On Tuesday I got the call that I flunked my 1 hour glucose tolerance test. The cutoff for normal was 140, and I came in at 141. Which means that I get to go on to the test I have been dreading for 6 years, the 3 hour glucose test. And I'm trying not to think about the fact that I may have gestational diabetes.
6:46 am: I got to the lab at 6:30 and was the first person here. So far I have had my initial blood draw (82) and have drunk my glucola (this one was 100g of glucose rather than 50 and only available in the dreaded lemon-lime). I get my next blood draw at 7:45. I'm wondering if I get to see my results along the way. It would be nice to be able to leave knowing if I am OK or need further care.
7:14 am: I have a headache and feel slightly sick to my stomach. But I need to make sure I don't throw up, because then I have to take the test again. I also forgot to mention that I am also fasting. This test requires a 10-12 hour fast, so I haven't eaten since 6:30 pm last night.
7:47 am: Just got my second blood draw. The lab is impressively crowded. I was talking to the tech and he said the Saturday mornings are the busiest, but Friday mornings are a close second. I think I would like being a phlebotomist. I'm not looking for a new career, but if I ever had to pick something else to do, it would be on the list.
The lab tech took my sheet that had the times and reading on it. I'm wondering now if they will be checking each blood draw right away or if they only checked the first draw STAT so they could see if they even had to continue with the test. Basically with this test, if you fail any two readings, you are considered positive.
8:35 am: I am more than halfway through the test and I just occurred to me that I don't actually feel hungry, even thought it has been 14 hours since I last had food. I do still have a headache. And thankfully the stinky cigarette man just got called in for his draw, so I can go back to breathing through my nose again.
8:47 am: Wow. Stinky cigarette man managed to "perfume" the entire lab area. At first I thought it was just me and my hyper-sensitive pregnant nose, but other people could smell it too.
The lollipop tech from last Sunday is here now, although he didn't draw my blood. I did tell him that he is now legendary in my household. Apparently he has a rep in the group for a generous hand with the lollipops.
I got my timing slip back and just realized that my first reading was not 82, that was just the code number for the technician. My first clue: the current entry in that column is 16, I think I would be unconscious if my blood sugar was that low. Although the fact that the column heading is Phlebotomist should have tipped me off sooner.
Now I wonder when I will get my results. Although I know the first reading at least was good, or they would have canceled the test.
9:34 am: 10 minutes to go. This actually has been easier that I thought it would be. I love that they have wireless in the waiting room. I hope that the coffee shop still has croissants left. I am starting to feel hungry again.
10:29 am: I'm back at work now. I grabbed some coffee and a croissant from the coffee shop on my way out. Still have a headache, but I think that will get better as I have more to eat. I should have results next week.
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