Glucose Tolerance Test

Before 20 weeks people could have just assumed I had a carton to many of those delicious 

Haagen-Dazs bars.  Now 22 weeks pregnant, my belly was very much a baby bump.  

A standard test around 22 weeks is a glucose tolerance test.  I had to fast for at least 10 hours before going for blood work.  This test is very important or they wouldn't ask pregnant women to not eat, as you can imagine I was not the friendlest person.  I drove myself to the blood test feeling so nausous and my head was pounding, I really needed water.  The blood clinic was very busy.  I was number 187.  Thank God they were already at 156, but still my little blip was doing somersaults with purposeful vigor.

An extra hour and it was finally my turn.  I was to drink a disgustingly sweet solution within 5 minutes.  I thought I would have no problems, I was thirsty.  I was wrong.  I must have looked really sick because the nurse came over. 

If you happen to throw up we would have to reschedule the test and start all over another day.  

I drank it down, but it was difficult.  The test was comprised of three different blood tests and drinking that horrible solution twice.  While gaging down the second bottle of solution, I had wild thought of watering the plants with what seemed like a never ending supply in the bottle I held.  I was good and drank the whole bottle but it was hard to keep down.

By the third blood draw the nurse couldn't get a vein.  I was so dehydrated my veins were retreating.  In the end after multiple attempts he used the site from the last blood draw that was just clotting.  Ouch!  That is going to bruise.  All done and feeling very sick.  

Oh, my white knight surprised me and came to pick me up.  I was so thankful that I almost cried.  He drove home, as I slumped in the passengers seat and recapped, with drama, the horrible morning.  We arrived home, he made me lunch and I checked the messages on our phone.

Mum called, she seemed upset and Evelyn (my sister) called, she said to call her immediately.

My heart sank, God what happened?  I called my Mum, fearful.  Was it Myles (my brother), was it my Dad??  The phone rang... tears formed in my eyes as I could feel that something terrible had  happened.  My mind raced,  I felt nauseous and scared.

Mum, what's wrong?

Oh honey, my dad passed away this morning...

(Deep breathe)

The tears flowed down my cheeks.  I wanted to stay somewhat composed for my Mum.  I mean she just lost her father, she needed me to be strong.  The conversation was short.  I needed time to process this news, I would call her later. Click.

Matt was already at my side.  I buried my head in his chest and cried uncontrollably.  He held me caressing my hair, as my body shook.  I cried until I ran out of tears.  

I can't believe my Granddad was gone.