Good morning! So, as I have indicated on facebook, there has been a lot
of medical stuff going on the last few weeks. I’ve gotten a lot of yes, no, and
then maybe answers over the same issue; and I have been sent like a football
from doctor to doctor. However, after a complete emotional breakdown, and a
change in OB/GYNs; I am finally starting to get prompt and accurate answers.
So, this post is to bring everyone up to speed with what has been going on.
I had my
regular monthly check up on June 30th with my original doctor. Since
my Spanish is still developing, Jonathan was present to translate for me. The only
real information I got was that I had put on too much weight, got diet
restrictions and that my blood pressure had dropped due to the heat. As a result
she wanted me to get a halter (heart monitor) for 24 hours to verify, and to not
gain more than 3 pounds this month. I had brought in the results from the
blood work she ordered and I expressed concern about my blood sugar (I am normally
hypoglycemic so I was not surprised at the low blood sugar). She was
unconcerned as I had been fasting and should have had a lower number. She then
asked if I knew I was hypoglycemic which I said yes too (even though I had told
her I was at two previous appointments). She ordered a steroid shot to help
with Amos’ lung development and sent us on our way.
When the
shot was ordered my original reaction was “oh heck no” but I agreed to get
advice as I had a whole week before I was required to take it. I also bought a
glucose meter to track my blood sugar numbers and we set about the process of
getting the halter…which took a while, and I started the diet right away. After
a week of strict dieting and 5 or 6 testings a day, my blood sugar was actually
remaining quite high. I consulted 4 different medical professionals I know to
figure out what my numbers should be and got conflicting answers. Amos did not
appreciate when my blood sugar fell below a certain number and when I started
feeling the hypoglycemic symptoms that I recognize; I was still in “normal”
range. I asked Jonathan to contact my doctor just to update her on the halter
process and let her know I was getting high numbers. She referred me to a
diabetic doctor ASAP (without asking what my numbers actually were) but we were unable to see the doctor due to both her and our work
schedules. (I was referred on a Thursday night we went Friday but she did not
work until Monday morning.)
After we
got the halter results and Jonathan translating what he could and my parents
knowing cardiac pretty well, I was able to translate (for the most part) the
results. The halter showed PVCs and Tachycardia, which is basically unexplained
rapid heartbeats. My doctor was again immediately contacted (via text as
requested) and I was referred to a cardiac doctor. Because of all of this, I
went ahead with the steroid shot in case of early labor, which was/is fully
possible if these conditions were as bad as I thought.
Jonathan
happened to run into the sister of a former church member after a pastors
meeting that weekend who happened to be an OB/GYN and talked to her a little
and gave her some basic info on my blood sugar. She said then and there that I
had Gestational Diabetes. Just longing for some kind if an answer, I jumped at
that and was like “finally, I have an answer”. She suggested a few changes in
my restricted diet and I implemented that right away and we continued to work on the cardiac issue.
All this time Amos was unhappy because I was not eating what I was, as often as
I was, and I was constantly feeling bad, as well as being constantly hungry. I
kept telling Jonathan, “This can’t be right; it cannot be healthy or good for
me to be feeling like this. Obviously, Amos is unhappy, and pregnant women
should not always be this hungry. I know they get hungry fast so it seems like
they are always hungry, but this cannot be healthy.” So we kept trying for
answers.
I was on
the brink of returning to the States because I was so discouraged. I even
talked to Jonathan about it. I didn’t want him to miss Amos’s birth, but I was
not getting answers and was just going in circles wasting time and money to not
find out anything. After a very emotional evening, he asked me to trust him and
let him try to get some answers. I had exhausted every resource I had, and done
everything I knew to do, so I relented.
We had
been in contact with one of Jonathan's sisters for the last several days as she seemed to
be the only one we could get a hold of regularly. Although not an OB/GYN she is a
pediatrician with two children, so could answer some of my endless list of
questions. Jonathan called her on a Tuesday night, and Wednesday morning Paula had
an appointment booked for us with her friend and colleague of hers at the clinic she
works at. Dr. Jenny is an OB/GYN that has expertise in pregnancy hormones and
is a very well respected OB/GYN. We went after work that day and I handed over
my folder of medical papers. She took my weight, measurements, checked my
thyroid, looked at my papers and asked basic questions. 10 minutes into the
appointment she had already put some of my fears at ease. The cardiac was
normal considering my pregnancy stage and activity level. I was cleared to keep
teaching ballet, but to just be slow and careful, so getting down on the floor
and such was probably better left until after the baby comes.
She felt
the baby move and was pleased with my weight and size. She removed a good
portion of the diet restrictions even after seeing my blood sugar numbers.
Although they were high, she said they needed to be there because Amos takes a
lot of my protein and sugar. This confirmed what I physically felt as well. If
I keep my blood sugar higher both Amos and I are happier and feel better. (He
ALWAYS lets me know if it gets too low!) However, just to be sure I was not in
the early stages of Gestational Diabetes (because this is the time it shows
up), she went ahead and ordered a 2 hour fasting glucose test and told us to
return yesterday. She also told us to get a 3D sonogram since it has been a
while since we have seen Amos. So, Saturday morning we rose bright and early
and headed to the lab for my test.
Yesterday
I handed my results to her knowing they were not ideal. My fasting blood sugar
was fine but the ending number was not. She did not diagnose anything but has
ordered a longer, more in depth glucose test (this time 3 hours) because she
thinks there is an anomaly somewhere. She also told us to come back on Monday
with both the sonogram done and the glucose results. However, she did remove
all dietary restrictions for two reasons 1) to have a better/more accurate
glucose reading, and 2) because I have put on no weight and my weight is fine. Unless
there is a really good reason she doesn’t like “pregnants” to be on a diet.
That made me so happy! I have missed certain foods!
I am of
course still keeping the clean and unclean food restrictions, but at least
pizza and pasta are back on my menu!
In
addition to finally giving me answers and being a friendly and well-informed
doctor, she is not charging us the copay to see her. This is a huge financial blessing
because we have been to the doctor so many times this month already. Although
it isn’t a lot of money every time, considering we have been to 4 or 5 different medical things already this
month, and we are on lowered income because of the summer, it is a huge help. Adonai
is working things out and it is really releasing my stress.
Although
there are still questions to be answered, I at least am getting somewhere and
no longer feel that I have no choice but to go to the States. I feel like I can
stay here for the rest of my pregnancy and Amos will be well cared for.
Another
week, another dollar, and more doctor’s appointments. At least the sonogram
will be pleasant! As of now, Thursday looks like sonogram day and Saturday
glucose day…again. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support.
Until next
week. Blessings to your homes.
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