Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Sweet relief

Seldom are we lucky enough to walk in another's shoes, especially the path of someone dear.

My test results came back--out-of-control blood sugar, thanks to gestational diabetes.

Ironically, the convenience foods I've been buying "to give myself a break" were making me feel much worse.

I am grateful. So grateful! Now I know how my Type II husband feels...
  • when he eats something he shouldn't
  • when I'm not careful about meal planning
  • when I set temptation in front of him "just for the kids."
Lord, give me the creativity to work through this problem--but don't ever let me forget Your lesson!

73 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, he's an adult, isn't he? Shouldn't it be up to him what he eats and how he feels?

I'm afraid this is another area you like to control--much like your money.

Food for thought.

Maggie said...

Blood sugar issues are so difficult, its easy to run out of ideas and you have to be careful with your food dollars. We only have hypoglycemia to deal with in our home but its still a challenge. Good luck and take care of yourself!
BTW- Our main strategy is keeping lots of protein snacks on hand to help avoid bad choices and to keep blood sugar steady.
Maggie

Holly C. said...

Glad you found out what was wrong and now maybe you can get it under control. Feel better soon!

An Adventurer in the World said...

Anonymous, meredith's post cuts me to the quick. When the stress of monitoring diabetes gets hard how often I have thought, and even said, your very words to my own diabetic husband.

But those thoughts are at best cold, at worst, cruel. We are in this marriage together, and we support each other. Life is hard enough outside, it should be welcoming and kind within.

deb meyers

deb meyers

Jennifer said...

I bet that is why you have been feeling so tired. I hope you get it under control quickly. Good luck.
Jennifer
www.getting-ahead.blogspot.com

Anne Marie@Married to the Empire said...

I'm sorry you received that diagnosis, but the positive side is that you already know what to do about it and what sort of foods to prepare. I sincerely hope you feel better soon. Do you have friends or family around who can help you out a bit when necessary?

In our household, it's my husband and one of our cats who are commiserating together. My husband has kidney disease, which means I'm attempting to cut back on the amount of meat we eat. The cat received his own diagnosis a few weeks ago, and he's now on a special diet. They've both been complaining. ;-)

Unknown said...

Oh, sweetheart. It's so like you to reframe the challenge in a way that enables you to grow. I know that together you will all make it through - and be even healthier than ever. Your nutritionist will be able to suggest all kinds of things to help. After all, he or she no doubt is quite used to pregnant clients' refrains of tiredness!

Do take care of yourself. You know on airplanes when they say if you need the masks, adjust your own before seeing to your children? That.

Anonymous said...

O.K., wait. That wasn't Tony, that was Marsha using a computer her husband just put down. Eek! Google really flummoxes me sometimes.

Sorry 'bout that.

-Marsha
hotwaterbath.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

You can be so thankful that you have the knowledge to deal with this properly. Just one hint: try to keep some raw, unsalted almonds in the car or in your purse. So handy for keeping the blood sugar on an even keel and so portable as you're on the road. Hopefully this will only be for a couple more months. All the best as you come up with a plan.
Blessings.
Mrs. L.

Christian - Modobject@Home said...

I admire your attitude.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you. I am sorry that you have to go through this, but I admire very much your way of looking at this. My own husband has diabetes, I did too until I had gastric bypass. After losing a lot of weight my diabetes is in remission. I do have to watch my sugar, but I no longer require medication. I hope when you deliver your new son that you will not have any more problems with your health. Take care of your self. May God bless. Roxie

Anonymous said...

I hope you feel better soon. An out of control blood sugar will definitely make you feel pretty bad.

Angela S said...

I think Anonymous' comments above are interesting.

My thought though is how great it is that you have the opportunity to empathize your husband's health problems.

While your husband is responsible for making his own choices, he is also as much dependent upon your homemaking skills as you are his employment and income. You are his help meet. His support.

I've learned from my husband, my proper meal planning and laundry and cleaning give him so much strength and peace. It enables him to better function and feel much more joy in life. Sure he can do all those things himself. And sometimes he does a big part of it when I'm sick. I'm not the perfect wife by any even stretch of the title. But this just happens to be a lesson I've learned in my marriage.

I really hope that you take this as a chance to learn and remember why you decided helping him was so important.

Best wishes.

Sarah Rose said...

I went through gestational diabetes with my first pregnancy, and it was certainly a challenge, but also certainly livable. The hardest part came in the final weeks of pregnancy, when I was hungry all the time. I kept lots of cheese, lunchmeat, veggies, and hummus on hand for zero-carb snacking in between meals. And for convenience foods when I really needed to indulge? I kept frozen hot wings on hand; but then, that was probably just my particular pregnancy craving! I have no doubt that you'll cheerfully and creatively work your way to the end of this pregnancy!

By the way, I feel I should mention... your blog has been so encouraging to me over the past few months. Thank you so much for being, in a sense, a Titus 2 "older" woman to me!

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said...

What a beautiful perspective you have, Meredith! If you end up having to do insulin shots, let me know. I'm something of a shots-during-pregnancy expert. :) Thank you for sharing such a positive take on serious issue. You will be in my prayers!

Sarah E. said...

Meredith,
I know you will do just great with your eating change. It will be an adjustment but you do have a good handle on it. You'll do great.

I've had to deal with it with my pregnancies as well, more so with the first one. I weighed and measured everything to make sure I was doing the diet right. I am only 19 weeks now but I felt like my sugar was high and sure enough it has been. So it looks like I'll be right on track with you. :)

letterstoelijah said...

God works in funny ways.... He always has a plan to show you what He wants. I'm glad you are listening :) This post put a smile on my face because, if I read correctly, you have a grateful heart!

Dana

Martha said...

Praying for you. Glad you were able to find out what it was that was making you out of sorts. I am sure it will be helpful that you already know the information you need - having a hubbie who battles the same thing.

Trust you have a good and comfortable week!
Blessings,
~Martie

Anonymous said...

Ugh, I'm so sorry you have GD. I know how stressful it can make pregnancy. But your positive outlook on it as a blessing just astounds me, one of the many reasons I'm always so happy to see a new post from you in my feed reader.

I wish you lived nearby so I could bring you a healthy, low-carb meal!

Anonymous said...

You surely do have a grateful heart. I wish you well with this challenge.

Sandy said...

I so admire you ... you make the best out of what could be the worse!

Tubo Family said...

What a wonderful "silver lining" attitude. I do wish I was close enough to bring you some chicken adobo for dinner.

Baleboosteh said...

Your grateful heart and sweet spirit are what makes your blog such a refreshing place to visit. I am sorry you have this challenge to deal with, but knowledge is power and I pray that now you have the diagnosis you will soon be on the road to feeling much, much better.

ravengal said...

I've been through GD four times. Do get a blood sugar monitor to keep track of your glucose levels. Adopt a low carb lifestyle and you can avoid having to take insulin..

Alice Gunther said...

Praying, praying, praying for you.

And how beautiful that you immediately think about your husband and how you can make his life a little bit easier. That is love.

Marsha said...

I had to take insulin starting at 6 weeks gestation with both of my pregnancies, even though I was on a strict diet. I know how you're feeling now, but within a few days of eating right, you'll feel so much better. I'll pray your diabetes is mild enough that you'll be able to control it with diet. It was amazing to me how gestational diabetes disappears within hours after giving birth. However, be aware that having gestational diabetes makes you a lot more susceptible to Type II. Even after the baby is born, you'll be better off if you can stick to the diabetic diet, more or less. And since diabetes has a strong family correlation, your kids are likely to be better off in the long run with a somewhat modified diet.

Anonymous said...

I had GD with my last pregnanacy, and I was pretty sensitive and tolerated almost no non-natural form carbs. I NEEDED to stay diet controlled in order to continue seeing my midwives (RN midwives who need to refer out high-risk, which a non diet-controlled GD is considered around here) and I found my best success with a high-fat version of a modififed stage 2 of the South Beach diet. I could have nothing processed (brown rice, any pasta in any form, but I could tolerate beans and small amounts of whole grains (whole barley, farro) but no breads or anything like that, ever. Obviously no juices . I could have fruit in serving sizes but mixed only with protein. I could have veggies, I could eat a potato but not rice. I could have corn but no pasta. I even, if I had a high protein dinner, could have a piece of cheesecake occasionally - but only if it was the only carb and wtih dinner. I could have no carbs before 12 noon but other than that, as long as my carbs stayed below 60 for lunch and dinner and 20 for snacks and none of those carbs were eaten alone and were not processed, I was just fine. I came up with the best system for me by trial and error and although I had to eat almost constantly, I NEVER FELT BETTER. In contrast to my first pregnancy, where I felt like I was dying.

Interesting how the body teaches you a big fat lesson about how bad processed foods truly are for you. You body is a machine, you just have to get used to feeding it like one. ((hugs)) and hope you are feeling better soon.

Windy said...

I've been a Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetic for 20 years. You have a great attitude and will do great! If you need any help please feel free to contact me. There are MANY online support resources available that are fantastic for diabetics! Check out tudiabetes.com (it's like Myspace, full of diabetics!) and the blog diabetesmine.com have a great day! God bless!

Anonymous said...

i'm glad ..

i'm glad you have a name for what ails you
i'm glad its treatable
i'm glad you already know how to treat it, learning curve should be short
i'm glad you can now picture how your husband feels...(yes he's a grown up but it still sucks to feel left out, and you can now be more considerate....fail to see how anonymous thinks that's a bad thing...

anyhow..i'm sure you'll be feeling like a million bucks shortly enough...

Celina from Canada..

(see not all of us Anonymous posters, are truly Anonymous, )

Anonymous said...

Glad you have a diagnosis so you can start to treat the problem and feel better. I, too, have a type II husband, and I appreciate your perspective. We will be "empty nesters" in a couple of weeks and I plan on doing major work on how we eat.

I'm sure you will do great!

SB

Anonymous said...

I hope you start feeling better soon. I think that first comment is pretty uncharitable. Yes, your hubby is an adult, but it's pretty hard to resist goodies when they are right there in front of you (I know I can't). Now you two will be sympatico, and maybe you can have more of a united will in controlling your hubby's diabetes after the pregnancy.

Catherine

Anonymous said...

Praying for you. I just had a friend who "got the call" with her GD results.
Have you seen the "Brewer Diet" on www.blueribbonbaby.org? A great diet for preventing and *managing* GD. Check it out. :-)

Amy Howard said...

Thanks for posting this, Meredith! My stepmom is a type II diabetic as well and I will most certainly be more careful when she comes to visit.

I've been lurking for about a year on your blog, and even have it linked off of mine because I want others to know about you! Thanks for all you do!

Amy said...

I am thinking of you and what is up with these snarky comments that people leave you? If anyone should be admired, it is you! You always have such a good attitude about how you approach the challenges that come in your life. I am hoping you feel much better after you get your diet under control. One blessing is that you already know how to eat and what you are dealing with. I had some blood sugar issues postpartum and didn't have the slightest clue what to do. ((HUGS))

Anonymous said...

Breanne Gilkey

Anonymous said...

I also found the first comment to be unkind. As a wife, you are his partner and if you are preparing the meals,his needs must be taken into consideration. You are a creative person so I feel you will be able to "run with this". It is a challenge I am sure you can meet. Have been reading your blog for a while and always enjoy it. It will be hard with little ones in the house but they will adapt to any diet changes you make. Just do the best you can with what you have and leave the rest to God. Good Luck-Camille

Anonymous said...

Oops, sorry about signing my name above, im not used to this whole commenting thing! I just wanted you to know that I will be praying for you, and hope you will be feeling better soon.

Anonymous said...

Good luck with this. Good for you for finding the silver lining.

Another plus - you already know how to cook diabetic-friendly foods, so it will probably be less of an adjustment for you. Hopefully as your diet improves the way you feel it will get a little easier. Hoping you feel better soon. :)

Jennifer

Milehimama @ Mama Says said...

Oh Meredith, I'm sorry for the dx, but glad they found it so you and baby can be healthy!

Another silver lining - I usually get extra ultrasounds/NST towards the end of the pregnancy. As long as the baby is fine, it makes those final weeks when I can't wait for the new one a little more bearable, when I can see him!

A good snack: walnuts (a handful with yogurt in oatmeal is a good breakfast!)
Sugar free yogurts, put in the freezer (if you do artificial sweeteners)
A bag of frozen green beans or peas in the pod, dumped in a bowl for communal munching. Beansicles are a great summertime, safe snack food and the kids eat them too.

Hang in there!

And, I control the meal planning and cooking. It's part of my job - providing meals for the family - and I CHOSE the job when I chose to be a SAHM. It's all part of the package, part of being a good steward of the family's resources.

Anonymous said...

I'm am sorry to hear your news but am glad that you are so willing to take up the challenge for both you and your husband. My young son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last year (he is insulin dependent daily). The silver lining to this is that it has changed the way our entire family approaches food and has motivated me to provide much healthier meals and snacks for everyone. I think we are all better for it. Best of luck and I hope you are feeling better soon!

Kim said...

Oh Meredith, I SO understand! It is hard to eat right as it is when you're pregnant thanks to wacky hormones and a sensitive stomach. But then to have to stay away from everything refined to boot is just no fun and terribly hard to do unless everything is made from scratch. And we know how tiring that can be even when we're not expecting. Hang in there and obey the dietician and you'll feel so much better. I did (I had GD as well the last 2 pregnancies, especially). The diet was worth the effort. My last baby would've been 10 lbs. had she not been induced 3 weeks early. As it was, she was (if memory serves) about 8# 9oz. even that early. She looked full term! ((hugs)) and prayers for you, my friend!

Kim said...

Oh, let me mention some snack ideas for you since that is the easiest way to cope with blood sugar fluctuations. Mozzarella cheese sticks, raw almonds or any raw nuts, brown rice or any whole grain crackers with cream cheese spread, natural peanut butter on whole grain crackers, veggies and dip (go easy on the carrots). If I think of any others I'll pass them along. Skip the caffeine if you can (if you partake). That really messes with your blood sugar.

Michelle Smiles said...

Honestly, it is different when pregnant - you are thinking about the baby. Cheating doesn't seem like such a big deal when it only effects me.

Sorry you have to deal with this but hopefully you'll feel better when you are back in control. I would offer advice but you are educated with your hubby's condition so I'll hush up.

Anna said...

*tsk* Some people!

Meredith, I admire the way you tackle hurdles seemingly without a second thought. I know you'll do the same here.

Tara said...

Hang in there! You have such a good attitude.

Becky said...

You'll get through this, much like you've done with the rest of life's challenges. Find out how you need to eat, what foods you need to avoid, what foods you should eat etc. Make a plan and stick to it as much as you can.

Above all, don't doubt your abilities. You can do this.

Anonymous said...

Meredith, that is so not fun. {{{hugs}}} I am looking forward to see what creative ideas you come up with though!

You can do it!

Anonymous said...

That fist comment is mean. You are not controlling.

Heather

Anonymous said...

I love your perspective. God bless you as you work your way through this new trial.

Lisa said...

Hi Meredith-
I'm 36 weeks pregnant with baby #3 and have been dealing with GD since July. I never had it with my other two kiddos! I just wanted to encourage you- the diet information the drs. gave me (and the classes) has helped me feel SO much better! I was tired all the time, cranky, just overall feeling awful and as soon as I started really watching what I was eating, I felt better. Blessings to you on this pregnancy!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

God bless you Meredith! You have such a wonderful spirit and attitude.

Michelle @ Give a Girl a Fig said...

I think it's awesome that you take such good care of your husband...that's what we are to do. I think Anonymous sees marriage from a different perspective than some of us...and that's sad for her. Our husband's DO need us to help them, care for them, feed them, so that they CAN focus on doing their part in the marriage. Take good care...I applaude you for always seeing the roses among the thorns...xo

mama k said...

Nice perspective.
I had GD too. Keep it simple: lots of lean protein and veggies. Oh and taking a walk after every meal helped metabolize the carbs. Even a 10min stroll around the block did wonders. As a bonus, I hardly gained any weight since I wasn't eating anything bad. I actually used a lot of the ideas from The South Beach Diet books because they are all low glycemic but still tasty. Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

I know that when I had GD I was told artificial sweeteners were fine--but they're really not a good idea when you're expecting. Period.

We just don't know how they affect unborn children--except for aspartame. We know that it's BAD. And can cause death of the baby if your child has PKU.

Good luck! A not good diagnosis, but great motivation to eat healthy.

Anonymous said...

At least you suspected you were diabetic and said you had been feeling better without the sugars and carbs, so you should already be on your way to controlling this. Do you have to take meds or can this be controlled with diet and exercise? Certainly you can empathize with your husband now but speaking as a diabetic, you're a better person than I am to be grateful to actually experience it. I hope it goes away after the baby is born and you are not now insulin dependent.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to hear that you finally know what's going on.

hugs!

Anonymous said...

I had gestational diabetes with my second son 2 years ago, controlled thru diet. I was always tired, but assumed it was because I was working a very stressful job where I was on my feet for 8-9 hours a day, until I was almost 8 months along. That, and being a (much!) older expectant mom! So the diet didn't really make me feel less tired! I am sure you will feel much better as you make the needed dietary adjustments. Best to you!

Anonymous said...

Meredith, you are in my prayers! I know you will handle this well, taking care of both yourself and baby.
~Caroline

Anonymous said...

Hey Meredith! You'll make it through! I was diagnosed with child number three two and all is well and good and wonderful *and* i didn't gain as much weight during the pregnancy because of my cautiousness.

Carrien Blue said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Carrien Blue said...

Oops. too many typos.

I wish I lived close enough to bring over a few meals for you.

I speak diabetic casserole. :)

Anonymous said...

Your perspective is inspiring. Truly, I love reading how you look at everything so positively.

Unknown said...

Meredith,
You have grace, stlye and love. Something that others need to acquire. Keep taking care of yourself and your family.
Elizabeth

Amy said...

Listen to your doctor and you will get through it! I am wishing you the best.

Cat said...

I'm glad you got some answers...hope you will be feeling better now that you know what foods to avoid.

Meredith said...

Thank you for all the support and encouragement! It means a lot.

I am following the ADA gestational diabetes meal plan for now, until we get a good feel for how much more control my blood sugar needs.

(A lot, evidently. Even with exercise and careful portioning, my sugar still has not dipped below 170. And I'm feeling it!)

I suspect I will need insulin to get through the rest of the pregnancy, but we'll see.

My doctor says there is very little chance I will need insulin after the pregnancy, but I will always be at increased risk for diabetes.

Anonymous said...

Meredith - I'm glad you know what's going on now. I just wanted to encouage you to get as much rest as possible. Missing sleep can really mess with your insulin production and of course it doesn't help with the exhaustion.
I'll be praying:)

Frugalicious said...

My husband had Type I diabetes. When I describe to some people our daily life they stare at me with amazement. The low sugars at night, the rushing to get his blood meter, the attempts to keep him focused while I pour him some OJ. That is normal for us, and I wouldn't change him for the world. I read on a diabetic website that spouses of diabetics are saints. I wouldn't got that far, but it does take someone who is very understanding and patient, yet firm to be a spouse of a diabetic.

God put you in this position to get a better understanding. I am glad that you are feeling better and not getting frustrated with yourself as before.

Unknown said...

Glad you have a diagnosis! As a PWD (person with diabetes) who has been pregnant, I can sympathize. You actually have a unique opportunity to truly empathize with your husband's diabetes issues. I have wished so many times that there was a way that the feelings of bad hypo or hyper glycemia could be simulated for my husband, other family members - even doctors or nurses (I wouldn't wish the disease on anyone - just the opportunity to learn to empathize, y'know?).

If you do end up needing insulin, I would highly recommend talking to your doctor about a pump. Whether you can get one or not will probably depend on your insurance coverage, but it will make life easier with your kids around. Having diabetes is a lot like having another kid - a pump streamlines how you deal with it. No shots - just changing your site every 3 days and checking your sugar a lot. I've had mine about 9 months and wish I'd had it when my son was born because my control would have been a lot better.

Anonymous said...

Isn't this late in the pregnancy for diabetic screening (mine were always right at/after 24 weeks)?

I am wondering, if they had caught it earlier, if it would have been completely controllable through diet (without needing insulin)...

Anonymous said...

I've been gone for a couple of days....just catching up on your news, Meredith. Please take care of yourself. And I say "meal-planning all the way if that's what's required to keep everyone healthy....even if it's a simple soup & salad supper!" I remember my doctor ordering a blood glucose test while I was pregnant. Good night!!...I thought I was going to gag, that syrupy stuff they made me drink. But apparently, things were all right, & I metabolized it properly. I was gaining an awful lot of weight, though, & he (doctor) was worried. Seems I was eating the right foods...just too many of them!

Brenda

Anonymous said...

You close your post with a prayer about the lesson learned and remembered.

Would you consider doing a post that shares your lesson? Specifically this question: In terms of frugal hospitality what is a meal that would be appealing to you and your husband that a non-diabetic familiar host could prepare?

Mitford

Tracey said...

God is so good. I'm glad you didn't miss the blessing. It would be so easy to only grumble and complain.

Keep smiling Meredith!