My Journey with Gestational Diabetes

My roller coaster of exercise training was quickly halted in August of 2012 when I found out The Man and I were expecting our first child!  It was nice to have something besides my foot injury (still there btw) to focus on.  I finally had a break from working out and was able to concentrate on this new chapter in our lives!  I should have started blogging again then, because during the last 30 weeks I would have had many wonderful (and not so wonderful) stories to share... but I didn't.  I thought this topic was important to talk about so I'm blogging now!

Most of you know I am a fairly healthy eater and I try to get regular exercise... the foot injury really put a damper on that, but I still tried hard to fight it.  So when I got pregnant I put the training and borderline obsessive food logging aside and decided just to enjoy food for a change.  I ate when hungry, indulged here and there (hello, pregnant over thanksgiving and Christmas is amazing) but also still tried to eat balanced, because nutrition is still important for this growing boy (yes it's a boy!!) inside me!  So when it came time for my glucose test 2 weeks ago I didn't have any concerns.  I have no risk factors, although I did manage to pack on 30lbs in those first 28 weeks I am not overweight and I do not feel like I look giant.

Glucose test #1- the one famous one hour test.

First let me mention my doctor told me to eat a normal breakfast that morning, and so I did.  I made myself a nice green smoothie out of fruit juice, fruit, spinach and some chia seeds- drank it down and left an hour later to go start my test.  Shortly after my test I would consider this a mistake, but after learning more about GD I have learned it was exactly what I should have done.  The purpose of the test is to determine how your body handles glucose normally- if I had fasted for that test or otherwise messed with my normal food intake I may not be getting the support the BABY needs now.... also as you will read later, it likely wouldn't have made a difference either way fasting or not!

So I show up to my doctors office feeling unemotional either way about the test- no anxiety, nothing.  They ask me if I want the lemon/lime flavor or the orange flavor- several other ladies in the waiting room encourage me to do the orange, so that is what I pick.  They told me I had 5 minutes to drink it and as soon as I was done I was to return to the desk and they would start my timer.  I drank that bottle in probably 1 minutes because I was overheating and it tasted like orange gaterade/koolaid- returned it to the lady and took my seat to wait the one hour for my blood to be drawn.

During that hour I got to see my OB for a normal checkup- found out my blood pressure was awfully high and was told to lay down.  My blood pressure was 134/89- my doctor starts to consider bedrest at 135/90.  That scared me... 15 minutes later they retested my blood pressure and it had dropped a little to 124/83.  Doc was still concerned so he ordered a preeclampsia blood panel to be taken at the same time my glucose sample was taken (and an iron test for good measures).  Shortly after I finished with my doctor my one hour timer dinged and I was sent in to get blood drawn- always a fun adventure for me.  After 2 failed atempts in my arms (and ALOT of pain) the tech finally agreed to take it out of my hand (as I recommended in the first place)... she drew all the needed blood and told me my iron levels were perfect and I would get a call about everything else later in the day.... and then sent me home.

The next few hours of the day were a little stressful for me- the idea of bedrest does not appeal to me in anyway like it might some overly tired pregnant ladies- infact the idea of it about kills me.  I was sure my glucose test was fine so I spent that time stressing over my PreE blood panel.... then I got the call that I failed my glucose test... by alot... Infact my number was 198 and I needed a 135 to pass- opps!  I would need to come in the following Tuesday for the 2 hour test.  Still, no big deal- at this point I'd gladly take GD over PreE and bedrest!!  So I wait and wait and wait for another call about my blood panel and finally find out it was perfect... this is when I began the stressing over GD.

I spent that Friday researching GD, what the diet looks like, what the risks for the baby were... basically what would my next 12 weeks be like.  I also tried to stay positive that maybe I would pass the 2 hour test- which I was instructed to fast for... I was angry that my doctor told me to eat that normal breakfast before the first test and was sure that the 40g carb green smoothie I had prior to the test had faulted my results.  But just incase I started on the GD diet based on the stuff I could find online.  After all, diabetes is no joke right- and I didn't want to hurt the baby.

Glucose Test #2- The Famous 2 hour test (previously 3hr test)

That Tuesday I arrived at my doctors office after 12hours of fasting a little nervous about the test, but certain I could handle failing again- the diet didn't seem too awful and at this point I'll do anything for this baby- surely eating healthier and poking myself a few times a day are little to pay for a healthy son!  I was also optimistic that I would pass since I hadn't had that glucose loaded smoothie prior to my appt.  The first thing they did was take my fasting sugars.  I tested 78 which was well below the 90 I needed to continue the test- at this point I was laughing inside and yelling at that smoothie at the same time.

While getting my fasting blood drawn I noticed the lab tech across from me with some brochures in her hand talking to a young pregnant lady- she explained that she had tested 185 and needed a 180 to pass and so they were stopping her test early- she was getting her Gestational Diabetes diagnosis right then and there.  I felt so bad for her as she looked so scared- I was swooped off to the waiting room before I could do any more eavesdropping.

I was given the same orange drink with the same 5 minute time period to drink it- and finished it quickly and took my seat.  I was to sit in that waiting room for an hour, so I read some magazines, watched the clock... and waited.  About 15minutes into my wait the girl I mentioned previous burst out of the lab area overcome with tears and ran out of the office- I truly felt awful for her!  After an hour they called my name, drew my blood and sent me back to the waiting room for another hour.

When 50 minutes had passed and they called my name I noticed the lab tech had those same lovely brochures in her hand and I jokingly told her I was not happy to see them...  She then informed me that I had failed the 2nd draw so they were stopping the test- my number was 202 (um yes, WAY higher then poor sad girl running out of the office).  She told me the diabetic program from the hospital I would be delivering at would be calling me that day to set up an appointment to discuss what this meant, handed me a prescription for the materials I would be needing but told me not to get them until after my first appt with the Diabetic counselor and recommended I stay away from high sugar items until that first appt- she handed me 2 very vague brochures and then she sent me on my way....

I exited the building got to my car and made it about 2 blocks before the tears started... I was so angry and mad at myself- and confused.  I was a pretty healthy person, I didn't have any of the standard indicators (overweight, family history, poor eating habits, ect)... maybe all the candy I ate was the cause and oh man what a guilt trip I laid on myself right then and there.  My brothers had both cautioned me against eating so much candy (although I honestly didn't eat nearly as much as I think they both thought I did) and I could just hear them now rubbing that in my face and calling me a horrible mom.  My doctors had actually encouraged me to keep hard candy with me so that when I was feeling tired or lightheaded I could perk myself back up- I'd say most days I had maybe 5ish jolly ranchers, and maybe once a week I would indulge in one of those single serving bags of candy (like from the grocery checkout).... but at that moment I was certain that candy was the reason for my diagnosis.

I made it home and waited for my call from the diabetic program- didn't get one.  The next day I decided to call and their computers were down so they were going to have to call me back... long story short I didn't get into my first session until a week after my official diagnosis- talk about a stressful week.  I continued to follow the information I had found online and although I was much more accepting and confident in my ability to manage this effectively I was still worried about what all it meant.

The Joslin Center- Diabetic Counseling

And that leads me up to the first appointment at The Joslin Center.  I finally made it into the class.  There were 4 other girls besides me and we started out with a nurse who gave us a very basic overview of what is happening in our bodies because of the diabetes.  Infact that candy I had eaten was in no way to blame for my diagnosis, what a relief it was to hear that! She then gave us our meters and showed us how to use them.  I poked my finger a good 4 times before she came over and showed me that I was indeed able to get the blood I needed if I would just squeeze my finger a little... I felt foolish, but also so thankful I decided to try it there instead of at home by myself!  I was 2 hours past my last meal so she said I would need to be under 120 (130 an hour after the meal, and under 95 any other time)... I tested a wonder 104 and was pleased with myself.  I was also pleased that the finger poking was not bad at all- nothing like the finger pokes they do at the doctors office that is for sure!! She also showed us how to fill out our handy dandy record books too- fabulous!

Next up we had class with a dietian who went over food portions and what our diets should look like.  This part was somewhat boring for me- I've measured and weighed my food for YEARS, I know how to read nutritional panels, and I sure know the difference between a smart choice and a bad choice...  I was surprised to hear that she wanted me to eat at the higher level of my carb allowances, but agreed to it anyway and then asked her to send me requirements for protein and fat intake as well- if I have to monitor one I might as well monitor them all.

My diet will look like this

Breakfast 15-30g Carbs
Snack      15-30g Carbs
Lunch       45-60g Carbs (stick to 45g)
Snack      15-30g Carbs
Dinner      45-60g Carbs (try 60g)
Snack       15-30g Carbs

Really not hard to follow at all (cept breakfast- no cereal... BOO)

She also said things like not to worry about the carbs in condiments, peanut butter, even a serving of creamer in our coffee didn't need to be counted.... I started wondering why I was so worked up over this in the first place and immediately felt calmer.  She also instructed me to eat whatever I wanted at my baby shower that weekend, one day of high numbers wouldn't be a problem.... I loved her!

I drove home feeling MUCH better about my diagnosis.  The testing wasn't awful- the food part wasn't bad either, infact they wanted me to increase my carb intake over what I had been eating this last week- how could that be bad!

First Post Meal Testing Experience

Since the dietian recommended I eat closer to the 60g carb allowance for dinner I decided to try it out that night- I measured and weighed my food on my food scale, and enjoyed every bite.  I then waited the appropriate hour after the start of my meal as instructed during class and broke out my testing equipment.  I washed my hands as recommended and proceeded with the test... my reading 180.... I almost cried.  I need to be under 130.  But I then rememered her saying if you get a high number you should test again... so I did.... 146... WHAT??  Ok, so which one is right now?  So I tested a 3rd time.... 177.... seriously now I was mad.  So I wash my hands again, change the lance (needle) in the poker and tried one more time... 132.  Seriously?!?!?!?!  This all happened in a 5 minutes window, and I washed my hands inbetween each test.  180 or 132... which is it?  Because it really does matter.

Meter Issues- Maybe Not

I called the meter company and they inform me that the standards say readings should be within 20% of eachother, and mine appear to be about 12% so they believe the meter is working just fine.  But they also agreed to send me some control solution- supposedly I will use it to test the accuracy of the meter to determine if it needs to be calibrated.  The next morning I called the Joslin center to talk with my nurse and she recommended throwing out the bottle of test strips and starting with a new bottle.  She told me the numbers shouldn't be that far off, to record the lowest number I had gotten and to keep using it for the remainder of the week- If I get readings in the normal range record them, if I get higher readings test again and record the lowest one, and if I am still having problems we will get me a new meter next week when I have my followup visit.

Learning Curve

This morning was my first "fasting" draw and my numbers were in the desired range which made me happy- took a few pokes and a few test strips to finally get a reading on my meter (I dont bleed well... so I wasn't getting enough blood the first time) but I was happy to be in the "safe" zone.  I ate breakfast- a slice of toast with peanut butter and half a glass of milk rounding in around 20g of carbs...then I anxiously watched the clock for an hour to check my levels.  One hour later I washed my hands and 3 pokes and 2 strips later finally had enough blood- my score was a very acceptable 107 (needed to be under 130).  I was very pleased!  Perhaps it was just that vial of test strips.  I am hoping soon I'll figure out a rhythm and will only have to poke once and use one strip each time- I hear the strips can get expensive and insurance doesn't like to pay for extras...

So look for more updates on my journey with GD over the next 10 weeks of my pregnancy- maybe some newly diagnosed mom will get some comfort in what I have written... until then XOXOXO

Knowing When To Stop

Those who know me, know I don't give up easily. That is what makes this decision so difficult.  In May I had full intentions of recovering from my surgery and giving it my all, training right to prevent injury and keeping my love for running going.  Unfortunately, as life usually goes, that is not what has happened.  2 weeks ago I suffered from pure exhaustion, not enough sleep, not enough food, and too much training.  I did the right thing and I took 4 days off to regain my strength and energy.  My next run was a wonderful 5k around town, where I had my fastest time and I was SO happy!  The very next day I dislocated a rib, which put me out for another week.

I was disappointed with the new injury, but did ad the doctor told me and rested.  I was released Monday (5 days ago) and started my training back up.  1.5 weeks off doesn't seem like long but it has reset my training back atleast 5 weeks.  I can barely run 5k now and today to keep on track I should have ran 8.  It is because of this that I have decided to call off my training for the Disney Marathon in Jan 2012.  I will continue to train for the half in Des Moines at the end of October, and who knows maybe at that time I will reconsider the Disney, but for now I am suffering from Runners Depression which I will explain more about below, and it's more important for me to be able to run forever, then to push myself and get hurt and never be able to run again.

Runners Depression- What is that you ask?  Well, we all know what a runners high is.  Is the endorphins racing through your body after a run, what makes most of us runners run, and why we love it.  It's a peaceful all over body high that leaves you genuinely happy.  I miss that feeling, it is why I run and it's what I look forward to each day.  Lately I've been experiencing what I would call a Runners Depression.  I characterize this by finishing a run and feeling lousy, disappointed, and genuinely upset with my performance for the day.  This is a feeling that has happened alot over the last month, and in turn has set me up to hate my runs.

I love running, but the pressure to stay on my tight schedule for the marathon has started to ruin it for me.  And that pressure pushes me to go distances that I know I'm not ready for, and risk permanent injury to my foot that is already weak from surgery in May.  I've thought long and hard about this, and to save my body from injury, save my mind from runners depression, and give myself the JOY of running back, Disney is going to have to go away.

This is not an easy choice for me, and I am rather upset about it, but I know it's what needs to be done.  I will be resetting back to week one for training for the half marathon in October, and hope to regain that beloved runners high again!

Sometimes the smart thing is knowing when to stop- that is my advice for the day.  It might be a hard pill to swallow, but I think it's what I need.

<3 Amber

Ups and Downs of Training

The Bad Run

Tuesday of this week I went on my first 3 mile run since I ran my half marathon in October, and broke my foot.  I had named this the turning point of my "training" and that if I did well, I would be all set for full blown marathon training.  It's now been about 7 weeks since my surgery, and I've been running for 3 of those weeks (small distances).  I was not prepared well... I had been slacking on drinking my water for the last week, I didn't have much to eat the day before (or anything to eat that day prior to the run) and I was laking on sleep... along with other issues I was having unexpectedly (sometimes being a woman just sucks).... I also thought the temperature read 69 degrees... when in reality it was more like 86, still not sure I misread that!!!

Anyway, I went out for my run feeling really good, my 2 mile run on Sunday rocked and I was VERY happy with how relearning to run has been going.  I thought that the 3 mile run would be smooth and easy.  I did take a different route, because it was too hard to make an extra mile into the route I had been running, and there were alot steeper longer hills then I normally run, but at about the 1.5 mile mark I wanted to die.  My pace was a good 2 minutes slower then my pace had been on Sunday (NOT good) and I was only at the half way point which included alot of those steep up hill roads... at the 2 mile mark I physically was still doing the motions of running, but I am sure a crawling infant would have beat me with no problems... I finished the 3 miles without stopping, but my pace was ridiculous... instead of 13min miles I ran 16min miles... YUCK!

Now if I was a new runner, that probably would have been the end of my dream to run a marathon.  But because I trained for a half marathon last year I know that bad run days happen, and considering everything I had going against me, its probably amazing that I even finished.  Friday when I go out again I'm sure to do better, I know it wont be easy, but it shouldn't be the end of my running, marathon training is still on!  I know that I am still a runner, because even after that hell run, my body doesn't hurt.... I can remember the first time I ran a 5k, I was sore for days :-)  So my body still remembers that running is part of me!

The Good Swim

Today I went for swim #2, I had my new one piece ( a little snug, but it'll work) and my new googles (totally awesome goggles!!) this round.  My goal was just to do 400 yards... swim half lap crawl, 1.5 laps of side stroke for recovery, repeat.  I didn't have a time in mind, I just wanted to complete the distance.  I ended up doing all 500 yards (triathlon distance) and I did it in 18min, which is the same as my race time during last years tri :-)  I have 9 more weeks to get down to my goal of 15min for the swim, which I now know is possible! 

About an hour before doing this I met Josh so he could try out swimming (he's doing the Tri this year with me), I swam a couple of laps there too (Noelridge) but I was having problems swimming in their pool so I got out and just watched Josh do his part, and went to my gym afterwards where I am comfortable (less people, the sun isn't bothering me, the water is deeper (water at Noelridge was only waist deep...).  So here's to an awesome swim, especially for it only being #2 of the season!!

Training Swim #1

Background

Today was my first session swimming for my Triathlon training.  The event is 500 yards long, and I like to train for atleast 600 yards, just in case I zigzag in the water and add extra distance unknowingly.

For those who don't know, June 2010 I decided I wanted to do a triathlon.  I had recently finished the Fairfax Days 5k, and ran the entire thing without stopping, which for the few months before that had been my #1 goal.  In my Fairfax Days 5k race bag was a flier for the Trihawks Sprint Triathlon to be held September 17th... it seemed like a logical step for my next goal.  There was just one small problem... I knew I could do the run part, it was a 5k, and I figured I could ride a bike 16 miles even if I hadn't been on one in 10+ years, the problem was that I didnt' know how to swim...

Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't like being told I CANT do something... especially by myself.  So I set out to figure out how I COULD swim.  I enrolled in swimming lessons, and slowly introduced myself to the water.  I trained doing mostly side stroke because it was easy and I felt comfortable doing it, and I had limited time to figure out how to go the 500yrd distance.  I had tried to learn freestyle but just wasn't picking it up fast enough.  I did the entire swim portion of the triathlon side stroke... and it took me 19 minutes.  This year with 10 weeks to train, I want to do as much of the swim portion as I can in crawl (freestyle) and I am really hoping to get closer to the 15 minute mark so I'm not last out of the water again (OK, I wasn't last, but close!).

Today's Swim

So, like I said today was swim #1, after 9 months of no swimming... I planned out my swim training and assumed I'd be unable to swim longer then 50yrds doing any stroke, as that was hard to start at last year during training.  So today I wanted to just get to one end of the 25yrd pool and back without stopping doing any stroke I could muster, and throwing some crawl into the mix as well.

Right off the bat I felt silly in my 2 piece swimsuit, and noted that I would invest in a 1 piece for training.  Last year I trained in this suit, but then wore shorts and a sports bra to the event.  I couldn't find my goggles before I left the house and was in a hurry to get to Pilate's class so I grabbed a pair Josh had and was on my way... within the first 2 seconds of being in the water I realized these goggles weren't going to be my friend, they leaked, and they leaked badly, but I pushed on.

I started off with side stroke and then attempted some crawl... I was gasping for air after just 4 arm strokes, so I switched back to side stroke and finished my 50 yards.  Those 50 yards seemed very easy so I continued.  During my several attempts at crawl I noticed each time I was gasping for air, and seemed very rushed.  I FINALLY figured out how to rotate my body, not just my head, but it still didn't feel right.  After awhile more doing side stroke I came to the conclusion that because when I run I breath slow and long maybe I should try to slow down my stroke and that might allow me enough time to breath without feeling rushed and later down the road I could work on speed if needed...

That was an amazing conclusion and it really worked.  I pushed it to 300 yards and for the last 4 laps I did half a lap of crawl at a slower pace, followed by 1.5 laps of side stroke for recovery.  My last lap I did 3/4 a lap of crawl and quickly realized that soon I'll be doing lap after lap of crawl with no problems.  And with 10 weeks left to train, I should be in good shape for the triathlon!

When I got home I ordered new goggles, and a one piece swimsuit.  And I'm considering jumping my swim training up to twice a week :-)

Happy Training everyone!

Week 2- The 2 Mile Run

The Run

This is week 2 of my 6 month long training.  I was able to do my first 2 mile run today, and it was great.  My pace was slow, but I think that is ok, because I'm sure as I get use to running again my pace will get better. 

I decided to try out a new waist pack water bottle holder a friend had given me.  I wanted to try it on a short run, so that when it comes time to needing it for the longer ones I'd know if I like it or not, before being stuck with it for 5+ miles.  It is the Nathans Elite 1 Hydration Pak and holds a 22oz bottle (which I had to take back to the running store because the spout part of the lid broke off completely, Running Wild gladly exchanged it for a non-defective one even though I didn't have a receipt).  I had a hard time deciding how to wear it at first.  It seems like it's suppose to sit on the side of your hip, but on me that meant my arm would constantly hit it while they sway back and forth as I run.  So, I put the water part in the middle of my back.... it was out of the way and in the house jumping around it seemed as though it would work just fine.  Unfortunately during my run I had to take the water bottle out because it bounced around too much, and then I had to also constantly pull it back down as it road up my hips to above my belly button... so, I'm sad to say this is not a winner :-( and I'll be sticking to holding a bottle of water instead of wearing one.

Tomorrow is my first Pilate's class, and it's also my first swim training.. it'll be my first time swimming in 9 months so I'm a little nervous to see how much stamina my body will still have in the pool... also not real excited about putting on a swimsuit, but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do I guess.

Introduction to Ammer!

Hello world.  This is my first attempt at blogging.  I have some interesting life experiences that I share with a group of fantastic people all over the world and thought only fitting for me to blog instead of email each person individually.


Background:

I am a 27 year old female.  I was born, raised, and am still living in Iowa. I have the perfect job and work hard. I have a big heart and enjoy helping other people. I really believe in doing the right thing, and will go out of my way to help if I can.  I am passionate about what I believe in and don't have a lot of tolerance for ignorance or laziness. I never was great with grammar but love to write, so if you are an English grammar freak you might want to move on along now.  If you want to know more just ask!!

What I Will Write About:

My email sharing usually consists of a couple different things.  One being funny things that happen in my life... usually envolving animals.  I have an 11 year old deaf all white beautiful pittbull named Kiki, whom I adopted when my boyfriend and I started dating 8.5 years ago.  He rescued her when she was 1.  In Janurary of 2010 Josh (against my wishes) brought home a stray cat, whom he named Lucky.  Lucky has since become MY cat and I love him (which is not a small feat since prior to him I have hated every cat I have met).

Lucky sleeping after a 3 day Tom Cat adventure that had me hysterical

Kiki, my princess!!

Another item I will likely write alot about is my training.  I started Running for the first time in May 2010 and got hooked.  During my 3rd 5k race I got a flyer for a sprint triathlon, and decided to train for that.  I learned to swim, recently had learned to run, and got back on a bike after atleast 15 years off one for that race.  The race was Sept 2010, and it was difficult but I finished.  I then ran a half marathon in October 2010.  The interesting part about that is 3 weeks prior to the race I apparently broke a bone in my foot.  Xrays didn't show anything, and it wasnt until I had a MRI in March 2011 that we found out the bone died.  I had a sesamoidectomy surgery on my inside sesmoid bone on my left foot in May 2011 (this is where they remove the dead bone)

My foot a week after surgery (so 5 weeks ago)

THIS week I was finally cleared to run for the first time in 8 months. 

6 Weeks Post Surgery, looks SO much better!!

I am training for 3 events: Redo the triathlon I did last year which is Sept 18th, redo the half marathon which is in October, and complete the Disney Marathon Jan 8, 2012!!  I am also thinking about trying to complete a short adventure race...

So there is the intro to me.  Questions, just ask!