GD Questions

Amy&Steve0421

I've noticed that when I test my blood, it is much easier to get the right amount out of my right hand (I'm right-handed) than my left.  I'd like to be able to do both hands, so I can rotate spots as much as possible.  Any one else experience this?  Any tips to make it easier to get a proper sample from my left hand?

Also, we are going out of town next weekend for my nephew's first birthday.  How do you handle the GD diet when travelling?  I could pack my own food in a cooler, but it would probably seem kind of strange to my family.  They don't know we are expecting yet (only 8 weeks - and trying to wait until the end of 1st tri) and I definatly don't want to tell them on my nephew's birthday - as that would overshadow his day.  Any tips for how to handle this?

Thanks!

BottomStar

i have no advice regarding the finger sticks as I haven't started mine yet.  but regarding your family and traveling, I would bring my own snacks and just say you have a medical condition like hypoglycemia or something.  It's not too far of a stretch.

NJBride4-8-05

I find if I massage my finger first to get blood to the tip I do okay.  And prick closer to the tip.  As for eating, you should be able to find things to pick at that are part of the diet.  Good luck!

slukd79

Ideally my nutritionist said she would like for us to rotate our finger pricks from both hands, both sides of the finger etc.  I had to do what worked for me which was to prick my left hand (finger tips) and push the blood/massage the finger until enough blood came out to be tested.  Even though I prick the same sites over and over again, my fingers feel fine.  I don't think I have overpricked them or anything. 

We travelled extensively during my pregnancy but I didn't know I had GD until the 2nd tri.  Basically I found the diet to pretty easy to follow but I always carried Fiber One bars or cracker/peanut butter or cracker/cheese combos in my purse as a snack (no refrigeration, and they do not scream-- I have GD!)  I handled meals by picking what I thought I my body would tolerate well-- just good decisions.

You can be discreet about testing too.  I always just excused myself for the bathroom and tested when I didn't want people to know.  I never got called out!

The hardest part for me, with relation to travelling, was just keeping an eye on the time.  During my regular work day-- it is very easy to remember to test 2 hours from when I eat.  When I was with my friends and family, out of a routine or on vacation, time easily got away from me.  I would be socializing, watching movies, playing games etc, and before I knew it I forgot to test...  Bad!

GL!

Amy&Steve0421

Thanks for the info. ladies!  I am very encouraged to know that travel is still possible:)

SandyGirl424

I use the same four fingers, I test on the sides of the fingers and my palms...