GTT

How I survived my Glucose Tolerance Test.

Last night
7:00 pm - my last meal

11:00 pm - my last liquid intake

Today
7:30 am - I had my blood drawn at the lab (the first of 4). I was sent home with a bottle of cold orange dextrose. I was instructed to drink the liquid straight and not throw it up. I went home, put the bottle in the freezer for it to cool (to make it taste better), and chatted with my Tita on the phone. All the while, I felt so parched. Ahh, I want to drink some water.

8:23 am - I read the bottle label. It says finish all the contents within five minutes. Having been warned of the taste, I was apprehensive. I opened the bottle, had a sip, and hmmm... it tastes like orange soda! No problems there. I just have to wait for an hour to have my second blood test at the lab.

8:40 am - I start to feel nauseous. I keep burping and some of the liquid regurgitates when I burp. Uh-oh! I have to hold this down. I try to sleep it off, but to no avail.

9:00 am - It's time to get back to the lab. My head is spinning. I asked my husband to drive me back to the lab. I endured the short trip with my eyes closed half of the time. My lips feel so dry. I want some agua!

9:23 am - Blood extraction 2 of 4. Ouch! It's on the other arm this time, but it hurt more than the first.

9:30 am - I join the boys for breakfast but I have no choice but to drool. I'm hungry and thirsty! But at least the woozy feeling is gone. I can't wait for this to be over. Over the course of the meal, I tried to convince Blue to come back with me so we can squeeze in a haircut. Lots of complaints and grumbles were thrown, but I was able to persuade him in the end.

10:23 am - I'm back at the lab again. Blood is drawn from the first arm. I'm thinking, I'll never ever get used to this. I'm reminded of why I have an irrational fear of doctors. Huhu. It's a good thing Blue was there to cheer me on.

10:30 am - Blue and I are at the Kiddie Barber shop. I ease up a bit while Blue is having his haircut. It feels so relaxing to be in a different place. I almost can't remember that I have to go back for one more stab. The vein of my left arm starts to turn blue-black. What a friendly reminder! Plus my stomach is starting to roar. I need to eat soon!

11:05 am - The haircut finished earlier than expected. Parking was a problem at the lab. We parked at a nearby supermarket. Despite the semi-long walk, we still got back early for the last test. Oh, the wait is so horrible. I want to eat. I want to drink. I need to eat. I need to drink.

11:23 am - My blood is drawn for the last time today. (Hopefully not again in a long long time.) Since my vein had turned purplish, they had to get blood from another vein. Ouchy! But at least, this is the last.

11:30 am - We drop by the supermarket for a celebratory drink. I get a small bottle of chocolate milkshake. Blue gets a bottle of gatorade.

12:00 pm - I drink water for the first time today. Agua! At last! Alvin blends Four Season Shake to accompany lunch. Ahh, lunch! It's the best meal...EVER! I cap it off with a Krispy Kreme donut for dessert. Oh bliss!

...and that is how I survived my first-ever GTT!

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