.  Not too bad.  If you need me, I’ll be lying around at Mom’s, resting on the couch and reading my Nook.  Love you all and thank you for the happy thoughts!

Love, Mel

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October 17, 2010 · 1:48 am

29 Week Health Update

Went to the doctor on Friday AM and things are changing quick!

Started with Nurse Tracy to talk about my diabetes.  Looks like I’ll be able to regulate with my diet and I don’t need to go on insulin!  Wooo Whoo!

Next I went across the hallway and me with the specialist.  There I learned that the length of my cervix is half of what it was two weeks ago!  At my last appointment it was 4.7 cm and now it’s about 2.6cm (it thins when the uterus is getting ready to deliver).  It’s not scary by any means.  In fact, Dr. Jones said it’s where she would expect me to be at 30 weeks with triplets.  The part that makes us watch is that there is that it’s shortening fast.  I now have appointments weekly with the specialist so they can monitor it closely.  If it shortens more, Dr. Jones suggested that we do the steroid shot to get the baby’s lung developed.  The “ironic” part about that is that it raises my blood sugar (which isn’t good with gestational diabetes).  So I might have to go on insulin for a week or so.  She also said that depending how much changes between now and the next appointment will also determine if the steroid shot can be done as out patient or if I’ll have to be admitted.

I asked Dr. Jones at what point do we schedule a c-section.  She answered that if my bile acids are protein gets to high then they’ll schedule one to deliver prior to 35 weeks.  If all keeps going well we wait until 35 weeks and if I go into labor before then, they’ll just take me then to get a c-section.  It feels so weird … so unplanned.  That’s the planner in me though … never was good with surprises.  Right mom?

I feel like a ticking time bomb waiting for stuff to happen.  Just sitting here this week wondering if things are changing and if I’ll be in the hospital this time next week.  Hoping that I have enough time to finish up the nursery and get all the clothes organized and put away.  Mom and Dad are coming over tomorrow to help Doug and I.  Dad will be in the basement with Doug and Mom and I will be organizing baby stuff.  We’ve got so much stuff to put away but unfortunately we don’t have much space for it all yet with the basement still being worked on.  We are really close tho!  I can almost taste it!

So the plan for the next few days is to really lay low and rest.  I have to repeat the protein test too and get that turned in so we have results for the next appointment.  Doug is coming with me to my Thursday appointment too.  Being that the “H” word has been thrown around it’s really comforting to know that he’ll be there with me.  That way I don’t have to go thru being admitted alone, if it should happen.  Of course we could get a report that nothing has changed and we can just continue as normal.  Either way, we are in good hands and the docs will all take good care of the four of us.

Love, Mel

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October 13, 2010 · 2:47 am

28 & 29 Week Update

We are in month 7!!  Which means:

Baby’s now the size of a squash!
Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he’s growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

My belly is getting bigger and bigger .. 53 cms now!  The stretch marks are growing and getting darker.  Sexy….oh baby!  Making babies isn’t all pretty but it’s a job worth giving everything into!

Speaking of jobs, I’m done with Kohl’s now.  After the itchy feet stuff and being so tied, it’s time to call it quits.  I’ll go in on Friday to get a few things (empty my snack drawer and my digital photo frame) and of course say my goodbyes.  I hope I don’t cry … but I’m sure I will!

Also on Friday, we’ve got more doctor appointments.  But first a recap of our appointment today.  We (Doug and I) saw another doc in my OB’s office (while Dr Epperson is in Paris).  The protein levels are elevated but are still in the normal range for being pregnant.  AND while my bile acids are elevated, they are also still within normal range for being pregnant.  However, we need to start Non-Stress Tests and we are going to repeat the potty test (I know you are ALL jealous!) and I had to get my blood drawn again.

Now since I wasn’t seeing my regular doctor I also didn’t have my regular nurse.  This new nurse was a little older and very sweet…. but the woman cannot draw blood!  She pokes me in the right arm and I could feel her digging a little bit.  Then she says “sorry hun, I missed”.  I’m thinking that’s why she was digging.  The needle comes out and look over and the tubes are still empty!!!  WHAT?  So now she’s got to poke me in the left arm too.  She’s got me sitting in the other chair, standing, holding my arm, on with the elastic band, off with the elastic band, on with the elastic band….holy moly!  My regular nurses come in to drop off the jugs for the protein test and they are throwing me glances from the door.  Finally we got the blood and we could head over for the Non-Stress test.  As I’m walking out, Katina was like “I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry!”  haha  She just owes me one now!  She said next time I should just say no and request someone else … I was like I could…..but you know I can’t!  I’d feel horrible!

So we walk over to another office to have a non-stress test done.  There are a series of monitors strapped to my belly, one for each baby’s heart beat and a fourth to monitor if I’m having contractions.  The test is usually 15 mins long …. our took about 2 hours.  Babies were rolling around and kicking and not being very cooperative.  The Nurse Tracy’s hands, arms and back were cramping while she was trying to find all the heart beats for long enough to pass the test.  Baby A started on the right side of my belly and by the end of the test was on the lower left side.  The other good news is that I need to have this test done twice a week from now until the babies come!  Me and Nurse Tracy are going to be very good friends!

Our next appointment is on Friday.  I’ll meet with Tracy again to talk about my diabetes at 9am then seen Dr Miller at 10:30.  We are going to try and do a biophysical profile during my ultrasound.  It’s  an ultrasound test that can tell the same information from a non-stress test.  However, they aren’t sure as the babes might be too little still to have it done this way.  If it doesn’t work then I’ll have a non-stress test again after my apt with Dr. Miller.

Things are really starting to heat up with this pregnancy.  But I would go thru all of these tests again as long as it means my baby boys are healthy and come into this world with the best start possible!  I was lucky to have Doug there with me today.  I know it’s hard to sit in a room for two hours while nurses are trying to get a heart beat and no one is talking to you.  But I hope he knows just how much it meant to me to not have to be alone today.  My best friend was in the room with me and for that I felt 200 times more brave!

Of course I’m a little behind on the belly shots …. so here is 28 & 29 Weeks!

28 Weeks (Jaden took this one!)

29 Weeks

Next posting I hope to have pictures from Mom’s baby shower from Sunday.  Just a little teaser to keep you all reading!

Love you all!  Mel

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October 12, 2010 · 2:36 am

Let the tests begin!

Last Thursday I had two doc appointments – one to learn about being diabetic and the other was my OB.  After my OB appointment, Mom and I had a date to get our nails done for the shower this weekend.

At my morning appointment I learned all about how to count carb servings and how to test my blood sugar levels.  At the time it all made sense, but you know how afterwards you can’t seem to remember a word the person said?  Thank goodness for the packet she sent me home with!  What I had the most trouble with was finding enough to eat to count towards my carbs.  Anything that sounded good is a “free food”, meaning it doesn’t count towards my carb servings.  It’s getting better now.  For example, rather than having a hamburger which counts for 2 carbs (2 for the bun and the meat is free) I have a veggie burger (2 for the bun and 1 for the patty).  That way I’m still getting a protein but I’m not getting too full.

Then I was off to my second appointment of the day … my OB.  Mom offered to go with me, but I told her not to worry, they are always so quick and she should get her grocery shopping done.  Low and behold, the stuff hit the fan a little bit.  My blood pressure was a little high (not enough to cause alarm).  But it was high enough that my doc wanted to test for Preeclampsia.  A nurse came in to see how I was going while they got my blood test ready.  I started to itch my wrist.  The conversation went like this:

Kathy:  Why are you itching?

Me:  Because it itches?

Kathy:  Do you have a rash?

Me: No.

Kathy:  Do your legs or arms itch?

Me: Ummm yes, usually when I go to bed or am siting still for a while.

Kathy:  Be right back!

Me: CRAP!

Turns out being itchy is a sign that my gallbladder isn’t working like it should  The gallbladder takes out the bile out of my blood and when it’s not working correctly, it dumps the bile still in my system into my arms and legs.  Glamorous, right?

Next test … the 24 hour pee test.  If you are weak of stomach, I would suggest just skipping to the next paragraph  :)   The nurse hands be two large jugs and a “hat”.  The instructions are to urinate into the “hat” and collect all of your pee for 24 hours, using the large jugs.  It must stay refrigerated … that’s right, store this jug of your pee next to your milk and ketchup!  They want to test the amount of protein in my urine to determine if there are other complications.  Oh what fun!  Thank goodness we didn’t have plans for the weekend and I could collect my pee is the peace and quiet of my own bathroom!

Got the test results this afternoon….my pee-pee is high in urine (almost double of what it’s supposed to bed) and my bile acid is elevated.  So I’ll be heading into the doctor right away tomorrow morning.  My OB is in Paris and she made me promise not to have the babies this week … technically speaking I’m still good on my promise!  The slide to the finish ending is getting steeper and steeper!

We should know more after tomorrow’s doc appointment.  Hoping that it can be treated with meds rather than hospital stays or bed rest.  We shall see!  More to come…

Love you all,

Mel

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October 7, 2010 · 3:53 am

28 Week Reality Check

At our recent ultrasound (10/1) we got a GREAT picture of all three heads together.  It’s the first ultrasound since the three black circle one we had at 10 Weeks.  All three of them had their heads in the middle of my belly, having a pow wow or something.  So cute!

We only got one good profile pic this time … of Baby B.  Look really close at this hand by his face …. I think he’s flicking off his mama!  That little booger…

I signed Jaden up for a Big Brother/Sister class at Waukesha Memorial today.  It’s a class aimed at children 3-8 that are becoming a big brother/sister for the first time.  They get a tour of the birthing center and learn about how they can help when the babies come home.  They are supposed to bring a doll or stuffed animal with them.  I’m thinking of sending Jaden with 3!  I’m hoping it helps, even a little!  I worry about his transition and hope he never feels less loved than he does today.

Tomorrow I have my diabetic appointment to learn how to monitor my blood sugar and poke my finger.   It’s a TWO HOUR LONG APPOINTMENT!  I really hope this nurse has a sense of humor, otherwise it would be a long appointment!   haha  I’m sure I’ll learn a lot.  I’m actually looking forward to it a little bit.  It’s been unsettling knowing that there is something wrong with my health the past few days and not really knowing what I can do it help it.

Then in the evening I have an appointment with my OB.  Looking for an update on how long I’ll be able to work from her and another good report on the babies.  I always love visiting my OB :)

Everyone has been so supportive with their comments on facebook and on the blog, and I thank you for all the kind words and thoughts!  But what everyone needs to know is no matter how positive I can be or how much I can carry on my shoulders, I’m no different from you.  I have my bad days, my days where I’m sad and I really don’t want to do it anymore.  I have my days where I cry for no reason just because I’m feeling overwhelmed or even lonely.  It’s hard to receive so much praise, when I don’t feel like I’m doing anything but surviving.  I just feel like it would be deserved to call me strong if I chose to have these triplets.  But this was something that was given to me, without my input, and I’m just doing the best that I can to bring three healthy babies into this world.  If you were in my shoes, I’m sure you would be doing the same thing!

This moment of honestly/reflection is most likely driven by my crazy hormones!  I would love to think that everyone else is really just the “bad guy” but in all honesty, it’s only 80% of them being the bad guy and 20% my moods.  ok ok … it’s 50/50.  ok … mostly my hormones.  :)

Thank you for all of the support and kind words and encouraging messages.  They help keep me going!  The ending is approaching, at the most 7 weeks left.  Wow … and these little men will be in this world.  God is good!

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October 5, 2010 · 2:07 am

It’s official … I’m diabetic

Started my three day special diet on Friday.  It actually wasn’t so bad.  In fact, I had to eat more than I usually did … and I had to eat veggies.  That was the hardest part, finding a vegetable that looked appetizing.

I went in first thing this morning for my three hour test.  Here I was thinking I’d get drawn once an hour (three times total).  NOPE!  They take one before  the orange drink, then three more times after that (four times total).    Tricky tricky!  I sat in room number 5 the whole time.  I brought my laptop and worked on some work stuff and a book to read.

The test result phone call came about 3:30 this afternoon (really fast!).  And it’s official … I have gestational diabetes.  bah humbug.  But all I need to do is change the little voice in my head from “wah….don’t take away my food” to “diabetes?  If that’s the only thing that goes wrong, that’s a piece of cake!”

I’ll most likely have to test my blood sugar four times a day.  Heck, I had to give myself shots in the stomach twice a day after my car accident.  If I could do it before, I can do it again!   I also keep telling myself that I can still have my sweets, I just have the balance and monitor them.

Have I convinced you that diabetes isn’t all that bad?  I’m almost convinced myself … just a few more times and maybe I’ll be convinced.

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