HIDDEN TRUTHS REVEALED - PART 9

When life was relatively calm it was easier to function with the wavering mood swings and eating cycles and tried to make some changes. At church became interested in sign language and started attending functions with the singles’ group, where I met Carl. Can’t say it was love at first sight. As a matter of fact, not interested at all in the beginning but soon how could you not be--Carl was very personable, comfortable to be around, and easy to talk to. (Miraculously my female plumbing returned to working mode.)

Carl introduced me to the world of a Type 1 diabetic. Insulin injections, pricking fingertips several times a day to test blood sugars, realizing when blood sugar levels are low and the actions necessary to avert the onset of a reaction. It was to be a constant learning process for the next 19 years.

Life before marriage and even after the engagement wasn’t always smooth sailing--smoking, drinking, and finding out about former marriages. During this same time I was promoted to a probation-parole officer and worked in the presentence unit interviewing defendants and investigating their backgrounds to determine a sentencing recommendation to the judge. Really did like my job except for one factor--going inside the jail or state penitentiary. It wouldn’t bother me now but then there was something about the environment and hearing those cell doors close. The stress took its toll on my stomach and after nine months resigned to work for a national research and development laboratory earning more salary.

Carl and I broke up but eventually found our way back. With the job change, breakup, reengagement, new job, and upcoming wedding my stomach aches and cramping became more severe. When something in your body goes awry, the first automatic response is cancer. Went to a gastroenterologist who diagnosed it as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Worry and stress aggrevate the symptoms. (It amazes me how doctors can look at, poke and prod for a few seconds and determine a diagnosis.) The doc gave me some over-the-counter fiber therapy samples to try. Metamucil was awful and Citracil tasted like Tang. Not hard to guess which one I chose and still use it to this day. I’m very surprised it hasn’t turned into an ulcer.

Can’t say the first two months of marriage were uneventful--I was involved in an automobile accident which luckily only resulted in a minor concussion, and Carl landed in the hospital with a 700+ blood sugar (considered too high if >240). Outside the hallway Lee asked me if Carl drank--an explanation why it was so high. To which I replied with an emphatic, “No!” and would later learn about my naivety. Lee’s face spoke volumes. I had given up the painstaking efforts to get Carl to take care of himself especially at meal time. Carl did as he pleased, but I still felt guilty and believed it was my fault for his hospitalization. Told Carl about Lee’s accusation which he resoundingly denied. I believed him and Carl no longer wanted Lee as his doctor (do you suppose that was a clue?).

Six months into the marriage I felt nauseated for a couple of weeks. A coworker suggested I might be pregnant and told me to go see the doctor. I laughed all the way to the office--years ago doctors told Carl that he had a low sperm count and the chances of having kids were pretty much zilch. Relayed this spiel to the nurse who could relate--the doctors told her husband the same thing. They now have three kids. Waited over the weekend for the results. On Monday the call came in--I was pregnant and called Carl at work. He fell out of his chair but was extremely happy. When I called my parents, there was silence. Guess it was the shock of imminent grandparenthood. I continued to work and the concept of gaining weight did not bode well for me. Started losing weight and after being weighed at the doctor’s office, Dr. Thompson was livid and chewed me out royally and ordered me to go home, pack a bag, and check in at the hospital admitting desk that afternoon. Stayed in the hospital for a week and was fed intravenously for the first few days. Received consultations from a psychiatrist and a dietician about the necessity of eating for two and to appease my fears associated with gaining weight. It was hard but there was a reason not to backslide--the unborn baby.

Went through the first trimester with absolute nausea and didn’t get any better and missed a lot of work so I was given an early maternity leave. Unfortunately the nausea lasted the entire term. Was all stomach with bean pole legs and although safe to keep running, chose to take daily walks of one hour. The smell of popcorn made me want to barf.

Carl would be returning home from a business trip on the day Jonathan was born. That day would not be spent enduring long hours of labor. Always wondered when you knew it was time. Had contractions in the early morning but Carl’s niece, Angel, said if you walk around and the pains disappear, it’s false labor. Stayed with my parents while Carl was away. Although somewhat uncomfortable, went with my parents while they bought a new mobile home then on to clean the new mobile home Carl, Jonathan, and I would be moving to after the birth. Became tired in the early afternoon and went home to rest. Mom and Dad went next door to visit a neighbor who had returned home from the hospital, and I told them I’d be fine. Within ten minutes my water broke and called Jerry to send my parents home. It was around 4:30 p.m. By the time we got to the hospital it was 5:30 and Angel was my backup coach. I was already 9 centimeters and Jonathan was born at 6:15. Didn’t even get to use my goody bag. Carl’s parents met him at the airport and told him he was a new dad. Think it was a good thing that Carl wasn’t in the delivery room--would have either passed out or had an insulin reaction.

Jonathan had jaundice and stayed in an incubator the first week of life. The doctor made arrangements for us to take the equipment home so he would not have to stay in the hospital. It was heartbreaking seeing his little body lying inside a rectangular glass box, eyes covered with tiny white patches. The first day it was learned that while breastfeeding, I could no longer eat chocolate--it went right through Jonathan.

(to be continued)