5 Hour Glucose Tolerance Test (long, but worth the read)

Allsmiles · 01-17-2009, 01:25 PM

Well, I had a 5 hour glucose tolerance test yesterday. I know that some of you may also be looking to do this in the future, so I thought I would explain what happened with mine yesterday!

First of all, I would encourage you to be proactive. I have had a 2 hour glucose tolerance test while pregnant before, but never have had anything else. My doctor is not proactive. BUT, I am! I have done lots of research (not all of which I completely understand), but it has driven me to realize that doctors are no better than me, they just studied a different discipline. I am pretty demanding with my doctors when I know that I need help.

I have been having lots of weird symptoms lately. I have struggled with migraines my whole life, but lately I am back up to migraines every day. I have had blurred vision, lack of concentration, shakiness, dizziness. I am not an overly anxious person (normal anxiety when warranted), but was having "panic attack" symptoms. I went to my doctor before Christmas and asked her to help. After a CBC panel, she determined that I probably just needed to go back onto Metformin, and some Niaspan for my out of control cholesterol problems. Metformin made me feel worse - GI upset like crazy, wasn't at all interested in eating, lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks. I am not sure how the Niaspan was making me feel, but look forward to going back on it tonight.

I did immense amounts of web research and asking questions on tons of forums. My husband invested in a blood glucose monitor for me, and found that I was having some hypoglycemic episodes. When I wasn't feeling the hypoglycemia feelings, I was kind of flat-lined with my blood glucose. I stay at about 90, seems like no matter what I eat. Kind of strange.

I called my doctor, and she said to go off of the Metformin. Unfortunately, these were the symptoms I also had BEFORE METFORMIN. Took several phone calls a day to my doctor, but I convinced her that I needed extra bloodwork. What some women don't understand is that a fasting glucose level is not telling you everything you need to know about your body. I asked for a 5 hour glucose tolerance test with insulin levels at each draw as well, another CBC panel, a CMP (complete metabolic panel), and a hemoglobic A1C.

I got to the lab at 8:15 am. Then, I had to drink a 75 gram glucose drink (blah). I was told if I threw up I would have to start over again. Within 10 minutes of drinking it, I felt horrible. Very dizzy, out of it.
First blood draw was at 8:55 am. 7 viles of blood, 2 sticks.
Second draw was at 9:25 am. 3 viles of blood, 2 sticks.
Third draw was at 9:55 am. 3 viles of blood, 2 sticks. Starting to feel a little better, but very weak.
Fourth draw was at 10:55 am. 3 viles of blood, 1 stick (yahoo!). Walking in a fog.
Fifth draw was at 11:55 am. 3 viles of blood, 2 sticks. Totally mellow, way too mellow.
Sixth draw was at a different lab at 12:55. (Lunch break for the other lab). 3 viles of blood, 3 sticks. I started to sweat and get clammy, but could care less that she was sticking me.
Between the sixth and seventh draws, I was ready to give up. I was shaking, sweating, could barely walk. Very dizzy. My mother was with me (a 30 year old that needs her mommy), and she encouraged me to wait it out until I was finished.
1:55 was my last draw. 3 viles of blood, 1 stick! (Yahoo to that tech!) I don't really remember much, but I walked out the vending machine and got a candy bar. I needed something NOW!

My husband brought me a hamburger and a water. Then, I had a doctor's appointment with a new doctor to discuss my medical condition.

My new doctor, within 2 minutes of meeting me, said I should go the the Mayo clinic!!! No kidding! She had me tell her about myself, give her a rundown of my medical history including kinds of doctors seen and how long I have been dealing with medical issues (since I was 9 years old), and told me that she could see I was in pain - physically and emotionally. She seemed to know me. She said that with my family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, female issues, hypoglycemia, that I should really have a panel of doctors working on a plan to see what the underlying problems are. I explained that I have not ever felt well - I just shove the symptoms aside for a year when I get sick of being poked and prodded. Basically, depending on what comes of this blood testing, I will be making some appointments for the Mayo clinic for Spring Break.

Last night, my head was splitting, I was SO out of it... Unbelievable. It took me all night to recover. I cried most of the night from the sense that I was so dizzy and my head was killing me. I just couldn't do anything to release the pain, was struggling to keep my eyes open but also couldn't close them to sleep. It was horrible.

This morning I woke up with a "hangover" feeling. Now, I feel a little better.

Teaching second grade, being a mom and wife, doesn't lead to inactivity. I need to feel better. I know that many of you are going through the same feelings! Don't give up... Keep trying! It's not fun to be poked, prodded, x-rayed, etc. Remember, it's for YOU! YOU MATTER!

I will let you know what I find out about the test. Until then, prayers to us all!

Allsmiles

bentjadeh · 01-17-2009, 02:01 PM

Reading that was encouraging to me. I don't have health insurance, so all of the things I need to get done are put aside for now..but, I'll remember that when I dread going to the dr. for all those dreadful tests again like I've done before! Glucose tolerance test was the WORST one for me. I got sick all over the lady who kept drawing my blood. Ooops.

SherryBaby · 01-26-2009, 06:15 AM

thanks for that info. I am 7 mos preg and had a one hour GTT done on Friday and passed out. I am realizing that all my sx are prob from hypo and not the pregnancy. I guess they can't do a 5 hour GTT when you are preg??? I always feel like crap. Did you notice that pregnancy made your sx worse?