H1N1 Shot and Morning (and Noon and Night) Sickness

I got a H1N1 shot last Thursday afternoon. I waited in line for three hours at a clinic run by the county health department at the fairgrounds. It was just like what you see on the news. Gobs of “Tier One” people and small children waiting in long lines outside in the cold.

Don’t get me started about how broken our health care system is.

The bad news is that between the effects of the shot and my morning sickness-turned-all-day-sickness, I can hardly get out of bed. I have already missed three days of work. In a row.

Our appointment to check the heart rate is this afternoon. We are looking for a number higher than 100. Last week it was 97. After  the whole tubal pregnancy scare, this seems like just  a small concern, so I am not too worried about it. The doctor mentioned that he might be able to give me something for this nausea, too. I am definitely going to take him up on that.

In the “Safe Baby Range”

I saw my Endo yesterday. The best news of the day was my A1C: 5.6! Can you believe it?! I am so happy with that number! I only hope I can keep it up for the next eight or so months.

He spent a good deal of time with me, which was welcome  because I came to the meeting with a list of questions (big surprise, huh?)

One of his most surprising answers was about the flu shot. He said I am not in the “target demographic” for the regular flu shot, but that I should ask my OB about the H1N1 shot. That was a shock to me and I’m not 100% convinced that I believe it. Everything I’ve read says that I have two risk factors — diabetes and pregnancy. Don’t get me wrong, I really don’t want to get the flu shot. It usually leaves me with a mild case of the flu for about five days. But if it  is important for the health and safety of my baby, than I am all for it.  So I guess I need to do a little more research on this.

Another (somewhat disappointing) response was when I asked to talk to a dietician. I really need to get my food choices under control. Donuts out of the vending machine are never a good choice, but especially now. It turns out that he does not have a dietician that works with him exclusively. He would just send me over the hospital where they will likely push the ADA’s carb-laden, high calorie meal plan on me. Sigh. It is as if I am living in the dark ages. I am going to give it a try, but I am not holding out much hope.

We talked briefly about a CGM.  He is still pulling for the  Medtronic Minimed product. I have been trying to figure out why given all of the anecdotal evidence I am finding that suggests the Dexcom is better. I am guessing it is because it’s  easier for him to assess the reports if they all come from the same device. I have to admit, the Medtronic reporting is pretty  impressive.

Aside from these responses, his knowledge seems impressive, but he really  doesn’t have that compassionate, you’re-going-to-be-fine bedside manner that I am looking for. I guess I am on the fence about whether I should stick with him or jump ship. Afterall, how important is the reassurance if he is helping me reach the “safe baby range?”

This morning I have my first “pregnant” appointment with the OB. I think I will ask  him what he thinks about my Endo and see if he has any advice for me.

What have you been hearing about flu  shots for diabetics? And for those of you who have already had children, what was your medical experience like? Did you have a team, or did you work with individual doctors? If you worked with a dietician, did you find it helpful?