Just like coming home...

I went to the endocrinologist today. One of the few silver linings to this gray day of ice was the abundance of cancellations at the doctor's office, which allowed me to float freely between the Diabetic counselor and my long-trusted Dr. Weir. With my husband in tow (and leading the way for a substantial portion of the conversation when my emotions kept me from speaking clearly), we were able to review our dietetic plan for the next 13 weeks.

Surprisingly, they want me to INCREASE my carbohydrates - which baffles the mind! Once we fully engaged in the numbers, needs, and options we settled on a proactive, yet reasonable plan. Her careful consideration and moderation in character are the reasons I have loved working with Dr. Weir for the past decade. She considered and consulted with her colleagues about a non-traditional gestational diabetes treatment suggested by Dr. Babyface at my last appointment. Once she had troubled herself to gather as much information as possible, Dr. Weir presented us with our options: 1. Use the medicine my OBGYN suggested, which only is endorsed as a level C intervention for pregnancy by the FDA; 2. Return to Metformin, which regulated me so well before pregnancy, and carries an FDA level B endorsement; or 3. Insulin, which is easier to regulate and requires the least risk and guess work.

After thoroughly engaging around these issues, unhurried as there was a deficit of patients to rush us, we decided to spend the week tightening up my diet, in accordance with the information presented at our consultation. In addition, Nathaniel and I will be walking at least 30 minutes first thing each morning and we are going to increase our priority in getting to the gym regularly. We are going to try implementing these measures for the next few days, until my appointment on December 19. At that appointment, we will reevaluate the numbers I am going to carefully monitor and record until then and decide whether to "encourage" my sugars to remain in normal limits (Metformin) or if I require actual regulation (Insulin).

I am still plagued by the frustration that is the Diabetes monster that devours my family's metabolism throughout life. However, today I am thankful for so many things.

I am thankful for the doctor who unraveled my metabolic concerns as a college student and continues to remember me without her chart and takes time and energy to carefully consider my needs. I am thankful for an ice storm which kept other people away from their appointments and afforded us plenty of time and attention. I am thankful for the sweet, maternal Diabetic consultant who sympathized and showed concern and compassion. I am thankful for a husband who went with me, considered the options, and helped formulate a reasonable plan for addressing this issue in a way that is sensitive to me and the baby. I am thankful that the baby, by all indications, is healthy and happy and a normal size. I am thankful my office was closed today so I could devote all my time and energy to this task. I am thankful.

As I said before, I am willing to do what is necessary to ensure baby boy is healthy. Also, I am becoming more and more committed to attempting a natural childbirth and do not want to compromise the possibility with high birth weight. But, for today, I am thrilled with the chance to manage these problems with careful consideration and strategic implementation.