Crap, I have GD

[urbancowgirl]

Well shit.  I found out on Friday night that I failed the 3-hour glucose test and have been diagnosed with GD.  My only risk factor is age (I'm 40), so it was a surprising diagnosis.  Warning:  brain dump ahead.

I'm really upset with the way my doctor's office (well, it's actually midwives) have handled the diagnosis.  I took the 3-hour test on Tuesday, and some test results were uploaded into my online chart on Wednesday (the two blood draws that I passed).  Then I heard nothing else until the midwife emailed me at 4:30 on Friday to tell me I failed the other two draws.  I didn't see her email until 9:30 p.m. I was really upset that they dropped this bomb on me with zero support leading into the weekend.  I expected a phone call with this type of news, along with an opportunity to discuss the results- were my expectations way off base?

A nurse called me this morning to tell me they are calling in a prescription for a glucose monitor. Then she asked if I wanted to meet with someone from the clinic to show me how to use it.  Um, of course I do!  I've never used one before!  Plus I have a ton of questions!  I was so angry when I got off the phone with her.

I can handle the diet changes and finger pricks, but I'm so disappointed with the way this has been handled by my clinic.  I specifically chose midwives for this pregnancy because I wanted a different medical experience from my first pregnancy, but now I'm second-guessing this choice.  (My OB from my first pregnancy ignored some pretty serious pre-e symptoms postpartum, leaving me feeling abandoned, scared, and anxious.) There is an OB/GYN clinic affiliated with the midwives and depending on how my appointment goes with the nurse tomorrow, I may try to switch clinics.  Thanks for letting me vent.  Hair pats appreciated.

[doglove]

I’m sorry, what sucky news. I don’t understand why in this day and age it’s so hard for them to call with results. I didn’t get a call either and they acted flabbergasted when I called to ask for my results saying they wouldn’t normally call with any results. Hang in there, hopefully it’s not too much of a pain to change diet and do the testing.

[Susie]

I'm sorry, that sounds crappy.  I had GD with my first pregnancy, and they called me with the results (they don't have an online portal) and to refer me to an endocrinology practice for GD management.  It was not handled in-house by my OBs.  I met with a diabetes educator as well as a PA in the endo practice, although it took a week or so to get in with them and that was a stressful week.  The diabetes educator was the one who went over all the guidelines of how many grams of carbs to shoot for at each meal, pairing with protein, exercise, how to use the glucometer, etc.  Even with that support, it felt like a lot to take on.  

Is it possible to get a referral to an endo practice so that your decision about your OB care can be somewhat separate?

[knx9211]

I don’t go here anymore, but I had GD with both pregnancies. I was in two different OB practices due to an insurance change. Both referred me to specialists right away to go over the use of the machine and a DETAILED diet consult. I would definitely push for a referral to get this. Just saying “here’s a monitor, good luck!” Is woefully deficient.

[urbancowgirl]

Thanks, doglove . Why is it so hard to make a phone call?!

Susie , it never occurred to me that I could see an endocrinologist, so thank you for that idea. I'll have to ask about that at my appointment tomorrow.

knx9211 , Your scenario is what I expected! The clinic where I receive care is a well-regarded, university-affiliated clinic, so I'm flabbergasted by the whole situation.

[tiptoetulips]

Your feelings are valid. I’m sorry they are not giving you the care you deserve. Good luck with your appointment. I hope they refer you to someone who can help.

[knx9211]

Hopefully they can get you in with someone and at least give you materials to start! It blows my mind that they wouldn’t give you a range of carbs to stay in for each meal/snack and then give you a list of the number of carbs in a lot of common foods. If they give you a hard time, I may have my list somewhere that I can find and send to you.

[urbancowgirl]

Jan 13, 2020 20:51:26 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

Hopefully they can get you in with someone and at least give you materials to start! It blows my mind that they wouldn’t give you a range of carbs to stay in for each meal/snack and then give you a list of the number of carbs in a lot of common foods. If they give you a hard time, I may have my list somewhere that I can find and send to you.

Right?! Dr. Google only gets me so far. Thank you- I will let you know how it goes tomorrow.

[lucky428]

I would be super upset at how this was handled.

At my clinic you get nutritionist appointments, education appointments, and extra appointments for monitoring.

I’m sorry it came back positive and I hope you can get the appropriate care moving forward!

[sloan]

I’m sorry they sucked at this, and they totally sucked. I would expect a LOT more information and guidance on management, hoping you can get a referral to someone for the GD aspect.

Also sorry about the diagnosis, I’m sure you’ll do great with it but it’s still a PITA.

[sunflower17]

I’m sorry they did a really poor job with communication here.
When I took my 3 hour (I happened to pass) the RN kept me informed of my numbers (fingerstick) as we went along. She also told me that if I was above on only one, they’d still send me to a dietitian for a bit of guidance.
They absolutely have to send you for diabetic education! It’s not for you to figure out on your own. You’ll require extra appointments and monitoring as well. I would speak to someone about this so you don’t get lost in the shuffle. That is not ok.
Hugs.

[urbancowgirl]

Thanks, everyone. I feel a little better after my appointment today. The nurse gave me some information about a GD diet, and they've referred me for a consultation with a dietician. Hopefully I can get in before the end of the week. It sounds like the midwives will review my numbers at every appointment (my next is in two weeks) to be sure the GD is under control, and they'll refer me for extra scans based on how I'm measuring. My next scan is also in two weeks, so hopefully everything looks good then.

[knx9211]

Jan 14, 2020 8:52:28 GMT -5 sunflower17 said:

I’m sorry they did a really poor job with communication here.
When I took my 3 hour (I happened to pass) the RN kept me informed of my numbers (fingerstick) as we went along. She also told me that if I was above on only one, they’d still send me to a dietitian for a bit of guidance.
They absolutely have to send you for diabetic education! It’s not for you to figure out on your own. You’ll require extra appointments and monitoring as well. I would speak to someone about this so you don’t get lost in the shuffle. That is not ok.
Hugs.

Not the point, but they did finger sticks for your 3 hour test? I have NEVER heard of that and am so jealous. Four blood draws is no fun.

[sunflower17]

Jan 14, 2020 18:13:53 GMT -5 knx9211 said:

Jan 14, 2020 8:52:28 GMT -5 sunflower17 said:

I’m sorry they did a really poor job with communication here.
When I took my 3 hour (I happened to pass) the RN kept me informed of my numbers (fingerstick) as we went along. She also told me that if I was above on only one, they’d still send me to a dietitian for a bit of guidance.
They absolutely have to send you for diabetic education! It’s not for you to figure out on your own. You’ll require extra appointments and monitoring as well. I would speak to someone about this so you don’t get lost in the shuffle. That is not ok.
Hugs.

Not the point, but they did finger sticks for your 3 hour test? I have NEVER heard of that and am so jealous. Four blood draws is no fun.

Yup. I liked that I got immediate results.