AUGUST 2008 ~ BUMP BUDDIES

[TammyS]

Hi 2ndtimer (Rebecca),
I'm from the Oct Mommies board and out of boredom was reading what you were saying about GD. I was diagnosed by an off chance in my 13th week. Thank God the doc tested me early. I was sooo upset at first. I was put on pills and then quickly changed to insulin. ....And lots of it. I have to test 4x's a day...eat 5 x's a day...and give myself insulin 3x's a day. Thank God I am not allowed to work right now, cause I dont know how I could do while working. Anyhow, my point is...it was really hard at first...BUT it did get easier. Give it some time...I think it took me about 2-3 weeks to get used to a new way of life. They did run a special test called A1C that showed that I had not had it but maybe a week before diagnosed and my Zachary's heart and everything is perfect...for those of you who know the danger of getting GD so early.

I was sooo bummed at first. I have been on a diet my whole life it seems and when we finally got pregnant...I thought, "Cool for once I dont have to think about dieting." Yeah, right. I gained 14 lbs the first 13 weeks (some of it was stimming of course)...well since being diagnosed and being on a GD diet ...I have lost 10 lbs and am burning ketones. They have me eating more carbs and taking more insulin to cover it...which does help. However, I am still at only 4 lbs up total for the entire 22 weeks of pregnancy. My docs are fine with that...because Zach is measuring and doing great. Not to mention that I do have some extra weight to spare. I have been under control...and doing this diet perfect now for 9 weeks. Only 18 weeks to go....

If you ever want to vent...you could always pm me. I do understand the frustration and everything. Best of luck...you CAN do this and it will get easier.

PS I have icecream everyday. I buy the low carb ice cream bars or fudgesicles at Acme...however I think any of your bigger chain grocery stores carry it. So dont deprive yourself...just have a low carb meal with your low carb icecream.

[seltzer]

Still no bump pic of me...but I did post two pics on photobucket. One is of our new staircase under construction. It goes to our new upstairs, where there are two new bedrooms...one for our son Nate and one for the new baby. We are getting all our carpets replaced in the next two weeks, too. Very exciting! The other pic is of my son Nate (aka Nathaniel) who turned 18 months on Tuesday. This is a picture of him heading to the circus. He had a great time. I can't help but show off my kid!

[sharishu]

Seltzer,
I had to comment on the photo of your son. He is beyond adorable. Those blue eyes will break hearts! BTW- where in Brooklyn do you live? Your house reminds me of Park Slope style. Am I close? Just curious...
Shari

[MBG]

Seltzer: LOVE LOVE LOVE the pic of Nate.....He is going to be heartbreaker with those eyes!!!

I have GD question.....What is everyone's blood parameters as far as blood draws? Mine is <95 in morning before meal and <125 2 hours after breakfast, lunch, dinner....I only am to test 2 times a day.

I am a little troubled....When I first started testing I tested after breakfast and the next day after lunch...those tests were fine. The past 2 days I have tested after dinner and my blood sugar was 144 and 140...should I be concerned? I have a call into my dietician and I am going to draw after each meal today to kind of see where I am.....any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Tina: I love your hutch! I have the same piggy bank(s) except mine are brown with green dots....they are soooo adorable!!!
I put my valences up yesterday...now just waiting on the lamp and artwork and second crib!!!

Love to all

Marybeth

[2ndtimer]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for listening to me vent about the GD diet. I was really having a baby fit about it. I think the heat, job stress, general tiredness, etc, were also getting to me.
As a nurse, I should know so much better than to get stressed out about this. I mean, I council people everyday about how to take care of their diabetes. But when I have to limit my own carbs for just a few days -I totally lose it & feel like going on a rampage! Yes, I do see the irony in that. Nurses & MD's make the worst patients.
My parameters for BS are <95 before breakfast, <140 one hour after meals, or <120 2 hours after meals. They want me to check 4 times a day for at least a week, then I'm hoping to be reduced in frequency. From what I can tell, there is a huge variation in how different MD's approach the whole GD thing -anywhere from "just cut out the sweets" with no nutritional counseling or BS checks, to the MD's who believe in really tight control. Personally, I don't think one approach is necessarily better than another.

Marybeth, I don't think you should be that concerned about a few random BS's being over 140 -especially here when you are just learning more about how your body responds to certain foods.(see, I'm doing it again -so much easier to give advice than to take it!)

Shari, when I started running a few years back I went to a store that specializes in running for a foot analysis. The sales attendents will watch you walk barefoot & then recommend shoes depending on whether your foot leans to the right or left or stays neutral, and also how your arch does. If we have several of these type of stores here in my area, I'm sure you can find one. It makes a BIG difference to get a shoe that really works for you.

Seltzer, don't feel bad about not having a belly shot. I haven't gotten around to posting any pictures at all. My husband is a photographer so I thought I would have a bunch of belly shots, but so far he has taken one of me at 14 weeks & one of me at 27 weeks. By the way, your son is too cute!

Tina & Nancy, how are you two doing?

Our heat wave here finally broke. We are back down to around 90 degrees but unfortunately there's a very large wildfire burning in our state that has air quality very bad. Yesterday it was so bad that you had to use your headlights to drive during the day & people were advised to stay inside as much as possible. Fortunately, I got to stay home to work today so I don't have to breath as much smoke.

Take care,
Rebecca

[tinaO]

Hi all! I am so sorry to hear so many of you are dealing with the issues of GD - just adds one more thing to worry about huh? But you know - it really won't last forever, so I guess you just have to keep telling yourselves that. It is great that you all have each other for support! It must really help.

Seltzer - Your son is SOOOOOO CUTE!!!! He is ADORABLE!!! I just could not stop smiling after I saw his pic!!!

Karen - I feel so bad for you with the car trouble you are having. It's like - why now?? I know what you mean about trying to be careful with balancing the finances right now. It scares me sometimes to see how things are all adding up. We have a couple of things we really need to take care of right now and yet I am nervous about doing it because the costs just add up so quickly!!

Rebecca - I laughed when I read your e-mail about docs and nurses making the worst patients. My dad was a doctor and he was terrible!! He was in the ICU for a few weeks before he passed away (about 10 years ago) and I would walk in his room to see him yelling at the nurses, screaming on the phone to his insurance company telling them they needed to listen to him about his own care, etc. He also tended to disobey the rules he expected others to follow. But you know, I bet it is tough to have your diet all of a sudden have to change! Esp now!! I also laughed when I saw your comment about ice cream - I actually thought of you when I had some last night and felt bad!! I just think pregnancy is tough and we need whatever we want to make ourselves feel better, you know? I should not complain though. I am still doing really well and thankfully my weight gain finally leveled off. I assume I will end up gaining close to 30 pounds in total or a little over that. Oh well! Maybe in the spirit of our internet friendship, I can chill out on my ice cream eating. How about that?

Marybeth - Glad to hear you are still doing so well!! I feel for you carrying 2 boys! My little one is just so crazy active. I can't imagine having 2 of them in there! It must be nuts when they are moving at the same time!!! You have to share some stories!!

Shari - Glad to hear you are doing so well. Good for you!! I bet it makes you feel better to know all is progressing well!! I agree with the comments made - get some great shoes for walking/running as it makes a huge difference. I spent the money to get a good pair when I was training last year and it made a huge difference. I also went to a speciality atore and had them watch me walk, etc.

Noah's chair has arrived and my husband is picking it up today - yeah! That will complete his room for the most part! I can't wait to see how the chair came out. It is a glider chair, but a more "hip" version, so hopefully it came out ok and matches well enough with everything else in the room. I am spoiled as I have had a decorator overseeing a lot of the decor. I just didn't trust myself on this one! Our couple's baby shower is next weekend and we have quite the full house next weekend. My college roommate is bringing her new baby and husband and they are spending the weekend with us. Hmmm...should be interesting since my husband's best friends from Denver are also staying with us and they don't have kids. Hope they don't mind a screaming 8 week old for the weekend!! It will help me get used to it I am sure! Ha - I am even going to train on him. I asked her if we could bathe him so I could see how she does it. Time to put on my training wheels!

We have a doc appt on Monday. I am excited, although I doubt I get a scan. I still have not started childbirth classes, but I think we are scheduled to start soon. Things were just so crazy with everything going on with my mom, although that is settling down now. I need to get hopping so I know what to do with Noah when he gets here!

I will try to post a new bump pic this weekend. I had to take a head shot for work yesterday and I was like, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? I am 30 WEEKS pregnant. Surely there is a BETTER time to do this!!!". Hope they can do some serious photo-shopping on it.

Ok, take care ladies. Talk with you soon!!!

Tina

[tryw8]

Hi All,

Thanks for the sympathy regarding my car problems. To this day, the shop has not even diagnosed the problem yet (if there is any). The day after the tow truck took it in, someone called me and told me that my car worked perfectly fine. WHAT?!? I told him to call my husband and ask him more details of my car.

But on a happy note, I'm still enjoying the rental.

Karen

P.S. - Is anyone going to do a non-stress test where they check heart beat, size and weight of baby, check how much amniotic fluid there is and all that good stuff at week 34?

[2ndtimer]

Tina, PLEASE eat some ice cream for me! At least some of us should be able to enjoy ourselves. Plus, I've really developed a fondness for the jello dark chocolate raspberry sugar free puddings -so I'm feeling a little less deprived.
Thanks,
Rebecca

[tryw8]

Hi Everyone,

BTW, I forgot to mention, I'm finally done with those dreaded 2cc Progesterone injections that I was doing once a week since week 24. I've got one more week to take the 81mg Aspirin and I still need to continue the Metformin HCL 500mg 3x/day. About three or four months ago, the pharmacy where I fill my Metformin prescription called me up and wanted to do diabetic counselling with me. I started to laugh because I explained that I am NOT a diabetic. With saying that the pharmacist said that there were other women she called and she felt like a fool because they were being treat for infertility and one of the drugs they were taking was also Metformin. So I just told her to save her from embarassment, to also check into the doctor who is prescribing the medication.

Anyways, I went for my weekly appointment. Had 8 women of us waiting in the waiting room. Our belly were of all different sizes. The waiting room was quiet then they called the first gal in. Weight and blood pressure is routinely taken before we're put in the examination room. I guess the gal who was taking the blood pressure reading was rather alarmed with the results, she said it a bit loud and we all heard it in the waiting room. "170/98!" We all looked at one another in shock and disbelief. I couldn't believe my ears. I told my husband what happened and he said that maybe she was indulging on salty foods?

I also stopped by at the IVF clinic to turn in my sharps container and the unsed injection materials (needles, syringes). The girls couldn't believe that I was at week 31. They too kept guessing on the sex of my baby. I never get to see the front of me, I was told from the look of it, it looked like baby was hanging out on my left side of my belly. No wonder why my OB/GYN can find my baby's heart beat so quickly (unless baby is actively moving). It's the way my stomach looks.

The other night, baby found my belly button and started to poke it out and in and out and in several times. It was hilarious. I told baby to stop playing with it and he/she did.

That's it for now. Have a great weekend.

Karen

[MBG]

Karen: YEAH!! No more shots you are finally free!!! Congrtulations!!

That is crazyy about your baby poking your belly button!! I have never heard of that before!!! I can't believe my belly button is still an inny...I figured it would have popped out by now due to all the baby in there!

Tina: I really don't have any crazy stories...I dont' know what it would feel like with only one....only the 2. They usually move a different times so I can tell when miles is awake and stirring and around and when Sullivan is awake and stirring around. I feel Miles more because he is positioned on the top part of my bell. He likes to stretch ALOT!!!! He arches his back and sticks his head and butt in the air. I can feel and you can see very clearly 2 large odd bumps in my belly!!! Sometimes when I am lying in bed they will both start moving at the same time...when and if they really get going, their movements will sometimes make my tummy lurch forward a little! That is a little crazy! That is really about it! Sorry no fun stories like them poking at my belly button!!!


Went to the doc today for my 30 week check up. No u/s today. We just listened to the heartbeats. Sound good! I weighed in and I have gained 21lbs. I asked if he was concerned and he told me as long as the babies are gaining weight he is not concerned. I think I may have lost a little bit with this new diet and all. I am ready for the next appointment when they can measure the boys and see how much the weigh!!
He looked at my glucose reading chart and said he felt I was doing fine. It is kind of crazy. I splurged yesterday.....My dh made sausage gravy and biscuits for breakfast and then I had slice of Apple pie with ice cream (that I made for my dad) after dinner....even with those splurges my b/s was not that high when I tested last night...127....The hardest part about this whole GD thing is figuring out how my body reacts to what foods!

That is all for now!

Marybeth

[sharishu]

Hi ladies,
Wow! You miss a few days on the forum, you miss a lot! I just got back from an u/s to check my cervix and baby size. My cervix is holding steady/borderline. The baby does appear to be a bit big, but not off the charts. 80th percentile headwise, 60th percentile bellywise. Doesn't sound so bad to me, I personally think all these tests are designed to drive us crazy. I asked the doc what it means, and he did not have a clear answer for me, only that everything looks fine (but I didn't like the tone of his voice). Overall, I did not like this doctor, and will request not to have him again.

On a lighter topic, we FINALLY ordered baby furniture, stroller, car seat... the major first few months stuff. My mom is bringing all the clothing from NY plus a bathtub. I feel more relaxed, as it seemed like my husband was unaware just how much this little person will require. It was fun going around the baby store choosing the stuff .

Marybeth,
My BS parameters are baseline in morning of <100, and an hour after each major meal (3 times a day) of <140. I did have 1 or 2 instances where it came out a tad high (147, for example), but redid it and it was fine. I was told if the blood disperses and you have to 'coax' it onto the stick, it could affect results. That is actually what happened, and on the second trial (a few seconds after) I got my nice 'blood bally' and it came out fine. Hope you are easing into the GD routine smoothly.

Rebecca,
How is it going? I was told yesterday that for my small meals I could have (in lieu of fruit, breads or milk) a packaged snack of 15-17 mg of carbs. I found this low carb choc. ice cream bar which is AMAZING, and after not having sweets for so long, it was HEAVEN on a stick! I was just about starting to crave chocolate, so the news came just in time. Yay! Oh and as far as the sports shoes- unfortunately the sports shoe industry in Israel is not very progressive. They have GREAT sandals (Teva/Naot is Israeli), but I have not found good comfortable sports shoes that I like. I ended up ordering New Balance 992 online, and my mom will ship them over here. I have a physical therapist friend I used to work with who in fact did observe my gait, and told me the 992's would be great for me. I actually tried them on here, but all they had was icky light grey. They were, in fact, quite comfy and supportive. (I ordered them in black/grey.)

Be well ladies! Have a great day.
Shari[/b]

[tryw8]

Hi Ladies,

Hope all is well with you. My mom called me last night. It was a bit disturbing. She told me that it looked like my stomach had "dropped". She hopes I don't go into early labor. Me too. I would like to carry this baby to full term if possible unless baby has a schedule of its own.

Did anyone else notice this yet? Maybe I'm just being paranoid now. I've stood in front of the mirror looking at frontal and side view of me. My husband says that it looks the same to him and me too.

Karen

[tinaO]

Hello!

Karen - People crack me up with comments. My best friend told me the other night it looked like my belly had dropped. Trust me - it hasn't! My boobs are resting on it currently! I think it depends on what we wear some days and whether we have just eaten - whatever. I wouldn't worry about it. Everyone has an opinion on pregnancy it seems and everyone wants to share them! Just bring it up to your doc next time you are there. Your mom was probably just noticing what she thought was different at that particular moment.

Things have been crazy busy around here with work and getting ready for the weekend. It looks like our couples shower is going to end up with about 50 people - wow! We have a lot of friends coming in from out of town, so it is going to be very action-packed. Went to the doc yesterday and all is good. I go back in 2 weeks and will get a sono at that point - I can't wait!

Ok, I gotta run. Will type more later...

[2ndtimer]

Hi Everyone,
Hope all is well with my prego buddies! I've been super busy with changing jobs but I seem to be settling in now and I think I'm really going to like it better. I'm still having some problems with feeling hungry, high BS at breakfast & low for the rest of the day, not gaining weight, etc, but Oh well...I keep trying to adjust things and after all, it's not for that much longer.
I met the new pediatrician this morning at a meet & greet for expectant moms. Seems like a nice practice & very close to home.
Tina -I'm also having my couples/family shower this weekend. It should only be about 20 people here though, so a little more low-key than yours. I'm looking forward to it. I finally finished setting up & decorating my nursery a couple of days ago. Now I just need to get the house clean. Fortunately, DH & my SD are planning on working on that tom. She's a really good girl for a 13yo & she's out of school for the summer now. I hope you have a great time with your friends & get lots of goodies!

Karen -I don't think it's possible for the baby to drop without you knowing it. My mom's getting a little weird too. She wants to come take care of me now -I've explained to her that I'm still working fulltime, taking care of myself,etc; but I would love a visit. It's sweet, but I think she's worrying a little too early. I know she will be a wreck when I deliver so I've been trying to delicately suggest that she & my dad plan on coming to the hospital after I have the baby. I don't want to hurt her feelings though, so it's tough.

Shari -I know you must be getting bored with the partial bedrest, but I would trade places with you at times. Just lugging around this belly is tiring. By the way, I've been curious but if it's none of my business just say so -how did you & your DH meet? I'm always curious about international couples. My DH has 3 really good friends and all 3 have married women from other countries -one from Cuba, one is French Canadian & one is from Vietnam. And my DH met me from out of town. I always joke that they had all burned bridges with the local women over the years and that's why they had to look elsewhere. It's kind of a Tower of Bable when we all get together.
Seltzer &Nancy -hope you guys are well.
Take care & enjoy your weekends,
Rebecca

[sharishu]

Hi ladies,
Well, yesterday I was a bit surprised when my after dinner BS check came out to be 166. I was upset, especially since I was getting great numbers up to that point. I did eat cottage cheese very close to the time of the test. I am wondering if that could have affected the results. Anyone? The only other thing I thought of is the low carb ice creams, since they are more sugarful than a handful of grapes or a peach. Today my numbers have been fine so far. I guess one high number in 3 weeks isn't too bad, if looking at the big picture. Still, last night I was feeling upset by this. Feeling better today, though.

Karen,
Hope all is going smoothly with sorting out your car woes. I am sure that financially, it's not an easy situation (especially after IVF treatment). I wish you luck with it! As far as your belly dropping... if you and your husband don't notice a difference, chances are it hasn't dropped. To calm any concerns you may have, I'd just mention it to your ob on your next visit.

Tina,
Have fun at your friend-shower this weekend. Sounds like you have great friends, so I am sure it'll be wonderful. Enjoy! You deserve it, especially after all the stress with your mom (hope she is feeling better).

Rebecca,
Thank you for the 'bed-rest' sympathy. It's not always so easy, especially since the only decent A/C is in the living room, so I am confined to that area for most of the day. Can't wait to move to my new apt. where we'll have central a/c. To answer your question, I met my husband online (!). We spoke on the phone, exchanged photos, even spoke with webcam. I had just broken up with a guy I was unofficially engaged to when I 'met' him. After about a month, he invited me to visit, and I was in a place in my life where I needed to get away so it didn't take much coaxing. We hit it off, and the rest is history. I know, a big trip and a big risk, but I figured if he seems weird, I'll just go stay at my cousin's house. BTW- I just got a belly burn (from the nozzle of the hot water urn). The baby couldn't feel that, could he? I doubt it, but just a little concerned.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Shari