It all began on Saturday and the three hour glucose tolerance test which checks for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. My first test was the 1 hour tolerance test which I barely failed, so I had to return for a three hour test on Saturday morning.
This test was fasting (nothing to eat or drink after midnight) and involved drinking a beverage that tasted like a super sweet orange Fanta which included 100 grams of "sugar" in one serving. I added the numbers up and that's like drinking 60 oz of Dr. Pepper in less than 5 minutes...SIXTY ounces!
Mine also involved the following:
- Urine sample prior to drinking the beverage (to check for gluocse in the urine) - mine was negative
- Blood draw prior to drinking the beverage
- Hourly blood draws x 3 hours - taken 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after drinking the beverage (that's a total of four blood draws)
My husband agreed to accompany me to the test and I'm so glad he did. I read up on this test before taking it and I found a mixed variety of comments out there - some women had no problems with the test at all while others experienced a wide range of side effects. I warned the phlebotomist before I began drinking the beverage that the 1 hour test (50 grams of "sugar") gave me a pretty bad headache. She told me they had a room for me to rest in if I needed it because if I threw up, the test was over and I would have to start from scratch. Umm...no thank you.
Within literally five minutes, this stuff hit me...and by hit me I mean I felt like I had been run over by a truck. I felt dizzy and nauseated and knew I needed to lie down immediately. The ladies at the lab were so kind to me - they brought ice packs to me and checked on me many times.
It took two and a half hours before I felt back to my somewhat normal self. I basically laid in this chair and flipped from side to side until it was time for my next blood draw. Thankfully, everything stayed down and I never threw up. Jason kept trying to bring up lunch ideas and I did NOT want to talk about it - just the thought of food or even orange Fanta made me want to hurl. I even got off of facebook and instagram at one point because all of the pictures of food (that I usually really enjoy looking at) made my nausea worse!
At the end of the three hours, the phlebotomist drew my blood again and checked it on a glucometer. My blood sugar read 86 which I was thankful for. I know that's not an "official" result, but it definitely eased my mind a bit! Now the waiting game begins for my "official" results!
After the test, we drove to a local joint that serves the best po-boy's I've ever eaten (even better than Mother's in New Orleans). I don't eat there often, but I decided I'd been tortured enough and I wanted some GOOD food! It definitely satisfied me! :)
The remainder of our Saturday included a little time with friends (and yummy gumbo for dinner).
The Louisiana Marathon and Half was held on Sunday and I enjoyed following all of the updates before heading off to church. It's amazing how much of a difference a year makes! Last year, I ran my half marathon PR at 1:58 (also my first sub 2 hour half) and this year, I'm on restriction from even walking down the road! (Again, I don't mind as this is just a phase of life that will pass soon...I just found the irony kinda funny!)
In the middle of it all, I also spent some time cuddling with my two sweet girls! This little turkey has been super clingy lately!!
Last but not least, I'm helping host a baby shower for a best friend of mine this weekend. The remainder of my Sunday was spent creating and planning for her shower! I can't wait!!
How was your weekend? Anything exciting happen or take place? Did you run any races?
Congrats to everyone who took part in the Louisiana Half/Full Marathons, the Houston Half/Full Marathons, the Star Wars races at Disneyland, and any other races I missed!! :) You guys rock!
