So I took the 3 hour glucose test on Thursday, June 12. Late Friday afternoon, June 13, I got the phone call from the nurse telling me that 3 of my 4 numbers were too high. That earned me the official diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes (GDM). I started following the diabetic diet and testing my blood sugar on Wednesday, June 18. Today I gave my first week's worth of numbers to the nurse. After talking to the doctor, she called me back to tell me that he wanted me to start taking insulin once a day before bed. Groan. The needle that I inject myself with (in the belly) is very fine, and I can hardly feel it going in, but the insulin burns. With Esther, I would get a big red itchy spot at each injection site, and since you are supposed to choose a different site each time, my whole pregnant belly was leopard-speckled. When I told the nurse about this today, she said she would try me on a different type of insulin. I was very optimistic tonight for my first injection, but I think this new kind of insulin (Lantus) burned even more than the old kind! Too early for the red welt, though, so that is good.
Friday, June 13, was also the day that the veins in the back of my right leg started aching and throbbing in a sickening way any time I stood on it. That has never happened before, and it was very discouraging. I read that daily exercise would help my circulation, and I know it will help my blood sugar as well, so Monday morning, June 16, I started getting up a little before 6 a.m. to take a full one hour walk before Dan leaves for work. I am not usually very good at getting up early, especially not consistently, but this time I am extremely motivated by all of my desired health benefits. I have not missed a day since I started, and that is 9 days now!
A few days ago my leg stopped hurting. I imagine that this is due, in part, to the daily walk, but I think it also has to do with a few prayers I've said. I explained to God that I don't mind the morning sickness (which is still going on) or the gestational diabetes...I was expecting both of those things. But the unexpected addition of the leg pain seemed almost more than I could bear. Now the leg pain is gone, and I am so grateful. I think about it every day, and feel loved and strengthened by the thought.
8 comments:
I'm glad to hear that your leg pain has subsided, and I'm super impressed that you're getting up that early to go walking. I sleep in embarrassingly late these days.
Ouch, ouch...and more ouch!
According to the lastest VT message we were prepared for these trials in the pre-existence...hmmmm~~~~
Fat Aunty B~
Yeah Andrea! You totally inspire me. I'll keep your legs in my prayers as well. They are such good looking legs. And really, I know these prayers are heard. For example. . . I've been praying that we'd have enough money to get me a laptop sice I never see ours anymore . . . Eric needs it pretty much all the time now. Well, the little money we saved for it is now going to fix all of Eric's cavities--a good thing right? Well, last week I cleaned out our basement and came across our old, dead laptop--you know the one that died over a year ago? Well, what do you know, it now works beautifully. Hooked it up to the internet and vioala--here I am wasting time again. Now if I can only get back my self-control.
p.s. We actually got sick of sugar snap peas last week. I didn't think that was possible.
Keep going Andrea. It's amazing the resolve we women have when it comes to our little ones.
I'm glad your leg feels better, and I love the way you always acknowledge the Lord's hand in our lives. :-)
I'm glad your legs are feeling better. That would be completely NO FAIR to have that and diabetes. And I've had terrible varicose veins that ache especially with pregnancy. I'd never wish it on anyone!
Hey--can we come see you guys on July 9th? We'll be in town.
Thinking of ya...I know how "fun" it can be with ther kids to take care of at the same time! Hang in there..
I am glad your legs are feeling better. I wondered about diabetes with this pregnancy, at least you know more about it this time around. I am impressed with the walks. I wish I was around to go with you :)
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