ethansmom Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 My cardiologist felt that I should try to stop my Pro-Amatine cold turkey since the first 3 months are so critical to the baby's development. Well, it's been almost 3 days now and I feel pretty bad. I am still taking a micro-dose of Florinef and want to hang onto that until I stabilize a little.My main problem is excessive, awful, profound fatigue. I know it's normal for pregnancy, but this is impossible when I have a toddler to take care of too. Today I took a 2 hour nap and woke up feeling worse than before. I tried to continue to do my normal activities and ended up with the worst flu-like symptoms! My body hurts sooooo bad, I just ache down to the core. That is second worst to the fatigue, and then I've been a little lightheaded but I can deal with that.I think I am just venting more than anything else...I wish I knew why this was happening. I do get a lot of viral type flare-ups where I will get achy & lethargic if I don't get enough rest, but a little Motrin fixes it right up- not an option now. I tried Tylenol and it didn't do a thing...I just want to know why this happens. I have had a sore, swollen lymph node under my right arm for weeks now. I am seeing an autoimmune specialist next week and hope he has some insight for me. I just hope this pregnancy turnsout to be as good as the last...otherwise I am in trouble!! I did not have these strange flares until after I had Ethan, so I'm not sure what is going on there- I feel as though I have developed a CFIDS type illness and not so much POTS problems anymore, but they are all intertwined. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tearose Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 Jessica, Cold turkey is only good on bread with mayo! I'm sorry your body is withdrawing from the meds under protest! Venting is good and what you are feeling is amplified bedause you are pregnant with a toddler and physically on overdrive anyway. The first trimester is usually the most difficult, don't you think so. If you can keep thinking/believing this hard time as something that will pass "soon" it may help. When I was pregnant with my second son and my first was 18 mos.old, I remember child proofing the family room enough so I could doze off on the sofa if I needed to and he would be safe. When the fatigue is that profound you can't do anything but sleep! Just do what you must to get ethan safe and sleep! It will eventually pass...the worst will be a nine month series of naps!It sound like you are fighting something anyway with your immune system, glad you will check that out with the doctor. Can you put out less decorations for the holidays, cut back on some activities and ask someone to visit with ethan so you can rest. (What am I thinking? I bet you already hand made a halloween costume for ethan!!!) Be gentle with yourself. You are a good mother and ethan will be fine, your husband will be fine, and that little precious one under construction will get what it needs to develop. Take care, tearose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenLorrel Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 Hi Jessica,I read your posted and wanted to cry for you...I will pray for you this morning and every time I see your name posted on the forum...until you are feeling better!Along with all the viral 'yucks' going around, being pregnant and going off meds has to be major adjustments for your body. You will be in my thoughts and prayers,Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MomtoGiuliana Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 JessicaI know those symptoms all to well. I had flu-like symptoms during pregnancy and post-partum (horrible fatigue and achey to the core--I know exactly what you mean). Now I know they are all POTS-related, and may be in your case too. I hope they are passing. Glad you are getting the swollen lymph nodes checked out.Since you felt well with POTS in your last pregnancy, chances are you will this time too. But, the first few months may be the hardest, b/c of the fast changes in blood volume? I think this is one reason why most women feel very fatigued in early pregnancy.Please don't put too much responsibility on yourself. I also tried to do that. I was in denial about how much help I needed and how ill I was (of course, since all my doctors told me what I was experiencing was "normal" I decided, oh, ok, this is what everyone goes through, I must just be a weak person) and forced myself to work full-time until 7 months, when I was almost literally bed-ridden with fatigue.The good news is that we know our condition will not affect the health of a pregnancy. But for your well-being, please, find ways to slow down (meaning--you may have to give up some of your activities--even school, for awhile) -- and ask for help. I wish I were nearby so that I could help you out with Ethan, and other things! I am glad your parents are near!Salt intake, once my endo suggested that to me at around month 6, really helped me a lot during pregnancy. I put it on everything. I guess you may need to be careful about over-doing that, it may be a fine balance during pregnancy (I still wonder if my high salt intake resulted in the spike of high blood pressure I got towards the end). So, make sure your doctor is involved with that.Take care and I hope you are feeling better each day. I have a feeling you will be.Katherine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yogini Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 Sorry you're going through such a rough spell. I am glad you are going to see the doctor, and hopefully he can help you figure out what's going on. Your body may take several days to adjust to the change in meds. When I adjusted my florinef a couple of weeks ago, I was totally wiped out, but I seem to have regained a bit of strength within the past few days. (I can only imagine how it must feel being pregnant on top of that!) Take care of yourself and pls make sure you're getting enough food, fluids and salt. -Rita Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackwolf Posted October 25, 2004 Report Share Posted October 25, 2004 Dear Jessica,I hope you start to feel better soon. The only thing I have to add is that be sure you are really up on fluids, vit. and min., salt, etc. Just doing that mother thing. ( hey I'm a mom to, and IF I had known then what I know now, I wouldn't have been half as sick during my second pregency!)Blackwolf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EarthMother Posted October 27, 2004 Report Share Posted October 27, 2004 Gentle hugs your way little mother. I am so sorry you are having such a difficult time. Trust in impermence .... and know that this too shall pass.Each of my three pregnancies were very different. In hindsight I wish I knew that because I would have spent less time comparing and worrying how I would handle X if I wasn't able to even handle Y and it wa only week N! But then again, I am an expert "what if-er" and even better at being very hard on myself. I "should" be able to handle this because I had two other children, or a job, or a husband or whatever else it was that needed me. I was always fortunate to have people around that could help and I learned early on never to hesitate to ask for help when I needed it.I hope you can find some comfort and I'll keep a good thought that you are in the right place surrounded by the right people who can help you on this journey.You are a very brave pioneer!EM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MightyMouse Posted October 27, 2004 Report Share Posted October 27, 2004 I've never been pregnant, so I don't have any advice to impart... I just wanted to say that the doctor is right that the first 3 months are exceptionally critical. All the major organs and systems are developing during this period--and anything that interferes at this time can be a huge problem for the baby. Better to be safe, even if it's really uncomforatable for you now, you're doing it for all the right reasons. Hope that can be enough to carry you through to when you'll feel better or get your meds back on board. Nina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
calypso Posted October 27, 2004 Report Share Posted October 27, 2004 I wish I had some magic ideas for you, but I really just don't. I only want you to feel better fast. Just keep taking good care of yourself with a healthy diet, as much rest as possible, lots of water, and keep doing that yoga -- I swear it will help you at the very least relax and stay calm.Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brwneyedchica Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 Congratulations!!! I haven't been online for awhile and just saw that you are pregnant! I'm really excited for you, and I hope that as your body adjusts to you not taking meds, that you feel better. I hope your second pregnancy goes as well as the first Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingLight Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 jess???? i am feeling a bit worried about you as you haven't been on much the past few days...and you are usually one of our "star" posters....so....i wanted to make sure you were hanging in there...i know you haven't been feeling too great at the start of this pregnancy with the med changes. please let us know how you are faring...sending good thoughts...emily Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole's Mom Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 Jessica,I'm so sorry that you are having a difficult time. As was mentioned already the early stages of pregnancy always bring about changes. Lots of women- very healthy women get tired and feel differently. There is a very good chance that once you get past the first couple of months or so you will be feeling much better even without your meds. Also there is some other good advice already posted here about diet and fluids and salts and keeping up with these things. Keep posting and let us know how you're doing. I will keep good thoughts going for you. Best Wishes,Beverly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corina Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 Jessica,I'm sorry you feel bad. Don't have any other advises then already given, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and wish you all the best,Corina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ethansmom Posted October 29, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 Thanks for all your support!! You guys are too sweet. Nina- what you said really does make difference, at least I know my efforts are not in vain.I posted a new update in a different thread. I am feeling OK but just trying to work through these first few weeks/months If only I had a live-in nanny...and housekeeper...and laundry person...and someone to do my schoolwork....ha ha ha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.