Very Upset 37 weeks Gestational Diabetes 3 hr

[momuveight2B]

I am really very upset by what has happened this week. I did the one hour gloucose test at 24 weeks like the peris requested. They called Tuesday of this week wanting to know where and when I had the test. To day they finally called and had the results faxed to them. My blood sugar was 166 on 5/17 and they say that is high and want me to do the three hour.

I had asked at earlier appointments and the nurse told if there had been a problem they would have brought it up. I had no idea they had never gotten the test results. They blame the lab.

Peri did not even discuss it with me today. Instead he was being a real jerk about telling me that I didn't know a BH from a regular contraction. Well since I have given birth and he hasn't I think I know.

It was a terrible appointment all the way around and I was so mad I didn't even want to talk about anything. I saw this coming on Tuesday and had already decided that no matter what came up I was going home to think about it before I acted.

So anyone know what I should do now? I have gained sixteen pounds during this pregnancy and baby is not oversized. I have been perfectly fine at each prenatal visit and no sugar or protien ever in my urine.

[queendom lady]

I don't really have any advice. I think I'd refuse the test personally but that's just me. Dh had to take me in kicking and screaming to the first one since he "knew" everything was going to be fine and just thought why push on every issue... well, your situation sounds like why.

I'm sorry, that just totally sucks.

[ThreeBeans]

I would be freaking FURIOUS and I would read him the riot act. He didn't get the results? He should have TOLD YOU. Blaming the lab is inexcusable.

[SarahLiz]

I had almost the same thing happen to me, although I moved overseas, they didn't lose the test results during that time period. Once I got a new Dr here I just refused the 3 hr...I had been using a home glucose monitor and knew I was ok. The Dr wanted to see my readings and then was fine with the whole thing. I didn't have a whole lot of choices, considering it's a military hospital and I can't go to a different one, but maybe that would work for you...not much longer left!!

[momuveight2B]

Originally Posted by ThreeBeans

I would be freaking FURIOUS and I would read him the riot act. He didn't get the results? He should have TOLD YOU. Blaming the lab is inexcusable.

He has not even discussed it with me! This came from the medical assistant. In all this time neither he nor his partner have bothered to read my chart and address this missing test. I am furious. I didn't bring it up because after he bullied me about contractions I was so freakin mad that it was all I could do to get out of there.

[dctexan]

Well, I say either switch doctors (I know this can be tough at 37 weeks) or agree to re-do the 1 hr blood glucose with the understanding that you do NOT have to pay for it (sounds like it was either a lab or doc error anyway) - make a decision based on the results of the 1 hour (for what it's worth, and I am sooo not a doctor, I very much doubt you have ges. diabetes if you have only gained 16 lbs). So sorry this is happening momma

[artgoddess]

They only want you to re take it to cover their own asses. No reason you should have to go through that again. The fact that you ASKED about it and yet the nurse said they would have let yo know if there was a problem is really nuts.

I would write a long letter to them explaining your frustration over this, as well as documenting the chain of events. Really, if your OB is so darn convinced you are having early labor, not BH contractions what the hell is a 3 hr confirmation test going to do any way? Not like he thinks you have any time to make changes to your diet.

[Jster]

Another thing that might be possible, although probably not with the practitioners you have now (and I switched doctors at 39 weeks with my first, it's not ideal, but it can be done...better before birth than during), is a hemoglobin A1C blood test. I had shadow care with a great family doctor during my second pregnancy, just for the tests, but didn't want to take the GTT even though my midwife kind of liked it. He explained the A1C test is what they give diabetics and gives something of an imprint of what the person's blood sugar has been like over the last three months...much more accurate in assessing whether there is a pregnancy diabetes problem than the forced conditions of the GTT. Maybe you could offer this up as an alternative?

But I agree with the pp who said this is just THEIR attempt to protect themselves from their own incompetence...ridiculous, imnsho.

[momuveight2B]

Originally Posted by Jster

Another thing that might be possible, although probably not with the practitioners you have now (and I switched doctors at 39 weeks with my first, it's not ideal, but it can be done...better before birth than during), is a hemoglobin A1C blood test. .

I was reading about this test. Actually have found lots of good info on line and glad I held my tongue until I could be better educated.

The soonest I can fast and have this test is Monday. I really prefer Wendesday which is the soonest my husband can be there with me. The nurse wants me to come to a lab near them which means a seventy mile drive each way after fasting for ten hours. What is she thinking????/ Says our lab at our hospital here in town is unreliable however I have never had that experience in the past. I can be there in ten minutes and have family support. If I drive that far I would have to go alone and what if I pass out?

So anyway if I do it I will go to our local hospital. Nothing will be done about it until my next OB check on Thursday when I will be 38 weeks. If I don't have GD then I guess that is great but if I do what can be accomplished in the next few weeks? Seems I should work on my diet regardless.

As far as changing providers go we already plan to show up at our local hospital in labor and the doctors there will deliver me.

[eri_flores]

I'll mostly just agree with the others here... I'd say the only reason to take the 3 hour is if there is something about it that will make you feel better. If, for example, you'd like to know. Otherwise... the docs screwed up and are covering. There's no reason it should come up now otherwise. As Jster suggested, the A1C might be a good alternative (simple blood draw), but only *if* you feel you need to make any considerations for their mistake. If switching is a possibility, it might be a good idea. If you are so angry with the doc, he might not be the right person to have at your birth.

So sorry you have to deal with this now! Hope it all works out for the best.

[mom22girls]

I have GD. I've had it with all three pregnancies. This scenario happened to me with dd2 - went to a peri about head being large (referred by back-up OB on normal US at 35 wks), and he said baby was large. Re-tested glucose at 36 weeks for GD and came out that I had it. I just said I'd follow my GD diet from previous pregnancy. Even OB agreed it was silly to take the 3hour.

I am a big proponent of taking the test. I think it's an important test. But I don't think it's necessary at your stage of the game - especially with the stats you provided. Here in Sweden, the guideline they give you is to divide your plate in 3rds: protein, veggies (not so much fruits), carbs. The more complex the carb, the better for you. Eat 6 small meals a day. Easy. Don't drink carbs - including milk. Take a good walk every day.

There's no way you should put yourself through the 3 hour at this point.



PS - there was a movie called Angie that came out in the 90's (I think) and there was a funny labor scene where the doctor was trying to get Angie to relax and breathe during her delivery, and he says, "why don't we sing..." and Angie snaps back, "when you push a bowling ball out the head of your penis, I will sing the whole score to Phantom of The Opera, but until then, SHUT UP!" reminded me of what your doc said to you about the contractions....

[mamamoo]

I would just skip it. If you are not having any symptoms, baby is measuring fine, you are obviously gaining fine, why stress out over it?

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this junk this late in teh game, and I would seriously consider switching providers(I just did at 37+ weeks).

[danotoyou2]

I also refused the glucose test this pregnancy. I did it in the last one, and the numbers came back 'borderline GD.' So, why should I drink a disgustingly sugary drink on an empty stomach? Gee, I think that would be like having a breakfast of marshmallows and Pepsi. NOT a good idea.

Instead, I watch my diet and everything's been fine.

Sounds to me like you don't even need to watch your diet. I agree with the other ladies, and think the doctor is just covering his/her tushy.

If I were you, I'd kindly refuse the test. I'd also probably start looking for another provider, too. It's never too late to change.

[momuveight2B]

Well I've been losing sleep over this, not the best thing for me by a long shot because I have to take care of my other kids and myself.

After lots of reading online and a long talk with dh we have decided that we are going to wait until our next ob check on thursday and see if we can't get the peri to talk to us. Having a medical assistant give me test results that are almost three months old and write orders doesn't make a whole lot of sense to us. If this is really critical then I expect to hear it from a doctor.

Thanks for everyone's input and I am open to hearing more. I was really scared last night and thinking something horrible could have been happening to me and my baby all this time because the test results had been overlooked.

[ThreeBeans]

If you haven't had huge weight gain, you've been eating nicely, and your pee has been negative for glucose, I personally wouldn't bother with the three hour at this point in your pregnancy. That would be *my* decision, though.


I would be awfully tempted to kick that doctor in the head. Like he knows what contractions feel like...dummy!


Oddly enough, my MOTHER tried to tell me the same thing the other day : She's had three babies, was a doula and a child birth educator. This is my third baby in less than three years. She asked me if I was feeling anything, and I said I've been having loads of B-Hs but no 'real' contractions.

She tried to tell me I might not know labor and I was probably in labor now. WTH? I told her I think I know what labor feels like at this point and she said, "But you've never had a third baby before!" Um, ok mom

[ShabbyChic]

I have GD. A pretty serious case that was uncontrolled until about 36.5 weeks when I switched OBs due to a variety of variables that I wont go into, unless you want to hear a long story. I am currently on insulin shots, as the diet was unsuccesful. It is important you get your sugars under control, so the baby's sugars are under control at birth. So, it is important, I believe to take the 3 hour test. I know you dont like the way you were treated, been there, but put it aside for now to get you and your baby healthy. PM me if you want.

[mamamoo]

Originally Posted by ShabbyChic

I have GD. A pretty serious case that was uncontrolled until about 36.5 weeks when I switched OBs due to a variety of variables that I wont go into, unless you want to hear a long story. I am currently on insulin shots, as the diet was unsuccesful. It is important you get your sugars under control, so the baby's sugars are under control at birth. So, it is important, I believe to take the 3 hour test. I know you dont like the way you were treated, been there, but put it aside for now to get you and your baby healthy. PM me if you want.

If her sugars were out of control then wouldn't she be having symptoms? Her urine tests are fine, she and the baby are gaining fine. Many, many of the 1 hour tests come back as needing teh three hour, but end up fine in the end...I understand your fear because of the situation you are in. Did you have any syptoms?

[momuveight2B]

Originally Posted by ShabbyChic

. It is important you get your sugars under control, so the baby's sugars are under control at birth. So, it is important, I believe to take the 3 hour test. I know you dont like the way you were treated, been there, but put it aside for now to get you and your baby healthy. PM me if you want.

I totally agree it is important to have blood sugar under control but how will taking a three hour test help with that. I'm not sure I can even keep the glucola down since I had a very hard time not vomiting with the one hour and was not fasting. I am doing diet now, have been exercising all along and have not tried to control weight gain. I am willing to do finger sticks and even repeat the one hour.

My whole problem here is that the doctor never reviewed the chart to see that this test was missing, it has been eleven weeks and I had asked about it. If I have been at risk all this time then what does that mean for my baby and I? Why not start treatment (dietary & lifestyle changes) immediately instead of waiting to see what a three hour test might show? They could have done a finger stick in the office yesterday and didn't. The girls were discussing it in the hall and they decided not to do it. What I don't get is where is the doctor in all of this? After coming home and talking with dh we think he never even read the chart or was made aware of the situation. That is the only reason we can think of that he wouldn't have addressed it with me.

[ShabbyChic]

I had NO symptoms. My weight gain has been significantly less than with my 2 other pregnancies as well. It is hard when you are pregnant to diferentiate what are pregnancy symptoms or that of something else, especially when you are not normally accustomed to that something else.

If you want to try the diet, then by all means do so. Prick your finger 2 hours after each meal. If it is under 120, then you are good. Check in the morning. If you are under 90, then you are good. If your numbers are out of whack then you have a problem. I suppose then, you will know without the test.

As for the baby, if your sugars are high, then so are his. When he comes out, his can drop. Also, babies with GD mother's have lungs slower to develop. None of these issues are life threatening, but why not start off the best you can. Most GD cases are easily managed with diet. Mine unfortunately has proved more challenging.

All in all though, if you are not happy with how your doctor is handling your case, then move to another one. You need to feel comfortable and you are clearly not.

[lyttlewon]

My OB had told me with DD that my GD test was normal. Then a few weeks later she comes in to discuss my GD test results because I "failed the test". I said "No I didn't you told me a few weeks ago it was normal". She looks closely at the piece of paper and realizes it belongs to another woman! She was very embarrassed. I was so glad I challenged her because I don't know if she would have seen the other name if I hadn't.

I wonder how long that other woman's information sat in my chart before she was given the info.