28 weeks pregnant. Gestational Diabetes and now leg pain when walking.

[MiserablePregnancy]

This isn't an AIBU but I'm posting here for traffic as I'm feeling really low and desperate to talk to someone..

I'm 28 weeks pregnant currently. I wasn't in the best shape going into this pregnancy, weighed about 13 stone at 5ft 4 and fitness could have been better although I had a part time job that was fairly active so I wasn't entirely sedentary.

Anyway, I had horrible dry hyperemesis from weeks 5 of pregnancy until weeks 22. It absolutely floored me, one of the most unpleasant things I've experienced. I ended up taking so many different kinds of medications to help but nothing was very effective. I felt so sick every day that I basically became house bound and lay down a lot and also ate a lot of carbs as these were the only things that didn't make the nausea worse.
I ended up having to quit my job because of time off sick.

It finally eased up at 22 weeks and I felt better but this was the start of the summer holidays and as I am a carer for my DS6 who is Autistic, my life can be quite difficult and the summer holidays are the worst usually. This one has been particularly bad so we haven't been able to go out much or do anything really active due to DS's needs so more sitting around the house has happened these last 5/6 weeks.

On top of that I have ligament pain in my bump that starts after standing for a few minutes and makes it really uncomfortable to walk. I also have plantar fasciitis and tendonitis making things even more uncomfortable.

A couple of days ago I got diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and I'm not surprised. I feel so guilty and upset about it but I really haven't been healthy this pregnancy. Anyway, since they told me I have researched GD and have been following a GD diet. I have my appointment with the diabetes nurse tomorrow to get the testing kit.

But today I decided I would try and go for a 20 minute walk as i had some rare time without my DS. It was all on the flat so not strenuous but after about 2 minutes one of my lower legs was feeling really tight and crampy and then a few minutes later the other one started. It was really uncomfortable to walk but I pushed through and did 25 minutes.

But I am so worried and upset that this is something serious! I've been silly and googled and now am scared that I have claudication. I don't know if its this or if its just my muscles aren't used to walking any more after so long not using them and of course all this rapid weight gain on me.

I just feel totally hopeless and scared. I really want to make positive changes to my life but I feel like everything is stacked against me and the thought of having serious health concerns is terrifying.

If you've managed to read this far, thank you. I'm sorry it's been so long. I have no one to talk to about this and am feeling really worried.

You poor love.

Okay.

First off, there is a GREAT GDM group you can join. It’s not too much to become a member and you will have access to loads of support and some nice recipes. The peer support is so valuable. You will also very likely maintain or lose weight on a GDM eating plan and with enough insulin (if you progress to insulin). It’s okay to lose weight in pregnancy, but don’t make it an aim - it’s simply a side effect of managing your blood glucose.

walking after a meal is really, really important with GDM - just 20-30 mins - especially if you move onto insulin. It’s such a sluggish hormone and needs that help to really be effective.

Don’t underestimate the effect HGD can have on your mental health - it is a devastating thing to feel so very poorly. I’m glad for you it’s eased.

I have no clue about your leg pain but this is a GP issue not a MW issue though you could call your local obstetric physio and get access to some exercises and a support belt perhaps.

most of all, you’re not alone. It will get better and the GDM is manageable. Make changes now, and you will reap the rewards for the rest of your life.

@AgathaMystery Thank you so much for replying.

I have joined a Facebook group and have looked at the Gestational Diabetes UK website and found out a lot on there ahead of my appointment. I am taking it really seriously and will stick to whatever they tell me to at my appointment tomorrow.

My only concern is being able to walk after a meal as it is so difficult for me to get out of the house at the moment due to my DS.

He currently has no school to go back to in September and all of his additional support has been stopped so he is with me 24/7. Very very difficult to even be able to plan my meals around him during the day which is part of the reason my diet was so poor as it was all quick snacky convenience based stuff.

I wonder if this is why my lower legs were aching and were so tight when I tried to walk earlier, because I haven't used the muscles a lot in over 6 months! But the discomfort stops as soon as I stop walking so I am worried its a symptom of something worse.

I will keep on with trying to walk every day although in this state I don't think I can manage more than 20 to 30 minutes at a slow ish pace.

I think my whole situation is just getting on top of me and I am beginning to feel really depressed and anxious which is making me panic about everything.