not pregnant but trying, and have questions

[kribou]

Hi there, I posted my question on another forum on this site before I saw this one, I am trying to get pregnant but i have been diagnosed with pcos...so once that is taken care of I will hopefully be able to get pregnant. I am SOOOOOO scared but I want to be a mom in the worst way. My doc has told me now or never so...we are trying now. Can anyone give me some advise or stories to ease my mind or even to validate my fears? One person responded in the forum and I soo apriciated the story. Any help would be great...I know my sugars MUST be in good control...they are ok but could be better! thanks

[Chris Graham]

Hi!

I am type 1 on lantus and novolog and I had a baby 12 weeks ago. She is perfect in every way. I had a great, vaginal delivery. Lots of women with diabetes have successful, healthy pregnancies, and so can you! There is a great web site called diabetic mommy that you should check out. They are very supportive and you can read a lot of birth stories.

If you aren't already, I would start taking a prenatal vitamin and also fish oil or flax seed oil. There is new research that suggests it might prevent diabetes in kids at high risk. Ask your doctor first, of course!

Lastly, find a good OB or peri who has experience with diabetes or at least isn't stoopid. Expect to experience some discrimination because of the big D, and be prepared to be an advocate for yourself and your baby.

Good luck...please keep us posted!!
Chris

[Rebecca]

pcos...so once that is taken care of I will hopefully be able to get pregnant. I am SOOOOOO scared but I want to be a mom in the worst way. My doc has told me now or never so...we are trying now. Can anyone give me some advise or stories to ease my mind or even to validate my fears? One person responded in the forum and I soo apriciated the story. Any help would be great...I know my sugars MUST be in good control...they are ok but could be better! thanks


PCOS aka PCO or Polycystic Ovaries or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (disorder). Is a female endocrine issue that involves the adrenal glands, pituatary and ovaries.
They do not produce as much FSH, LH, and other female hormones, and also they produce excess androgens. Yes, women produce male hormones as men produce oestrogen.
For one with PCO to get pregnant. Well almost impossible. I am not saying you can not get pregnant, or it is impossible. Some women do get pregnant with PCO. But with great difficulty.
They are seeing Metformin with PCO to help enduce pregnancy. But the easiest way is Fertility drugs. But those also produce multiples (triplets, quads, quintuplets, ect.. some would call a litter of children).

[KCP]

Its suspected that I have PCO as well.. They arent sure yet as I have been on the pill for 8 years and cant test for the hormones yet.. but ive never had a period off the pill.. ever..

IM in the middle of trying to get the levels down. I ahve a HB1ac of 7.6 at the moment and dropping.. im onLantus and Novorapid.. but man! is it hard to get those sugars down that last ledge!!

I wish you the best of luck in your path to becomming a pregnant diabetic!

[sarah91]

Hi I think I was the person who replied on the other forum you posted on.
Sorry to be so personal but are you menstruating? I have not for 4 years and that is the first thing the docs are trying to get back to normal. I've just finished a 10 day course of Provera a progestorone tablet in the hope thati n the next week it will make me ovulate. Also on Thursday I am having a sensor fitted to take my blood sugars every 5 mins to see why I'm having probs getting my HBA1C down to an acceptable level. It's currently 8.7 and recently my sugars have gone out of control. They think I'm having hypos in the night and not waking up. I can go to bed with a blood sugar of 12 and wake with a reading of 16! It's so frustrating.
It may be worth asking if you can have a sensor fitted. Being as I am desperate to get pregnant they made me a priority case and I jumped the queue a bit.

Good Luck

[KCP]

Yea, i had the sensor fitted for three days. It was awesome! found out i was having very bad hypos at night, and fixing my lantus has fixed that issue quite nicely. NOw I am sitting very stable but a little higher than it should be. my HB1ac is now 7.6 and ive done most of the work by myself, its only been in the last three months that i have referred to our high risk maternity unit here in Auckland.
I do menstruate, but only when Im on the pill. When i stop taking the pill, i stop having periods! I didnt have a perdiod before i started teh pill, and a few years back i tried stopping th epill for a few months (6 to be exact!) and nothing., Nudda, not even spotting

[sarah91]

It's great to find people on this site who are having the same problems as me. I'm on the same insulin as you KCP and the sensor will probably confirm what the docs think, that I' having hypos in the night too. How did they alter your Lantus? Did they increase or reduce your dosage? They have also offered me the chance to swap to a pump if I want but it sounds a lot of hassle. I'm currently writing a food diary to see how the food I eat affects my sugar levels.

[KCP]

Yea, i do a food diary too! I find it really helps in keepingan eye on whatfood affects my sugars in what way.
After they discovered that my sugars were dropping rapidlay overnight, they split my does. I was originally on 30u at night! they dropped the does to 20u and split it to 12 at night and 8 in the morning. It works perfectly! Ive lsot the headaches I used to wake up with and can again sense wheni am having hypos which is the biggest bonus. I once got into the car and drove home tested and i was sitting at 2.0Mml!!!
They offereed me a pump at my last maternity clinic meeting but Isaid that id rather do it on my own as I think that if i took on the pump right now id have to learn how it works and affect my body etc etc. I will use one when i fall Pg tho..

[sarah91]

I'm currently on 18 units of Lantus at night. I can go to bed with a sugar of 12 which I consider quite high and wake up with a sugar of 18! I hate it, I feel like I've lost control and my sugars remain high then for the rest of the day. Soooooooooo frustrating. My boss at work is a type 1 diabetic , he eats what he wants when he wants, and has a perfect HBA1C it just not fair.

Keep in touch and let me know how you are getting on.

Sarah

[KCP]

Aww, man that sucks! I used to go to bed with a 13 and wake up with a 4!! Maybe you arent on a high enough amount for your lantus? is it split??

[sarah91]

No I take it before I go to bed. having sensor fitted on Thursday for 5 days so will be able to tell then. Have you ever had a scan to see if you have polycystic ovaries being as your periods are not regular?

[KCP]

Nope, havnt had teh scans yet. THey need to do the LSH (?) test before they get to that but they cant do it til i come off the pill..
The CGMS is an awesome little piece of equipment!!! It'll be great for you and your docs to see what happening when you least expect it!

[sarah91]

yes i can't wait to have the sensor fitted tomorrow. It will hopefully prove to the docs that i have been trying my best to get my sugars down and it's just my body being difficult.

[KCP]

I hear ya on the difficult body! i have been having readings of 10, 13 and 17 the past few days and have been giving rapid like crazy but to no avail!! its really starting to get on my nerves!!

[sarah91]

have had sensor fitted today. Its bulkier than I thought it would be. My friends are calling me the bionic woman!

[KCP]

Lol yea! THe thing i hated most about it was the tape type stuff they give you.. THey didnt give me enough so I ended up having to use normal tape..!!! Until i could get some more..

[sarah91]

Well today is the last day. I am taking it off in the morning and can't wait. The novelty has worn off now and it annoys me when I have a shower or go to the loo. A couple of times I have knocked it off the side of the sink or bed when I am changing or cleaning my teeth and it swings by my knees. I let out a little yelp in anticipation of it coming out, luckily it has not and its taped on well so it doesn't hurt. Can't wait for the results!

[KCP]

aww, yea, i had the same problem! i hated it towards the end.. I had to sleep on my site as I slept on my right and thats where the electrode was!!!

[JediSurfer]

Don't wanna put a downer on things, but are you not worried that you will pass this nightmare illness which is diabetes and can be a severe disability on to your children?

peace

Rich

[gettingby]

Don't wanna put a downer on things, but are you not worried that you will pass this nightmare illness which is diabetes and can be a severe disability on to your children?

peace

Rich
Rich, all reports I've read on passing on diabetes says that the child is more at risk if the father is diabetic than if the mother is.
Now, if I am wrong, someone please correct me.

[KCP]

That has never been an issue. I can understnad that some people have real problems with their daibetes but believe me, ther eare far worse things to be born with!!!

I would never use my diabetes as an excuse to do/not do something! Can you imgaine:
No, i cant lose weight. I have diabetes
No, i cannot come out to dinner. there might be too much sugar
no, i cannot marry, i might die form diabetes related Diseases!!!!

OMG! we cannot live like this!!!!!

[gettingby]

That has never been an issue. I can understnad that some people have real problems with their daibetes but believe me, ther eare far worse things to be born with!!!

I would never use my diabetes as an excuse to do/not do something! Can you imgaine:
No, i cant lose weight. I have diabetes
No, i cannot come out to dinner. there might be too much sugar
no, i cannot marry, i might die form diabetes related Diseases!!!!

OMG! we cannot live like this!!!!!
I agree with you. :)

[KCP]

Lol nice to know im not completely alone in my ramblings..

[sarah91]

If a child of mine were to become diabetic I think I would be more supportive as a parent than a non diabteic parent. If I knew when I was diagnosed what I know now I would have done a lot of things very differently. I was diagnosed at 15 when I was just discovering boys, drinking and smoking. As a diabetic parent I have a greater understanding of how tough things can be but also that if you look after yourself everything can be ok.

[sarah91]

getting my sensor results tomorrow! Am quite excited!

[Jan B]

Don't wanna put a downer on things, but are you not worried that you will pass this nightmare illness which is diabetes and can be a severe disability on to your children?

peace

Rich

It's not only diabetes that may be passed on. The possibility of other defects (heart, etc.) is a little higher too. Just the way it is. Since my little brother was adopted, the idea of adoption always stands out to me. I still understand a woman (and man) wanting their "own" children. What bothers me is how hard it can be to adopt children if your health isn't perfect.

[KCP]

Yea, im well aware of the risks for a diabetic to have children naturally, but thats why I am doing everything in my power o ensure my health is as perfect as I can get it. Im not pg yet, but i want to be and I know that if i want a healthy child, i need to be in tip top shape myself.
Just because i have diabetes it does not mean i cant do things that people without diabetes do. They have just as many risks and as long i get healthy i can have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby, just like them

[Jan B]

Yea, im well aware of the risks for a diabetic to have children naturally, but thats why I am doing everything in my power o ensure my health is as perfect as I can get it. Im not pg yet, but i want to be and I know that if i want a healthy child, i need to be in tip top shape myself.
Just because i have diabetes it does not mean i cant do things that people without diabetes do. They have just as many risks and as long i get healthy i can have a good pregnancy and a healthy baby, just like them

I have confidence you will do well, and your eventual child will be extremely loved and appreciated! Diabetes has been a blessing in my life & I hope you feel the same way. ;)

[KCP]

aww, my diabetes has been hated at times, but its starting to be looked at as something that is a blessing. Without it, who knows how unhealthy i would be as i wouldnt have to worry about my health!!

So Sarah91: have you looked at your CGMS results yet? :D

[sarah91]

Hi again Yes I've had my results and am going to hospital tomorrow (tues) to see the consultant to see what advice he has and what action to take next. It appears from the results that I am not having hypos in the night but am having something called dawn stress. I'd not heard of this before but apparantly at about 5am in the morning by body decides to give me a sugar boost all by itself to prepare me for the day ahead. It's very nice of my body to do that but not very good being a diabetic! I have to be different !!!
I discussed the pump with the nurse and think this is going to be the best treatment for me to get my hba1c down to an acceptable level for me to start the fertility treatment.

Whats new with you?

[KCP]

Nothing new :) Just glad your results are in and now you can make moves to go forward!! :D

[sarah91]

Hi there. Have just come back from the hospital and have come away a bit puzzled. Doc thinks that my problem lies with my lantus. From looking at the results of the sensor that my lantus is not lasting me through the night. I thought it was meant to last you the whole 24 hours but he said that some people, like myself use up the lantus very quickly a nd that by 4 - 5am I have used mine up, hence the higher sugar levels when I wake up. He has advised me to up my novorapid dose by 2 units in the morning and see what effect that has on my sugar levels.

Also because of my fertility problems the progesterone tablets which I have been taking to make me have a period have made my sugar levels go bananas and my HBA1C level has now gone up to 9!

I am soooo frustrated, though he did apologise because he said the HBA1C level increasing was because of the tablets, not because of something I have done which is a relief.

Overall he was quite happy with the sensor results as they were consistent in their peaks and falls which makes it a bit easier to diagnose a solution.

Another thing that baffled him was the fact that although I am on a high doseage of metformin my periods have not returned!!

Back in 2 weeks to see how increasing the novorapid in the morning has improved (I hope) my sugar levels.

WHY IS EVERYTHING ALWAYS SOOO COMPLICATED?????

[KCP]

I wish i knew why everything is so complicated :(

[steph1]

Hey Sarah,

I can definitely relate and empathize!

Before seeing my Obstetrician about getting pregnant, I had an A1C of 7.1, but he still gave me the go-ahead. I was SO nervous and freaked out about everything. I had switched to Lantus to get pregnant, which had resulted in gaining 10 lbs. Fortunately, it did not take long to become pregnant and the whole experience was definitely terrifying. I constantly was low, especially at night....and then very high. I saw the Endocrinologst every week and got ultra sounds all the time.

During the pregnancy, I gained weight very quickly and noticed that I was losing my hair...and I was horrified. During the entire pregnancy, I actually gained 40 lnbs. with exercise and a "pretty good" diet (you definitely can't be good all the time being pregnant)....which I thought was a lot (since I am a small person).

And then the "big" day came and I was overcome with emotion...especially worrying that the baby would get diabetes. Fortunately, I gave birth (naturally) to a 8 lb. 3 ounce girl...who is "perfect"! It was the hardest and most rewarding journey I can ever describe. I had no issues at all with anything...except some difficult levels. But even after the baby, my A1C was 7.0

Now, after breastfeeding and trying to do anything possible to lose the weight, and only successfully losing 35 lbs. after 8 lbs. with extensive dieting and exercise, I have just also found out I have PCOS (and probably always did).

My only advice for you is to lose as much weight before the pregnancy as possible and try Metformin to lose weight (if possible). That way the symptoms of PCOS will diminish and getting pregnant will obviously get easier. I'd be glad to give you any advice you need during the pregnancy...just let me know if I can help. And Good Luck! There is lots of hope, so don't worry :)

Steph

[sarah91]

Hi Steph

Many thanks for your advice. It's so hard to find people in the same situation as myself. You are so lucky to have a beautiful baby girl.
I have been trying to get pregnant now for the last 4 years after having a stillborn baby girl we called Abigail in December 2003. This was not due to my diabetes but just one of those unfortunate things. Since then my periods have completely stopped and I was diagnosed with PCOS. I have been on Metformin for the last 3 years and have lost about 2 stone. At 5ft 9" and 11 stone I and my docs are now happy with my weight but still have no periods. I have been on various types of medication but to no avail.
2 weeks ago I visited a private clinic to discuss IVF treatment. They are happy to treat me and it is such a relief that there is hope. I feel the nhs in the UK have let me down. It's as if they don't know what to do with me. I am much happier and my blood sugars have improved, probably because I am not as stressed now.

Will let you know how I get on.