I am prediabetic =(

I received a call from the Diabetes Center a few hours ago. I just had my postpartum 2-hour glucose test yesterday morning and they already received the result.

2-hour wait at the lab

I am "positive" for prediabetes. According to the nurse, my fasting sugar is 5.0 mmol/litre (but the med tech at the lab told me it's 4.4) but my  sugar after 2 hours of drinking the 75-gram glucose drink is 9.4 mmol/litre. Normal sugar must be below 7.7 mmol/litre. Prediabetis (or impaired glucose tolerance) is somewhere between normal glucose tolerance and diabetis (11.1 mmol/litre and above).

To be honest, I was already expecting a not so good result. Aside from having a family history of diabetes, I have a very poor eating diet. Pasalamat pa nga ako at hindi pa ako diabetic.

I was never a healthy eater to begin with. But after giving birth, my eating habit got worse. The first month after Nathan was born, I lost weight. I stayed in our bedroom (upstairs) the whole time and relied solely on what my husband will bring me to eat. I wasn't in the mood to eat too. But when I finally had the energy to go to the kitchen on my own, I ate a lot again. Mostly junk foods, those that I missed when I was pregnant (i.e. lots of rice, chocolates, chips, soda, etc.).

I did some reading and learned that the only solution (for now) for prediabetes is healthy eating and exercise. I need to lose some weight in the process. I would need to test my sugar again. Hay, parang deja vu ito noong buntis ako.

I am scheduled to meet with my Diabetes doctor again on March 9. Hay, akala ko hindi na kami uli magkikita soon.

Nathan's first shots

As per the nurse's instruction, I booked Nathan's first immunization last November 19, 2014 pa. Ang unang bakuna pala dito ay ginagawa on the baby's second month. We were scheduled to come to the Public Health Center on January 22, 2015.

Hindi lang si Chicklet and babakunahan. According to Nurse Cindy (who visited me at home after I gave birth), I also need to get vaccinated because they found out daw in one of my blood tests (done during pregnancy) that I am not immune to "something." Sorry, I couldn't remember anymore the exact term. Even Ford needs some vaccination, too. I really appreciate their concern for our health. Ang ganda talaga ng health care system dito sa Canada.

January 22, 2015 (Thursday). I feel bad whenever I/we have to go to the doctor/clinic/hospital on weekdays because Ford has to either be late or leave the office early to accompany us. Nathan and I are so immobile without him. I am worried na baka mapagalitan siya sa work o mapagsabihan na abusado. Although I know na hindi naman (their office can't afford to lose him and he is being paid on a fixed monthly income, not hourly), I still wish na sana hindi na namin siya maistorbo. Kaso wala namang choice. We need a car and a driver to move around Edmonton. I've been assured din naman na "normal" lang dito sa Canada ang pag-absent o pag-undertime when it comes to health concerns. In the first place, by appointment system ang lahat. May mga schedules na hindi pwede sa weekend o gabi, halimbawa.

Anyway, Ford' home a few minutes before 4pm to pick us up. Our schedule is at 5:00 pm but we have to be there at 4:45 pm for the baby's weighing.

Ford said we could leave a bit later since malapit lang naman ang clinic. I insisted na umalis na kami agad because I do not want to be late. Ayokong mag-penalty at ayokong magpa-reschedule na naman.

True enough, the West Jasper Place Public Health Centre is just about 10 minutes from our house. We were there at around 4:20 pm. I am getting used to this, 10 to 15 minutes travel time. In the Philippines, we usually allot an hour or two papunta sa destination namin kahit malapit lang kasi sobrang traffic. A lot of time wasted on the road.

And because we were there "early" (but not that early naman in my standards), the receptionist told me: "But you know that the nurse can only get to you at 5:00pm, right?" Haha, time is so precious here!

We first had Nathan weighed. His weight as of last Thursday was 12 lbs 13 oz 9 (or 5.82 kgs) and height was 59 cm.  His head circumference was 40 cm.

We had to wait for a few more minutes before we were called in. Nagutom na si Nathan, Daddy Pod had to fed him. I am so proud of my husband, he is a hands-on dad. Very patient to his son.

Soon we were inside one of the rooms in the Clinic. It wasn't just a simple turok-agad session. The nurse asked me how we are. She gave us some "lectures" again on taking care of the baby. She explained to us all the vaccines that will be given to us. She also handed me a thick book on parenting (from Alberta Health Services) and a "Welcome Baby" Package from Edmonton Public Library.  Nakakatuwa talaga dito sa Canada, first world treatment talaga ang natatanggap ng citizens and residents. Sulit talaga ang taxes na binabayaran.

I had to take a picture of this chart. I need to know how my son's development is faring.

The nurse asked me if I want to get the flu shot as well. I refused, sabi ko sa susunod na lang. Two shots are enough for a day. I was surprised though that my husband agreed. Eh isa pang duwag yun. Para isang puntahan na lang daw. He was trying to convince me but I was scared. I've heard of people getting "sick" after having flu shots. We cannot afford to both get sick, kawawa si Nathan.

I was the first to get vaccinated. Despite my horrible and painful experiences in pregnancy and child birth, I was still scared. Kung tutuusin ay sisiw na lang yung sa pinagdaanan ko haha! The nurse was very kind, she made me feel comfortable.

After Ford got his three shots, it was Nathan's turn. I was so scared. It was Ford who handled him. Deep inside, I was crying. A baby doesn't deserve any pain. But it's for his good naman.

The little boy cried so hard, to the heartbreak of his mother. Three injections pa ang ginawa. If only I could take the pain for him. Ganun pala talaga ang nanay.

Buti na lang he got easily pacified by the chime. We mentally took note of that. Kailangan pala ng tunog-tunog para ma-pacify ang baby.

I didn't know that children are getting their shots on their legs. My poor little boy was so red.

We were told by the nurse to wait in the lounge for fifteen minutes to see if we experience immediate side effects from our shots. Thankfully, wala naman.

Before I forget, the nurse noticed that our car seat has a 'wrapped' blanket. She reminded us that we can get a 'ticket' for that kapag nakita kami ng police (ganun pala dito, naniniket ang pulis kahit tungkol sa car seat). Dapat daw walang ibang sapin sa likod ang car seat because it isn't tested for safety yet. Ewan nga daw ba niya kung bakit may nagbebenta pa ng ganun gayung bawal naman.

We find it weird though because the nurse at the Misericordia Hospital who inspected our car seat before we were allowed to go home didn't say anything naman. Oh well, sinunod na lang namin ang nurse sa Jasper. We removed na the blanket. Kailangan nga lang next time ay may jacket na si Nathan kapag nilabas namin.

Our next immunization is scheduled on March 19. Yep, may take two pa ang measles-mumps-rubella vaccination namin ni Ford.

Nathan's Record:

Ford and I's record:

I guess it will be best if we don't travel before Nathan gets all the shots. My original plan is to go home in Pinas this end of March but I realized na importanteng matapos muna lahat ng bakuna ni Nathan (hanggang six months old siya). Alanganin kung sa Pilipinas ko pa ipapatuloy ang bakuna, aside from mahal (I don't want to pay for health services anymore haha!), iba rin kasi ang sistema ng immunization doon. Baka magulo lang.

The story of Chicklet's birth

My cervix was still closed as of my last OB-GYN check up last November 10, 2014 (Monday). The doctor informed me that I'll already be induced that coming Thursday (November 13) because I have gestational diabetes and we can no longer delay the delivery. She instructed me meet her at the Misericordia Community Hospital before 7am. She's a woman of few words and just told me to wait for a call from the hospital on Thursday morning to know if there are rooms and staff available.

When I met Ford at the reception area (he doesn't go with me on the check-up room) and informed him that I'll be induced in three days, he couldn't help but smile. As in happy smile talaga. Naiinip na kasi talaga siyang makita ang baby. Ako naman, sobrang kabado. Inasmuch as I was excited too, di naman maiwasan na matakot kasi ako ang manganganak.

Sa totoo lang, ang gulo ng instructions ng doktor. Our brief conversation in the clinic went like this:

(After checking my cervix)
Doctor -- Your cervix is still closed. We would have to induce you on Thursday.
Ces -- This coming Thursday?
Doctor -- Yes. I'll meet you at the hospital before 7 in the morning.
Ces -- (Still unfamiliar with induction procedure) Does that mean I'll already give birth on that day?
Doctor -- We don't know. 
Ces -- (Suko na sa pagiging matipid sa salita ng doktor) Ahh ok.
Doctor -- A nurse from the hospital will call you on Thursday to inform you if there's available room and staff. Just wait for their call. I'll see you there. Bye.

Yep, that's it. I wasn't even sure at first if she said "Thursday" tatawag ang nurse. Sabi nya magmeet kami ng umaga ng Thursday, bakit sa Thursday lang din tatawag ang hospital?

I texted my friend Cecil who had already experienced birth induction with that doctor in 2012. Sabi niya talagang sa umaga ng Thursday din tatawag ang hospital. But we have to prepare early because the doctor is very strict.  Fine, talagang aagahan namin.

The day before the induction, I took my last preggy selfie. I was having mixed feelings then. I felt somewhat relieved that I will finally be over with pregnancy (admittedly, being pregnant for nine months is tiring). Yet I also felt a bit of sadness because I will no longer carry Chicklet in my womb. Magkakahiwalay na kami. And I asked myself as well, 'will I miss being pregnant?' This could be my first and last pregnancy kasi. Kung ako talaga ang masusunod, ayaw ko ng magbuntis pa uli. I am contented with Chicklet na eh.

After preparing everything that we have to bring to the hospital, I tried to get some rest. But I wasn't able to really sleep that night. I was anxious, I was nervous. I was scared of giving birth. Duwag talaga ako eh. And I didn't know if I could make it without my mother by my side.

November 13, 2014. I took a shower at around 4am and ate breakfast after. We were ready to leave by 6:00 am. My parents-in-laws woke up early to see us first. They wanted to come but we told them only one companion is allowed. I promised them that Ford will pick them us as soon as I have given birth so they can meet their grandson.

I had to entertain myself on the way to the hospital to kill the nervousness. To warn you, I look BAD in all my pictures here. Puyat kasi at sobrang kabado.

It was a very cold morning. Around -10c siguro. We arrived at the hospital at 6:16 am.

And because it's not 7:00 am yet, we had to go to the emergency entrance. It was then that I received a call from the nurse informing me that I have an 8:00 am schedule for that day. I told her that we were already in the parking lot because the doctor instructed me to meet her there before 7:00 am. Medyo naguluhan siya but since nandoon na nga kami, sinabihan kaming pumunta na sa 3rd floor after registering.

There's a patient registration area at the Emergency entrance and when we told a nurse that I am scheduled for an induction that morning, she put me on a wheelchair while we wait for the admitting staff,

Being on a wheelchair made me more nervous. 'This is it,' I uttered to myself.

Pero nang dumating yung staff, sinabihan kami na sa Main Admitting na lang pumunta since hindi naman kami "emergency" at iba ang procedure sa pag-admit sa mga non-emergency patients. Magbubukas na rin naman daw yun ng 6:45 am.

Then she added:

Staff -- Why are you on wheel chair? 
Ces -- I don't know. The nurse put me here.
Staff -- You don't have to be on the wheel chair. You can just walk going to the main lobby.

Ay ganun naman pala. But how I wished they let me use the wheelchair. I was trembling na kasi as we proceeded to main lobby. Sobrang kabado na.

The registration office was still closed when we reached the main lobby and we had to wait for a few more minutes.

My records were already in their system so registration was fast and easy. I've learned that only two (including me) were scheduled for birth induction that day. I was happy, at least hindi sila busy.

By the way, we were asked about our room preference. I've been hoping and praying for months na sana may available na private room so that Ford does not have to go home at 11pm and leave me alone at the hospital. Ganun kasi sa ward at semi-private rooms.

Thankfully, mukhang meron ngang available noong nag-register kami. Pero hindi pa rin daw sure, we'll only know after kong manganak at kailangan ng dalhin sa room.

According to the staff, a semi-private room costs $96 while a private room costs $120. A theme room naman yata is $200. Yung ward na pang-apatan ang libre.

Our extended insurance (Blue Cross Saskatchewan) only covers a semi-private room. We of course chose a private room, babayaran na lang namin yung $24 differential (which is not bad).

After registering, diretso na kami sa Maternity Unit sa 3rd Floor. Nakatambay lang ang mga nurse sa nurse station, mukhang hindi nga sila busy. When they saw us, inentairtain naman nila kami kaagad.

We were led to one of the birthing rooms and I was asked to undress and just wear the hospital gown. Pagkapasok sa room, I already felt that my husband was uneasy. Haha, kabado na rin. I teased him, sabi ko ang yabang yabang niya dati na siya pa ang puputol sa pusod ni Chicklet pero ayun at iiinduce pa lang ako ay namumutla na siya.

I asked him to just leave the room or hide kapag may gagawin sa akin. Ayoko rin kasi siyang makita, baka manghina rin ako. Gusto kong mga medical professionals na lang ang kaharap ko para hindi ko na problemahin ang asawa ko.

It was still early so we still had to wait for my OB-GYN. They placed an electronic fetal monitor on me (a non-stress test daw) to check on my baby.

They kept on checking my cervix (which was very painful) but it was so stubborn, closed pa rin talaga. At around 7:50 am, my doctor arrived (with two nurses) and checked on my cervix once again. She went out and came back alone at 8:00 and induced me so quickly. She used a cervidil induction on me. Cervidil is a vaginal insert used for starting or continuing cervical opening. It is a small rectangular pouch with a retrieval cord similar to the cord on a tampon.

The procedure was fast but very painful. I was really shouting in pain. My doctor left immediately after that without saying a thing (I told you, she's not that talkative lol!).

After five minutes, a nurse arrived and started to explain to me the procedure that will be done to me. She was shocked when I told her that I've been induced already. Apparently, my doctor didn't inform them and I could sense that she was pissed haha!

They observed me for the next two hours. They asked me to lay by my side. I felt nothing extraordinary.

Then the nurse informed us that we can go home for the mean time. I was hesitant, I wanted to stay in the hospital. Tutal nandun na rin lang naman kami. But the nurse told us that it will be more comfortable for me if I stay home in the next couple of hours since sa bahay may TV, internet, etc. Fine.

We were instructed to return by 8:00 pm that night (12 hours after I got induced). I was also asked to call them by 2:00 pm to report how I am feeling. They advised me to rest well and get some sleep because what will follow is a "very long night."

I asked the nurse if I can eat. A light meal, she replied.

I asked my husband if we can drop by T&T Supermarket (WEM) because I want to eat beef noodles. I wasn't sure kung nagluto din kasi ang mga biyenan ko. They were of course expecting na mag-stay na kami sa hospital hanggang makapanganak ko.

We went home right after eating, to the surprise of my in-laws. I went to bed and tried to rest. But of course, I couldn't sleep. I was terrified.

A little past 2:00 pm, I called the hospital to inform the nurse that I am ok. No extraordinary feeling whatsoever.

After I put the phone down, I went to the bathroom to poop. I was feeling the menstrual-like cramps na. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ma-identify kung contractions na nga ba yun or what. Basta ang nabasa ko, one might feel the cramps daw after ma-induce. It was beginning to get so painful that I asked Ford to list the time for me -- 2:20 pm.

A few more minutes and I couldn't take it anymore. I told Ford that we have to go back to the hospital asap. I wanted to take a shower pero hindi ko na talaga kaya.

Namimilipit na talaga ako sa sakit on the way to the hospital. Umaatake ang contractions every 2 minutes lang yata. Sobrang sakit na talaga. Sa may emergency entrance na kami dumaan. I couldn't walk anymore so Ford had to get a wheelchair.

I was brought back to the maternity section of the hospital. Around 3pm na yun. Pinahiga ako sa kama, chineck, tinusukan ng morphine. I was expecting to get better because of that morphine pero parang walang epekto. Napakasakit talaga. Walang magawa kahit anong pacify sa akin ng mga nurses.

They made me take the shower. Morphine works better daw with hot shower. I didn't want to pero sige, sinubukan ko. I was in the shower for almost an hour pero mas nahirapan lang ako. Again, no words can describe the pain. Nakalupasay na ako sa shower room. Sabi ko sa nurse ayaw ko na. Sapilitan pa bago ako pinayagan.

They wouldn't want me back in bed kahit nagmamakaawa na ako. It's better daw kung nakaupo ako or naglalakad. I sat but I felt worse. They made me sit on a birthing ball. Again, walang effect. Mas nahirapan lang ako.

I was shouting in pain. Contractions every 2-3 minutes, imagine that. According sa nabasa ko, mas masakit ang contractions kapag ininduce.

For the so many hours that followed, I was crying and shouting. The funny part was that I had to translate pa my emotions in English so that the Caucasian nurses would understand. Instead of "Ang Sakit!", I said "Ouch! Ouch!" or "I can't take it anymore!" or "I'll die!" Lol!

I really can't believe na natiis ko ang ilang oras ng sakit. They can't put the epidural anesthesia yet because my cervix wasn't 4-5cm dilated yet.

At 9:00 pm, my cervix was already "ready" so they called the anesthesiologist. But to my disappointment, the doctor on duty that night was busy in the operating room! They had to call another doctor but he would arrive after 45 minutes pa daw! I wanted to cry harder! Forty-five more minutes of severe pain! I was begging the nurse, baka kako may magagawa pa kahit alam kong wala naman.

Thankfully, the doctor arrived at around 9:30 pm (wala pang 45 minutes). I felt so relieved. Malaking bagay yung ilang minuto na difference talaga eh. He prepared the big injections but I didn't care. Wala ng mas sasakit pa sa nararamdaman ko. Ford went out the room, natakot sa malalaking injections.

The doctor made me sit and warned me na makakailang contractions pa rin ako bago maisaksak ang anesthesia. He reminded me na wag gumalaw or else uulitin ang procedure. Ang problema, makilitiin ako sa likod. I couldn't sit still. Nahirapan talaga ang anethesiologist. Buti na lang mabait at patient yung nurse na nag-assist sa akin.

Mabilis lang pala ang magtake-effect ang anesthesia. Habang ginagawa pa lang yung procedure ay gumiginhawa na ako. After a few minutes, hindi ko na maramdaman ang contractions. "The worst part is over," I told myself.

I lied down on bed and they put the external fetal heart rate monitor again. The nurse then prepared all the paraphernalia needed for my delivery.

At almost 11:00 pm, while I was waiting to go into labor, Dr. Roy (OB-GYNE-in-duty that night) and some nurses came inside to talk to us. She said they've noticed some 'irregularity' on my baby's heart beat. Bumibilis daw ng sobra and they are worried. To double check, they have to insert something (I don't know the term) on my vajayjay that will touch the baby's head na para malaman kung talagang mabilis. If 'positive,' I would have to undergo and emergency C-section daw.

I was speechless. Lahat ng pains na dinanas ko the past hours ay bumalik sa akin. Kung kelan ok na ako saka ako mase-ceasarian?

After a few minutes, the doctor talked to us again. Talagang may problema sa heartbeat so no choice but to have that dreadful C-section. I was worried about the baby though. All along ok naman siya, ba't biglang nagkaproblema? I calmed myself. Nasa hospital na kami so we are safe.

Since it was already past 11:00, I asked the doctor if they could operate on me past midnight na tutal ilang minuto lang naman. Para kako maging November 14 ang birthday ng baby haha! Naisip ko na kasi after kong ma-anesthesia na 14 na talaga ako manganganak. I prefer it than 13 saka mas maganda kung 11-14-14 ang birthday, hindi ba? Parang yung kasal namin - 1-12-12.

But the doctor and the nurses just 'laughed' at me haha! They couldn't risk the baby na raw so kailangan mailabas siya as soon as possible. Di bale, sa ibang Canadian province daw (I forgot kung ano yung sinabi nila), past 12 midnight na kaloka!

To cut the story short, I signed the waiver agreeing for a C-section and they prepared na the operating room. I asked if i could sleep during the procedure (I am so coward) but they said I have to be awake. Pumikit na lang daw ako. Alam ko na rin naman yun kasi nabasa ko na, baka lang lumusot hehe.

A nurse shaved me down there and in a few more minute, they already brought me to the operating room. I was so nervous. Hindi ko na rin makita si Ford noon. We already informed the nurses and the doctor that my husband won't come with us because he is nervous. I just asked them to inform him right after I deliver.

It was my first time na mapasok sa operating room. I was really nervous pero dahil naka-anesthesia na ako, kalmado na rin kahit papano. Saka the most painful part was over, I wanted to see my son na rin.

I closed my eyes the whole time. Dinagdagan nila ang anesthesia ko. Wala talaga akong naramdaman, naririnig ko lang na mga salita ng doctor and nurses.

At 11:41pm, lumabas na si Nathan. All I could hear was his loud cries. Nakakaloka, 'eskandalosong bata' sabi ko sa sarili ko haha! I was very happy kasi wala akong narinig na ano mang problema o concern. Just "Oh he's so cute!" The nurses were genuinely excited. Siya lang daw kasi ang pinanganak nila that day.

After siyang linisan, he was brought to me. I wanted to touch him pero hindi ko magalaw ang kamay ko kasi nagna-numb dahil sa pagkakadipa sa operating table. A nurse told me na parang may urine na yata so they had to suck it first before they made him cry.

I was so happy and thankful! Yehey, nakaraos na ako! And my baby looked "normal"! Pero masyado lang siyang kulay red talaga haha!

Dr. Roy and a nurse continued in 'closing' me while I was wondering kung nasaan na ang asawa ko. Gusto kong makita niya agad si Chicklet! Naisip ko din na sayang, walang picture si Chicklet habang pinapanganak ko.

The entire C-section only took around 30 minutes. Then I was brought to the recovery room. I asked the nurse to look for my husband.

And so, here's Nathan's first ever picture! He was so tiny and so cute!

I looked so ugly, I know! Mag-contractions ka ba naman ng pitong oras.

My husband couldn't say anything when he saw his son. Medyo nasha-shy pa nga siyang lumapit haha! But he was very happy and proud, I could see it in his eyes. Ayaw lang masyadong magpakita ng emosyon haha!

After around thirty minutes, I was brought into my room na. I was so thirsty, buti na lang may nakaready na na iced water. After I was settled, I called my Mamoosh and informed her na nakapanganak na ako. How I wish she was with me during that time.

My pregnancy journey has ended. I was thrilled. I am a mother, finally.

Be careful with what you wish for

"Be careful with what you wish for.." --- These were my husband's words to me after we left my OB-GYN's clinic yesterday morning.

Why, my doctor instructed me to have a BPP ultrasound every week until I deliver!

I knew I've been ranting so much about how badly I want to have an ultrasound again to check on my Baby Chicklet. The last time I had an ultrasound was when I was only on my 18th week (June 12) and with all the recent happenings in my body (colds, throat mucus, gestational diabetes, gas pains, etc), I want to make sure that he is fine.

But a weekly ultrasound starting this Friday (my 30th week)? I find it too excessive, honestly.

The reason for this is my so-called Gestational Diatebes (GD). They want to monitor my baby all the time - which is very good. My concern though is that my OB is not even aware of the 'results' of my appointment with the diabetes doctor. Due to my diet, my numbers have gone down. Plus I would like to believe that I am not really that diabetic anyway. My tummy is not that big and my ankles are not swollen.

My husband told me: "Ayaw mo yun, madalas mong makikita si Chicklet? Libre naman hehe!"

Of course I want to see my baby as often as I could. I am just afraid that a weekly ultrasound in way will be 'harmful.' I haven't heard anyone who's done this.

I am also a bit concerned about my weekly appointments. My schedules were set every mid-mornings of Fridays (around 9-10) and Ford will no longer be able to join me because he has work. He will just drop me off before 8am and will pick me up at West Edmonton Mall during lunch time to take me home. The weather is getting colder as days pass and my tummy is getting heavier. I just wish I won't have a problem being on my own.

Hay, Baby Chicklet! Be good inside Mommy's tummy, please! I want us to have good results this Friday so that Daddy will be happy on his birthday this weekend.

Gestational Diabetes Session @ Misericordia Hospital

August 20, 2014 (Wednesday). Ford dropped me off at Misericordia Hospital - Mother Rosalie Building at around 7:30am for my "Gestational Diabetes Class."

The Reception for Diabetes Education Center was still closed. I was asked to come at 8am and I didn't want to be late (I'm always punctual in appointments). I also didn't want my husband to be late for work.

I waited on this 'lobby' nervously. Who wouldn't?

I've been surrounded by so many informational materials on diabetes. I was already disinterested. I've already done my homework on diabetes since last year, when we rushed my mother to the hospital due to very high blood sugar. My mother has been on insulin since then.

A little after 8am, I was called by a nurse for weighing and some additional personal information. I was told that there will be eight of us in the "Gestational Diabetes Class." They don't usually have that many in a class, she added. I felt a bit of relief. Misery indeed loves company.

After asking me several questions, the nurse instructed me to go to the restroom and wash my hands as we will be doing some finger pricking later on.

When all the eight girls have been weighed and interviewed, we were finally directed to the "class room."

Yung mga box agad ng glucometer ang bumulaga sa amin! Nangingig ako. Takot talaga akong magtusok. The good thing though is that the glucometers were given to us for free (ito talaga ang maganda dito sa Canada). We were asked though if we have extended health insurance. Only one out of eight has none and she was given a different brand. I have no idea why. Could it be that the test strips of that brand are cheaper?

Nurse Kristy started the session by giving us some handouts and explaining to us what Gestational Diabetes means. Of course we already knew that. Lahat naman kami nagbasa na online.

Now the most dreadful part was the pricking. As usual, pumalpak ako. We pricked twice and in those two times I failed to put enough blood on the strip. I wasted two strips tuloy.

Pricking though was not that bad. Medyo masakit syempre pero tolerable naman.

By the way, my numbers were 4.4 mmol/l and 4.7 mmol/l. Very normal, yebaah!

We were instructed to do a 6-times-a-day pricking for two days before meeting with the Specialist the following week.

After the nurse, it was the dietitian Benedikte's turn to talk about diet and meal plans. She's given us several reading materials as well.

As expected, most of the foods she's discussed were not applicable to my food preference. I really wished we had a one-on-one session with her. Oh well, magsasariling-sikap na naman ako.

A med tech from the laboratory also came to test our blood sugar kaya tinusok pa rin kami sa braso. They wanted to check the consistency of results to that of glucometer's. Para daw accurate. I was thankful kasi Pinay uli ang med tech. So far, wala pang med tech na kumuha sa akin ng dugo na hindi Filipino. I feel comfortable with them eh.

After the class, we proceeded to the Reception again to get an appointment with the Specialist. I am scheduled on August 28 (Thursday) at 1:30pm.

I have gestational diabetes :(

I took my Glucose Screening Test (non-fasting 1-hour test) at Dynalife last July 26, 2014 and only learned the result last August 5.

One-hour wait :(

RESULT = positive for gestational diabetes!

I thought I was already spared since I haven't heard from the doctor's office after my test. But then it was only on my monthly check-up last August 5 that my OB read the result. She told me I have gestational diabetes and that I will be referred to a diabetes specialist and dietitian. That's it.

Parang gumuho ang mundo ko. I had so many questions but as usual, she was in a hurry. She just advised me to wait for a call (from the diabetes specialist) and 'not to worry.'

But how can I not worry??? I knew what DIABETES meant. My mother is diabetic and is on insulin everyday. I know how hard it is to have this condition. Plus gestational diabetes means more tusok and blood (which I of course loathe)! I was also scared about the effect of this on Baby Chicklet.

I kept on thinking about 'my condition'. How come the doctor didn't request for me to undergo the 3-hour glucose (fasting) test? Isn't it the next stop? Why refer me to a specialist right away? I've finally concluded that the result must be so high that no follow up test is necessary. Hay!

I didn't know the exact figure so I went to Dynalife's website and sent an email, asking if I can have access to the result of my lab test. They emailed back immediately and instructed me to call their hotline.So pwede palang malaman ng patient ang result either through phone or personal request sa laboratory (which they will send via mail), depende sa klase ng test. Now I know.

I called Dynalife the following day and the woman and the other line instantly advised me to go to my doctor. as soon as possible. I reasoned that I already went to one and I just want the numbers.

The figure: 11.6 mmol/litre (normal is 7.7mmol/litre)

It is indeed very high! Waaaah!

But deep inside, I knew it. I knew that there's a huge possibility that I'd have gestational diabetes in this pregnancy.

• I have strong history of diabetes (my mother and father).
• I am a bit overweight.
• I am already 35 years old.

Aside from that, I admit to having a very bad lifestyle lately:

• I eat a lot of carbs as in (kain ala construction worker)!
• I don't eat healthy.
• I eat only two major meals a day (and I am not that into snacks). 
• I don't exercise (my husband does all the household chores).

I received a call on August 7 from Mother Rosalie Health Service Centre (Misericordia Hospital) and they scheduled me for August 28 diabetes session. According to the staff, after the 'seminar,' I'd have a talk with a nutritionist then the doctor.

August 28 is still far away! Right now, I am controlling my food intake. I am trying to eat frequently in small quantity. We've switched from white to brown rice, from pandesal to wheat bread.

It's been a week since I adapted a new eating habit and I am hoping that my numbers went down already. I remember eating so much the night before my glucose test (Costco fries, hotdog, chicken, and sprite). I also had McDonald's pancakes and sausage before I went to the laboratory that morning so I believe that these contributed to my elevated blood sugar level.

I wanted to have my blood sugar level tested now but we still don't have the glucose tester. We were about to buy already but Ate June said I'd receive a free one after attending the diabetes session (a nurse would teach me how to prick my finger).

I am scared. I am all the more scared to take insulin. But obviously I have no choice right now kundi lakasan ang loob ko. Pero sana lang talaga makuha pa sa diet. =(

That sense of powerlessness

One of the things I love in living here in Canada is the 'free health care.' Coming from a country where hospitalization and unforeseen medical needs can drain all your resources, this is like a dream come true.

I first experienced my free medical privilege in December 2013, just barely a month after I immigrated In this country. As an Alberta resident, I was entitled to free medical services the moment I landed here (unlike in other provinces where you have to wait for three months). I remember having so many blood tests (which are expensive) and even an ultrasound because I had some 'abdominal' issues.

I never felt guilty though about using Canadian resources that early because my husband has been paying so much taxes since 2010. He's never availed any medical care so far, so I told him, "at least nakabawi ka sa akin." 

The experience of going to a clinic or a laboratory without having to pay anything was truly awesome.

Chicklet @ 23 weeks and 3 days

But now that I am pregnant, I realized that socialized health care has drawbacks too.

Inasmuch as I am thankful that I will be giving birth in a huge hospital for free, I couldn't help but think that I would have had an easier pregnancy had I been in the Philippines. Evidently, their medical approach here is very much different from what I got used to back home.

This is my first pregnancy and I am naturally scared. I have so many questions in mind that needed answers. I constantly long for assurances that me and the baby are okay. But I couldn't get that here.

You see, doctors here do not "baby" their clients. And because there is no abundance of medical practitioners here, they are always in a rush. Or could it be because we are not paying their fees directly? Everything is being done on appointment system. You can't just pop in the doctor's clinic if you have some pregnancy concerns. Just visit the ever-reliable google if you are in despair.

I am 24 weeks and 1 day as of this writing and I want to have another ultrasound. The last one I had was on June 12 and I had severe colds after that. I am even suffering from phlegm (in the throat) until now. I last saw my OB-GYNE last July 7 and when I told her about my colds and phlegm, it's as if she's heard nothing. I finally asked her about the schedule of my next ultrasound and she said it will be done on my 32nd week. Whoaah, that would be 10 weeks away from that day.

I honestly felt so powerless. Without her referral, I won't be able to have an ultrasound. I want to see my baby badly. I want to be assured that he's doing fine because I've been experiencing tummy pain the past weeks (due to constant coughing and hacking). Oh how I wish I am in Pinas during these times!

In our country, I can get a check-up anytime. I can even SMS my doctor if I have urgent concerns! And my bestcousin is a radiologist who can conduct an ultrasound test on me any day I want. Modesty aside, we are not exactly poor in the Philippines so we can afford to pay for medical services. I can even give birth to the most expensive hospital there. No doubt, I would have a smoother and calmer pregnancy if I am in my home country.

I am not saying that medical care in the Philippines is better (if you have money, that is). I guess it just takes time getting used to a different system.


-------------------------------

NOTE: I will be writing my more detailed medical experience here in Edmonton after giving birth.

What a long Thursday night!

Ford picked me up at around 5:40pm this early evening and we headed to Westmount to get that most dreadful flu shot. Last November ko pa gustong magpa-vaccinate pero umatras ako dahil takot talaga ako sa injection. But with the latest news that many Albertans are getting the H1N1 flu strain (and at least 10 have died already), I panicked. I don't want to get sick. I told Ford we have to get immunized.

Too bad na sobrang haba ng pila kanina sa clinic. As in the longest line I've seen here in Edmonton! It was past 6pm already so we decided not to queue anymore. I've heard that they are running out of flu vaccines already. Alberta Health has been offering this flu shot since October 2013 yata pero ngayon lang dumagsa ang tao. Very few Albertans availed the flu shots before. Ngayon dahil sa takot, ayan talagang pumipila na.

Di bale, I am sure the government will do something about it. Hope makapagpasaksak na rin kami ni Ford soon.

Our next stop was at Pier 1 Imports in the north area. I've browsed their website and I found so many interesting house items, particularly accent chairs.

I like the feel of the store, sari-sari eh. It reminded me of Regalong Pambahay in Pinas. There are so many decorative pieces. Babalik ako doon definitely pag kailangan ko na ng abubot sa bahay.

Hay, if only their chairs are less expensive, andami ko na sanang nabili! I am into accent chairs nowadays, ewan ko nga ba.

This chair costs $700+! Ford asked me if I want it, I said yes. But I do not want its price noh! Bye bye, chair!

This one is a bit cheaper. $284 if I remember correctly. This would look perfect on our guest room kaso sobrang mahal pa rin talaga.

But I won't give up. I will have nice chairs at home PERIOD. Hanap hanap uli ng ibang stores.

And since we are already in the north area, we ended up having lunch at Beijing House again. Kakakain lang din namin dito last January 1 kasama si Ate June.

When you're hungry, better na talaga mag-buffet dito. We paid a total of $36.85 (with tip na yan ha) and we were so full. I remember us paying $38+ at a Pinoy restaurant na dalawa lang ang ulam (na hindi pa masarap).

At dahil busog, we of course wanted to go home immediately (the hubby had to do some 'releasing' lol!). But we were surprised when we saw lots of firetrucks near our building.

Ford instantly said: "Nakow, malamang sa building natin yan!" I got so worried, inalala ko kung naiwan ko bang bukas ang kalan or something. Nang matapat kami sa building, we looked up on the 12th floor, mukhang tahimik naman yung unit namin kaya nakahinga na kami.

We parked near our building and observed. Mukhang di pa rin naga-alisan ang bumbero kaya sinabi ko kay Ford lumapit na kami. I hate the idea of not knowing things, especially if it concerns me/us.

Bumaba si Ford ng sasakyan at medyo lumapit. I was waiting for some news pero mukhang wala siyang balak magtanong. Bumaba na rin ako at sakto nakita kong bitbit bitbit ng isang fireman/security ang isang babaeng tenant na nagpupumiglas. Ayaw yatang mag-evacuate sa building so she was carried in her pyjamas!

I approached one Security and asked what happened. He said there's fire in the dumpster area. Again, I was relieved. At least malayo sa unit namin. We were worried because many of our important documents are there. And aside from cash, nandun din ang engagement and wedding rings namin!

The Security informed me that a bus is coming to keep the tenants warm while waiting for the go signal kung kelan makakapasok sa loob. We are thankful kasi we have our car with us, hindi namin kailangan makipagsiksikan sa bus. Uso pa naman ang flu virus ngayon, nakakatakot. Saka sa totoo lang, marami sa kanila ang may di kaaya-ayang amoy (kaya ko ito Tinatagalog!) kasi tamad na tamad silang maligo pag winter kaloka!

Anyway, Ford suggested that we go to Walmart para magpalipas ng oras. Walmart is open until 11pm so pwede!

It's so difficult to kill time pala in a supermarket. Ayaw na ayaw ko pa naman ng hindi bibili. Hindi ako mahilig magwindow shop. We are still fully stocked so we don't need any.

After 40 minutes of loitering, nag-diet coke and sundae cone na lang kami sa McDonald's.

It was my first time to eat sundae cone here in Edmonton. Mahalaysia din, $1.46 (or approximately Php60.00) siya! Sabagay, lahat naman dito eh mahal kaloka!

Keep calm and eat sundae cone.

We left Walmart at 10pm hoping na makakapasok na kami sa building. Swerte naman at ok na.

Or so we thought.

Akala namin we'll have a good night sleep na when Ford learned that there is no water in the bathroom. Yari! When he asked the Management, ayun 4pm pa raw bukas magkakatubig kasi nadamay pati yung main water line. OMG! A day without water!

I panicked immediately! How can we survive without water??? That's one of my daily fears, ang mawalan ng tubig dito. Unlike in Pinas na maraming kapitbahay o kamag-anak na mahihingan ng tubig o mapagpapaliguan, dito wala. Kaming dalawa lang dito eh. It was so frustrating! And how will Ford go to work? Hindi pa naman yun sanay ng hindi naliligo twice a day.

The hubby sounded desperate too. He suggested that we go to the nearby motel. I refused, saying that aside from it being so magastos, how the hell will I check out if he's at work? Hassle pa magpack tapos sandali lang din dun. Sana kung parang motels sa Pinas na 24-hour ang system, kung 11pm ka magchecheck-in, kinabukasan ng gabi ka pa rin pwedeng lumabas. Yun ang sulit.

Ang sabi ko makiligo na lang siya kay Ate June pero ayaw naman niya. Thankfully, he was able to google (yep, we rely on google all the time) a "Truck Stop" near his office where he can take a bath. He called and was informed that it'll cost 8+ bucks. Not bad. Hay, problem solved!

Now ako na lang ang problema. How can I survive the day? The good news was that meron daw water tank or truck sa baba where we can get water. Pero wala naman kaming maraming container. We only have one small pail and two empty 10L distilled water container. Pwede na rin kesa wala.

So there, nag-igib si Ford at 11pm!

A PEng's life -- taga-igib! 

Ford was worried for my lunch tomorrow. Haler, I can cook and eat with minimal water. Sakto na ang naigib niyang tubig, titipirin ko na lang. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that water will be back by 4pm tomorrow. Or else yari na talaga.

Hay it was such a long night. I called Mamoosh and relayed to her this night's incident.

I am tired but I don't wanna sleep yet. I want to wake up late tomorrow (since Ford won't be having lunch here of course) para di ko maramdaman ang kawalan ng tubig bukas. Sana meron na paggising ko.