Saturday, December 13, 2008

Gestational Diabetes

My mom raised pure breed dogs throughout my childhood.  To save time and money she always gave them the necessary vaccines.  When John and I got married we adopted one of the puppies and I assumed I would learn how to vaccinate her.  I loaded the syringe, pulled up the skin on the back of her neck, and... could not bring myself to put the needle in.  No matter how I tried to convince myself that it was no big deal I just couldn't do it.  So when my doctor told me a couple weeks ago that I have gestational diabetes and that I would have to prick my finger to check my glucose levels, I thought about that dog from twelve years ago and thought there was no way I could do that.  I did it though and I've done it six times a day for two weeks.


At least I don't have to give myself a shot, I thought.  That was until several days ago when she told me that, despite my strict diet, my morning levels were too high.  Yesterday I went to the diabetic pharmacy where they taught me how to give myself an injection.  I told myself all the way home that I was going to walk in the door and just do it.  That's what I did and I'm proud to say that I am now ready to vaccinate that dog.
I will have to inject myself with insulin every morning until the baby is born.  As unhappy as I am about the whole thing, I am thankful for modern medicine allowing me and my baby to have a healthy pregnancy.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Samantha,

    So sorry to hear about your diabetes and the fact that you have to prick yourself so much and give yourself a shot! I have gestational diabetes, too, so I feel your pain. I'm just so glad it goes away after the birth! I hope everything else is going well with the pregnancy.

    God bless,
    Abbie

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  2. Oh, Sam, I'm so sorry about the diabetes. But you're right, thank God we live in a time when you can do something about it!
    And I feel you about the needle...many moons ago I took a biology class, and when we learned about blood types we pricked our own fingers with a lancet and typed our blood. Well, we were supposed to. I tried and tried and eventually had to get the teacher to do it. So proud of you for just doing it!

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  3. Sorry to hear about your pregnancy plight, but I am certain you are equal to the task and the Lord will get you through it.

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  4. Bummer about the gestational diabetes. You are wise to follow the docs advice however, unless you want to deliver a gynormous baby! Good luck.

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  5. So terribly sorry to hear about the gestational diabetes! I can't imagine having to give yourself pricks and shots everyday. I will certainly be praying for you and this baby during this trying time.

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  6. Glad you have that under control and are able to do the shots! Hang in there kiddo!

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