Saturday, June 23, 2012

Health.

9 months postpartum and I feel... well like crap.

I had a FABULOUS pregnancy, worked out, was in great shape, ate healthy, felt great (pregnant, but great); check, check, check.

I don't have depression.  I just get headaches about once a week.  They feel like the shadow of a migrane, that warning feeling like if I do ANYTHING during the day beyond walking around my house I will get a nightmare of a headache.  Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.

I don't know what is triggering it, I feel like if I do anything moderatly strenuous (i.e. going to Target in SV, working out {I KNOW!}, spending too much time at the park) it will trigger it.  Food?  I don't know.  I am already gluten-free (that is what I thought was causing my headaches post Elias birth), pasturized milk free (my kids both have reactions to it).  We still do dairy as in butter and cheese.

I am tired of it.

I don't want to waste away my children's childhood feeling yucky.

Yes, I went to the doctor.  After lecturing me about my childrens vaccinations, I was able to tell her what I was going through and she told me that she would run some basic labs and that I probably just needed to drink more water:  I mean, I have 3 kids, right?

Essentially she told me that I should feel fatigued and headachey if I have 3 kids, and am breastfeeding.  Oh, yeah, and I need to drink more water.

Does anyone out there have any other help to offer?  Experience? Suggestions?

Yes, I am going to another doctor, and yes, I will let you know what the labs suggest, if anything.

5 comments:

Christina said...

I would say to get your thyroid levels checked. I've known a few women who had crazy levels in the year after birth. For some of them it became a permanent condition, for some it didn't. I actually looked it up once and it's fairly common, so I would for sure have that looked at. Just in general, any other hormone levels, too. So much gets messed up with babies. Good luck!!!!!

Amanda said...

Do it. I dare you...join us! Honestly!! Okay, at least try the green smoothie challenge or something. I have never seen people who feel better than those that are sticking to the whole foods plant based diet thing. I know it sounds miserable, and I know you don't eat a lot of meat and it's good quality dairy and eggs, but you might love it too. Although, I imagine your sources are few, but it's not right to have to feel like that just because you have three kids. I feel a bit like garbage, but not like I could, and I know that. Give me a few months and some exercise and I'll feel better, but my body feels great, I just feel tired and a bit worn out, but not miserable! Call me!

Amanda said...

Oh, and Erika has a diet-based doc up here that maybe you could at least attend his Thurs night info session when you're visiting. I'll ask her about it...

erika said...

Oh man, Suzanna! I am SO SORRY. I totally get where you are and it is NOT a happy place. You could make the jump. And Dr. Rodier is pretty awesome- focuses on the health of the gut. And he does blood work. And natural remedies if you like instead of the medication route (yay!) I tell ya, it's the third kid....

erika said...

SO SORRY Suzanna! Not a happy place to be, been there many a time. I do have a great dr that checks bloodwork, supports natural health and promotes a healthy gut. Or you could just make the vegan jump on your own. ;) I tell ya, it's that 3rd baby... *sigh*