Gestational Diabetes Chatter #6

[belfie]

Tbh I didn't gain anything after insulin with X's PG. The DE told me to worry about carbs not fats, but I was chubby anyway and didn't want to gain with my type II risk. This time I started lighter and had gained more, but again very little after starting insulin - but also the dietician did want me watching fats as well as carbs this time.
I would definitely ask the dietician HOW to do it if I were you. The other thing is that it might actually be easier for you to gain on insulin cos you often find you can eat well a bit more easily without getting all those BSL spikes. I've heard of some girls (not on here) really restricting their food intake trying to avoid insulin and obviously thats not healthy for you or baby. belfie

[csab]

Thanks belfie, definately no restricting here, lol. She wanted me to increase the carbs to 3-4 at main meals and only 1 at snacks. Still watching what I am eating. So I said to her, then if I still watch what I am eating wouldnt that make me lose weight or not gain. She said, Ohh well it may, but we need to monitor it so we know the correct insulin dose to give you. I too am not on the light side, which is why it shocked me to think she wants me to gain more weight. If it was bubs gaining and not me only gaining I wouldnt care, but it just seems like it is only me gaining the weight and not bub. I have put on so far approx 5kgs, which is within normal ranges for me, but she wants me to gain more like 9kgs all up. Yet with Miss V, I only gained 700gm, and no one said anything. The one before that only 6kgs. So go figure. I asked her how often I would be seeing her and she said this should be the only time, imagine my relief when she said that. lol.

[csab]

Well, I didnt think I could do it, but I did.

The diabetes educator was really nice and there was another lady there with me that was also needing to give herself the insulin. She had been doing it already, but her times had changed from night to daytime as well. Anyway she even looked nervous. I told her to go first. lol. I would have thought she would have been ok doing it, so she grabs her skin and as she was puting the needle in, I got even more nervous. Here she is, going Owww that hurt. Not sure if she was doing that to make me feel more nervous about doing it myself, yet it did.
I told the educator, that I dont think I can do this. lol. I literally wanted to go home and forget everything. She asked if i had anyone at home that could do it and I said No, just me. Also added that I think Dh would take way to much pleasure in it for my liking. She then proceeded to tell me that yes you can do it.
OMG, I honestly felt like I just couldnt do it. She also mentioned that it has to be done in the tummy, nowhere else. She had me grab my skin and push the needle in then let go and press the button. Even after everything that you lovelies told me today, I was still expecting it to hurt. Anyhow I thought the needle would have hurt more going in, so hooray it didnt hurt much at all. I also remembered about the breathing out when the needle goes in that was a helpful tip from a lovely BB member, so a great tip. Honestly I was glad it was all over. phew !!!! Now to work up the courage for next time - Dinner.
Ohh she also mentioned that we are likly to gain a heap of weight with insulin? Why thanks for that, just what i want to hear. So definately have to keep an eye on everything that I eat. its ok for bub, but she said that it is harder to lose the weight that you put on after bubs.
I hope I have the courage to do it again at dinner now.

Thanks everyone for being there for me, and for all the helpful advise. hugs

[belfie]

Ooh well done to you Csab, you're a star!! I honestly think the worst ones are the first 2 - at the DE's then the first one at home. So now you've done them, you'll be fine . Have to say that other woman sounds like a silly and mean to do it like that in front of you. But then again, I know you're tougher than that!! Re weight gain well I only put on 5.5kg with X and no-one was fussed about that at all! Then with Annika I put on 10kg. So I don't know why she said you gain more with insulin!?!? good you're not seeing her again
Oh and just remember to keep grabbing a good handful of flab when you inject. I found doing it quite close to my side seemed to be the best spot. Well done again and good luck with the BSL's.

[csab]

Thanks Belfie hun, I cant stop looking at your precious Annika's pic. OMG how sweet is she, I love how it looks like she is smiling. hehehe. Im glad the insulin didnt make you gain a heap of weight, knowing my luck I will end up putting it on for the both of us, lol. You and me. I noticed too yesterday more closer to the side wasnt so bad. How is everything going for you and your new addition?

[thecolourbrown]

Belfie - Just wanted to say thank you for the great post you did earlier. I've been in hospital (pneumonia) so I haven't been around, but there is some great stuff in your helpful post. Your daughter is gorgeous!

Csab - I'm glad you did ok with the injects, I would be scared too! I think you were very brave and I hope it is getting easier for you.

I am going OK with the finger *****ing and it looks like I won't have to have insulin - yay! It really isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Funny the things that set it off though - I can have jam on toast (with butter...oooh!), but big high after I ate some rice paper rolls. I'm still figuring it out. Miss my one weekly magnum ego though ....sigh.

[hj1981]

Hello lovely ladies!

Just a really really quick one! had a check up with my OB the other day and took my BSL results and she said they were perfect and to keep it up (roll eyes) i want to stop or cut back but nope can't do that!

CSAB - im sooooo sorry to hear ur on insulin

thecolourbrown - how are u levels going?

[csab]

TCB - Ohh hun, I hope your ok now. Im sorry to hear you have been so sick. So glad all is going well with your BSL's. I was so worried about the injecting myself, yet TBH, it isnt as bad as what I thought it would be. As I have been told, it really does hurt less than checking the bsl's. hugs

HJ - Yay on the great feedback from your Dr, yet it is best for bubs that you keep it up. Thankyou too hun. hugs

Well Friday the Dr from the hospital called to see how I am going with the insulin, was quite surprised tbh. hehehe. Anyway my levels were still abit high, as I read them out to him, I also mentioned to him that I was told that to expect that they may be still high. He agreed, yet he also wanted to have me increase the lunch time dose from 4ml to 8ml. He also wanted to make sure that I was coming in on Tuesday, which I am, so will see him as well. Anyhow the morning fasting one seems to be rising, yet he also told me he will keep an eye on as it is a different pen if I have to give a dose for overnight. So fx I wont need too.

[csab]

Well just an update, have seen the Endocronologist today and have now been informed that I need to have the night time insulin, due to the fasting levels creeping up. Also the insulin at lunchtime has now been put upto 10units, so looks like I am failing abit with the BSL's.

Hope everyone else is doing well. hugs

[thecolourbrown]

Hi everyone,

Csab - sorry your levels are going up and having to do insulin. Are you going OK now with the injections?

hj1981 - that is great that your levels are good! I wish mine were better....

I am really up and down with this GD thing. It hasn't helped that I have been sick, but even though most of my levels are below the 6.7 thing (and morning fasting always OK), I've had a few over and they started to talk insulin again. This was after the other Diab ed woman three days before said I was going well and diet alone would do it. I've had a few meltdowns about the whole thing as I feel like having a level in the 7's shouldn't be such a big deal a few times a week. Surely there is some margin for individuality about it all. It has also been hard being so sick and stressed and I know that puts levels up. Anyway today I decided to have the day off testing after I got held up at the hospital without my testing kit and when I got home I thought bugger it! I ate some chocolate and I'm not going to test again until tomorrow. I'm so sick of *****ing my finger and feeling stressed about the results. Feel naughty, but my mental health called for a rest from the stress today!
Anyone else ever have a day off?

[blackorchid]

I'm guessing you're in the public system? Isn't it annoying when you see a different doctor every time and each one tells you something different. I expect to do the Dr shuffle in a public hospital, but within the one clinic you'd think they would have a consensus on treatment!

Sorry to hear you are feeling down with all of this, I do know exactly what you mean though. I equate the finger *****ing with getting on the scales each morning and having that determine whether you're in a good mood that day, or a not so good mood. Except instead of doing it just once a day, you have to do it four times. It sucks!

I haven't given myself a day off, but I did give myself a meal off a couple of times. My birthday was one such occasion, I felt it was fair enough. On the topic of chocolate, I have found I can eat a bit, I just have to make sure it is only a small bit. I've found the chocolate they sell at Aldi a godsend. It's called Moser Roth, and comes in different varieties. The best thing about it is you buy a block, but it's made up of 5 individually wrapped portions of about 25 grams each. So not a lot of chocolate, it doesn't get my blood sugar up if I eat just one, and it eases my chocolate cravings. If you stick with dark chocolate (the mint choc one is beautiful) then all the better because dark chocolate is low GI. Maybe try one of those and test your levels after that. If they are ok you could work it into your daily rations!

[~mamaspice~]

***sneaks in***

Hi Ladies, just popping in to wish you all well.

As painful as having GD can be, just remember you will soon be holding your precious bundles and it will all be worth it.

Blackorchid, I found I could get away with eating a little chocolate too

csab, sorry to hear you are on insulin hun. Just focus on the end result. Like Belfie, I gained nothing after starting insulin. But then again I didnt really gain anything the whole pregnancy.

hj, glad to hear your BSLs are super good

Thecolourbrown, it sounds like you've had a bit of a rough trot lately.

AFM I had my postnatal GTT the other day and I am pleased to say I am officially again diabetes free! YAY. . . I was sooo worried it as going to show I was getting type 2, but all is good

[hj1981]

MamaSpice - WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that is truely FANTASTIC news!!!! so so very happy for you!!!!

thecolourbrown - im a guilty one of having a day off here and there! im no expert and i honestly don't understand enough about GD but i honestly don't see a problem with a day off exspecially if mentally you need it! you need to look after yourself and this whole finger p****ing IS stressful! i know how you feel

[belfie]

*sneaks back in too*
firstly... OMG mama spice I am soooooo happy for you!! Pls bring me good luck for my test tehe, I've gotta do it in a few weeks time; wish me luck!!

Csab - so sorry to hear the insulin has been upped already, how is it going? Please don't beat yourself up because truly it's not your fault at all

Blackorchid - Ooh I used too have that choc too, it was yummo!!

Thecolorbrown - pneumonia you poor thing! I hope you're feeling better now.

Hj1981 - how are you going? Sounds like your BSL's are great, I'm pleased for you.

As for days off, I must admit I didnt do any full days but I did do meals here & there -- some were special occasions and some I just plain forgot to take my BSL kit out somewhere with me lol I agree that everyone needs a break sometime and it's not gonna make that big a difference in the scheme of things (unless you Ate like whole bucket of sugar ha!)

[thecolourbrown]

Hello fellow GDer's!

Mamaspice - how great that you are Diabetes free! That must be such a relief. I hope I will be in the same position.

Csab - how are you going with the insulin? Have you gotten used to giving yourself injections?

Hj1981 - thanks for the support! Glad to know it isn't just me!

Blackorchid - thanks or your support as well. I am in the public system at the Royal Women's, which actually has been pretty good care, especially when I was admitted - the midwives were fantastic, I felt really well looked after.

I am feeling a lot more cheery after seeing the Diabetes Ob yesterday. In contrast to the diabetes educators (who were the ones either confusing or freaking me out) she was fabulous. She said it was stupid to not eat for 2 hours post a main meal if I was starving and actually that would have been affecting my sugar levels negatively. She was completely behind the idea that there is an individual path for these things and if I have always eaten every hour or so then that is fine. Thank god! I was always counting down the minutes until I could have something to eat again. She also said as I've been so sick it would be affecting my levels, but she was happy with them anyway so no insulin for me! I feel annoyed about the Diab Ed people. I knew that my diet was really healthy and changing the way I eat would have an adverse effect and I think I was correct. Yesterday I ate when I felt like it and all my levels where great. I just get big spikes when I don't eat and then have too much (which I never do under normal circumstances). Probably why I failed the GTT in the first place. My body is just not made for fasting!!
She said it was fine I had a day off (not that I ate anything bad, I just didn't test). She was so nice and understanding. I also had a scan and the baby is doing really well, not fat at all (in the 60th percentile), so I feel a lot calmer. I might still have to go on insulin by the end, but I feel much more in control of it all now and trusting my own feelings for it.

Hope everyone is doing well. thanks for your support when I was feeling down!

Andrea
x

[AwesomeFoursome]

Hi ladies. Can I join you all? I found out last Wednesday I got GD. I was going to write last week but I needed to get my head around it. I didn't react well . The thought of *****ing my fingers also scared the hell out of me but I've been doing it since yesterday and its not as bad as I imagined. The diabetes educator said my levels need to be 3.5 to 6.7. My reading have all been between 4.6 and 5.8 so I'm happy with that. I have to see the dietitian tomorrow then hopefully I will have more of a idea of what I can eat

[csab]

Hi everyone,

Csab - sorry your levels are going up and having to do insulin. Are you going OK now with the injections?

hj1981 - that is great that your levels are good! I wish mine were better....

I am really up and down with this GD thing. It hasn't helped that I have been sick, but even though most of my levels are below the 6.7 thing (and morning fasting always OK), I've had a few over and they started to talk insulin again. This was after the other Diab ed woman three days before said I was going well and diet alone would do it. I've had a few meltdowns about the whole thing as I feel like having a level in the 7's shouldn't be such a big deal a few times a week. Surely there is some margin for individuality about it all. It has also been hard being so sick and stressed and I know that puts levels up. Anyway today I decided to have the day off testing after I got held up at the hospital without my testing kit and when I got home I thought bugger it! I ate some chocolate and I'm not going to test again until tomorrow. I'm so sick of *****ing my finger and feeling stressed about the results. Feel naughty, but my mental health called for a rest from the stress today!
Anyone else ever have a day off?

Thanks hun, it isnt very nice when they start talking insulin is it? I nearly died when they told me I needed to be on it, and then again when they told me I needed to go on night time ones too. Glad you enjoyed a mental day off. hugs

I'm guessing you're in the public system? Isn't it annoying when you see a different doctor every time and each one tells you something different. I expect to do the Dr shuffle in a public hospital, but within the one clinic you'd think they would have a consensus on treatment!

Sorry to hear you are feeling down with all of this, I do know exactly what you mean though. I equate the finger *****ing with getting on the scales each morning and having that determine whether you're in a good mood that day, or a not so good mood. Except instead of doing it just once a day, you have to do it four times. It sucks!

I haven't given myself a day off, but I did give myself a meal off a couple of times. My birthday was one such occasion, I felt it was fair enough. On the topic of chocolate, I have found I can eat a bit, I just have to make sure it is only a small bit. I've found the chocolate they sell at Aldi a godsend. It's called Moser Roth, and comes in different varieties. The best thing about it is you buy a block, but it's made up of 5 individually wrapped portions of about 25 grams each. So not a lot of chocolate, it doesn't get my blood sugar up if I eat just one, and it eases my chocolate cravings. If you stick with dark chocolate (the mint choc one is beautiful) then all the better because dark chocolate is low GI. Maybe try one of those and test your levels after that. If they are ok you could work it into your daily rations!

Well thanks for the tip re: Aldis chocolate, I think I may have to check it out.

***sneaks in***

Hi Ladies, just popping in to wish you all well.

As painful as having GD can be, just remember you will soon be holding your precious bundles and it will all be worth it.

Blackorchid, I found I could get away with eating a little chocolate too

csab, sorry to hear you are on insulin hun. Just focus on the end result. Like Belfie, I gained nothing after starting insulin. But then again I didnt really gain anything the whole pregnancy.

hj, glad to hear your BSLs are super good

Thecolourbrown, it sounds like you've had a bit of a rough trot lately.

AFM I had my postnatal GTT the other day and I am pleased to say I am officially again diabetes free! YAY. . . I was sooo worried it as going to show I was getting type 2, but all is good

Yayyyyyyy for no more insulin and all coming back perfect for you. You are so right it will definately be worth it in the end. Hope all is going well with your gorgeous bub. hugs

MamaSpice - WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO that is truely FANTASTIC news!!!! so so very happy for you!!!!

thecolourbrown - im a guilty one of having a day off here and there! im no expert and i honestly don't understand enough about GD but i honestly don't see a problem with a day off exspecially if mentally you need it! you need to look after yourself and this whole finger p****ing IS stressful! i know how you feel

How are you going HJ, I hope all is going well for you. hugs

*sneaks back in too*
firstly... OMG mama spice I am soooooo happy for you!! Pls bring me good luck for my test tehe, I've gotta do it in a few weeks time; wish me luck!!

Csab - so sorry to hear the insulin has been upped already, how is it going? Please don't beat yourself up because truly it's not your fault at all

Blackorchid - Ooh I used too have that choc too, it was yummo!!

Thecolorbrown - pneumonia you poor thing! I hope you're feeling better now.

Hj1981 - how are you going? Sounds like your BSL's are great, I'm pleased for you.

As for days off, I must admit I didnt do any full days but I did do meals here & there -- some were special occasions and some I just plain forgot to take my BSL kit out somewhere with me lol I agree that everyone needs a break sometime and it's not gonna make that big a difference in the scheme of things (unless you Ate like whole bucket of sugar ha!)

Im guilty, Over the past couple of weeks , I forgot to check my BSL's a few times, yet they werent too concerned about the missed ones. lol. Thought I was going to get a lecture. My lunch time insulin is now upto 14units and they are now looking at me starting breakfast ones. bugger..... Ohhh well. Have you had your GD test done since birth yet? if so how did you go? hugs

Hello fellow GDer's!

Mamaspice - how great that you are Diabetes free! That must be such a relief. I hope I will be in the same position.

Csab - how are you going with the insulin? Have you gotten used to giving yourself injections?

Hj1981 - thanks for the support! Glad to know it isn't just me!

Blackorchid - thanks or your support as well. I am in the public system at the Royal Women's, which actually has been pretty good care, especially when I was admitted - the midwives were fantastic, I felt really well looked after.

I am feeling a lot more cheery after seeing the Diabetes Ob yesterday. In contrast to the diabetes educators (who were the ones either confusing or freaking me out) she was fabulous. She said it was stupid to not eat for 2 hours post a main meal if I was starving and actually that would have been affecting my sugar levels negatively. She was completely behind the idea that there is an individual path for these things and if I have always eaten every hour or so then that is fine. Thank god! I was always counting down the minutes until I could have something to eat again. She also said as I've been so sick it would be affecting my levels, but she was happy with them anyway so no insulin for me! I feel annoyed about the Diab Ed people. I knew that my diet was really healthy and changing the way I eat would have an adverse effect and I think I was correct. Yesterday I ate when I felt like it and all my levels where great. I just get big spikes when I don't eat and then have too much (which I never do under normal circumstances). Probably why I failed the GTT in the first place. My body is just not made for fasting!!
She said it was fine I had a day off (not that I ate anything bad, I just didn't test). She was so nice and understanding. I also had a scan and the baby is doing really well, not fat at all (in the 60th percentile), so I feel a lot calmer. I might still have to go on insulin by the end, but I feel much more in control of it all now and trusting my own feelings for it.

Hope everyone is doing well. thanks for your support when I was feeling down!

Andrea
x

Im so glad your feeling alot better now especially after seeing your Ob. Hopefully you get to stay off insulin. I am used to it now, sometimes I keep getting the spots that hurt and end up moving the needle over to a more less sensitive area. Mostly the side is better, but as Belly gets bigger seem to be finding more spots not so favourable lol.

Hi ladies. Can I join you all? I found out last Wednesday I got GD. I was going to write last week but I needed to get my head around it. I didn't react well . The thought of *****ing my fingers also scared the hell out of me but I've been doing it since yesterday and its not as bad as I imagined. The diabetes educator said my levels need to be 3.5 to 6.7. My reading have all been between 4.6 and 5.8 so I'm happy with that. I have to see the dietitian tomorrow then hopefully I will have more of a idea of what I can eat

Welcome hun, It does seem to be something to get our heads around, I didnt really believe them at first. lol. yet soon reality really hit and now I am on insulin. Actually hurts less than the BSL checking, and I was actually petrified of giving myself a needle. Ohh well soon got used to it. Thats great your doing well with your levels. hugs


Well I have been told today that when bub arrives they will take bub to SCN to monitor, and once I come out of recovery after the c/s, they will take me upto see bub. Made sure DH knows what will happen so he knows to stay with bub until at least I can go and be with bub. How long bub will be in SCN will depend on bubs, which I well expected anyway. Other than that, BSL's have been getting abit more harder to control, esp at lunch time so am now on 14units, and they are talking about having me have insulin at breakfast yet havent fully decided yet.

I cant believe it has been this long since i last posted, sorry everyone. hugs

[AwesomeFoursome]

Thanks csab. I was wondering what everyone else have been told their levels should be? I was told between 3.5 and 6.7 but my sister was told between 4 and 8. I started the new strips tonight and needed heaps more blood . I did 3 reading in a row, just to test it don't ask me why lol and they were 6.8, 7.7 and 7.9. How can you get so big a difference in the same minute? That doesn’t seem right. Anyone know?