After the dreaded call that I failed the one hour gestational diabetes test, I was determined to get part 2 over with as soon as possible. I was a little bit more nervous for this part, because it does involve fasting and drinking that sugary delight on an empty stomach. 😝
The call came in on Thursday afternoon, so I decided to go first thing Friday morning. The lab opened at 7:30 am, and I wanted to be there right around then. I walked into the hospital dawning my favorite mask, to a temperature check, which has now become the norm (thanks COVID!). There was already a short line forming at the lab door. I was one of those people. 😂
I got all checked in and was ready for my fasting blood draw – the first of four. The lab tech explained how the process would look for the three hours, and then we began. After the first blood draw, she gave me my drink to again sip down in 5 minutes or less. This time I was offered orange or fruit punch and went with orange. The drink for the longer test has even more sugar, so it tasted a bit thicker, but again, just like a flat orange soda. Not terrible.
I then headed out to the waiting room to start my first hour wait. The first hour was probably the hardest. I had moments of nausea and dizziness, but tried to focus my mind elsewhere. Wearing a mask didn’t help these feelings, making it a bit harder to breath, and I felt warm. Luckily it would only come and go, and eventually passed. I couldn’t help but think the worst: what if I vomit and void this whole test?!
I downloaded Netflix episodes onto my phone to keep me busy during my wait, and set my alarm for about 55 minutes, so I could head back in time for the next blood draw.
My alarm went off, and I was back for blood draw number 2! Back and forth I went for those three hours. After hour two the tech asked what I was planning for lunch afterwards. Must be a common topic among pregnant ladies during this test. 😂
Once my alarm went off for that third time, I was so happy to be finishing up! I’ve never wanted someone to draw my blood so badly. I survived!!!
I packed some snacks in the car, assuming I would be starving after this. Peanut butter crackers came in clutch. Normally I reward myself with Chick fil A after leaving the hospital because it is right across the street. But, in the event that I did indeed have gestational diabetes, I decided maybe I should go for something just a little bit healthier? Luckily there is also a Panera nearby, so I went with a salad.
Again, to my surprise, I felt pretty ‘normal’ after the test. No headache, and any dizziness had passed earlier on. I was able to have sips of water during my wait, so that helped with the dryness in my mouth. As soon as I left the lab, I chugged the rest of the bottle. I’m sure eating a nutritious meal immediately following also helped with avoiding any unpleasant feeling for the remainder of the day.
I did take it easy for a bit after lunch and snuggled with the dogs, but then did a solid prenatal workout later than afternoon!
I assumed because I took the test on a Friday that I would have to wait all the way until Monday to receive the results. How was I not going to think about this all weekend long? Luckily by mid-morning on Saturday, I had an email notification that new test results were in my portal. I have never been more nervous to click on test results in my life. 😂
I PASSED!!!!! All four draws were under where they needed to be, and I was so relieved.
It seems fairly common to fail that one hour test, so if I’ve learned anything, it’s not to freak out about that for next time. 😉
Laugh Often – Rachel
Simply Stoops 