Am I the only one who feels like my body still hasn't recovered?!

ten17

DD just turned 7 months and as winter sets in and stress at work increases with the busy season I feel completely run down and sick all the time! For the first several months all I was worried about was my vanity and losing the last 10-15 lbs but now I am getting concerned because I just feel really sickly which is not normal for me.  Yes I have been seeing my Dr. and actually going for some testing today just to be sure its nothing major but I was just wondering if anyone else felt like they had extra aches and pains or maybe just a weakened immune system even 6+ months after giving birth.  I know it could be stress but I have reduced my hours at work and dd is a pretty good sleeper so, in theory, that should have relieved some stress right?

tjkdlhb

I feel pretty good... my my SIL had a very traumatic birth about a month before DD was born, (to the point that she cried many times during the week that I was being induced b/c it brought back too many memories for her) and I think she is still having difficulty because of it (physically and emotionally). SIL had been battling a lot of issues such as infections from the birth and has been on meds and had to have a day surgery because she wasn't healing properly.  She is not someone who complains or draws any attention to herself. Now she is 9 months PP and is feeling better, but still not 100% back to normal.

It could even be something as simple as needing to supplement w/ iron, but I think you are definitely right by seeking medical help.  Have you been feeling like this since the birth, or is it something that is getting worse?

ten17

Thanks for the reply. I felt pretty good for the first few months then starting in October I got Shingles and now just kind of achy. I am also wondering about a Vitamin deficiency due to loss of blood (somewhat difficult birth) reducing my immunity and in specific Vitamin D because it seemed to occur when I stopped getting outside for runs. I also used to tan in the winter (bad I know) but now I don't. I probably don't eat as well as I should either. I just stopped and picked up some Vitamin D and going back on Pre-Natal vitamins. Having a lot of headaches too. I can tell my doctor thinks I'm just a burned out working mom but he did refer me for MRI probably so I would quit calling every week. Getting that done today so hopefully it will ease my anxiety if nothing else. I am posting here because I have sworn off Dr. Google who convinced me I had Meningitis or Brain tumor or some other horrible disease.

DiveFrog

Hi. Have you changed your furnace filter recently? Have you had your ductwork professionally cleaned recenty? I ask because it sounds like you are having a lot of headaches/persistent headache.

I had the mother of all headaches that lasted 6-8 weeks two winters ago...had an MRI and everything. Turns out it was simply my dust allergy acting up. The headache quit when we turned off the furnance during a warm spell in March. That's when I put tow and two together. After I realized what was going on we replace d the furnace filter and had all the ductwork professionally cleaned, and I haven't had an issue since then. I have noticed I am not as sick either, fewer colds/sinus issues.

I make it point now that the ducts are cleaned and sanitized on a yearly basis. It is not cheap ($200-300 bucks) but I feel so much better.

ETA: I still don't feel compeltely back to normal either. I am tired obviously, so that plays into it, but I had SPD form 14weeks on and I still don't think my pelvis has returned to pre pregnancy function. I still have pain walking fairly frequently, especially after sitting for any length of time, or after walking a long distance.

Jmollo28

I am right there with you.  I've been feeling ridiculously tired and my hair has been falling out so bad that I have bald spots (now, I know that losing some hair is normal, but this is to the point where I'm concerned about baldness) - and I'm weak and I too have been feeling sick.  I've gone to the dr and we are going to do some thyroid testing.. but I'm actually gaining weight, not losing it.  I've had increased headaches and blurred vision.  I have carpel tunnel now and honestly, I am like hating life!  I feel "not myself" as I tell my husband.

DiveFrog

Jmollo28:

I am right there with you.  I've been feeling ridiculously tired and my hair has been falling out so bad that I have bald spots (now, I know that losing some hair is normal, but this is to the point where I'm concerned about baldness) - and I'm weak and I too have been feeling sick.  I've gone to the dr and we are going to do some thyroid testing.. but I'm actually gaining weight, not losing it.  I've had increased headaches and blurred vision.  I have carpel tunnel now and honestly, I am like hating life!  I feel "not myself" as I tell my husband.

Just FYI, but you will gain weight or have a ridiculously hard time losing weight whe you have hypothrodism...al lyour other symptoms fit too. It is unfortunately fairly common to develop hypothyroidism during and/or after pregnancy. My SIL developed it with her 1st pregnancy, didn't have it after, developed again with 2nd pregnancy and it stuck around after. She will be using synethic hormones for the rest of her life to treat it. The good thing is once it was discovered and treated she felt SOOO much better.  

 

GlinkaGirl

kbruington:

I suddenly feel really, really old! My joints ache, my body is stiff and I feel run down quite a bit. Probably stress but having a baby definitely does take a toll on your body and everyone recovers differently.

 

I feel similarly.

chefgirl182003

I am right there with you.  DS is 7 months and I feel like my energy has been so low since he was born.  I keep waiting to wake up and feel energetic again, but no luck.  As for aches and pains, I have alot of lower back pain starting at about my 7th month of pregnancy and it still lingers.  Bummer because I never had back pain before.  I hope your doc has some answers soon and you feel better soon!

Jess & Drew

ten17:

Thanks for the reply. I felt pretty good for the first few months then starting in October I got Shingles and now just kind of achy. I am also wondering about a Vitamin deficiency due to loss of blood (somewhat difficult birth) reducing my immunity and in specific Vitamin D because it seemed to occur when I stopped getting outside for runs. I also used to tan in the winter (bad I know) but now I don't. I probably don't eat as well as I should either. I just stopped and picked up some Vitamin D and going back on Pre-Natal vitamins. Having a lot of headaches too. I can tell my doctor thinks I'm just a burned out working mom but he did refer me for MRI probably so I would quit calling every week. Getting that done today so hopefully it will ease my anxiety if nothing else. I am posting here because I have sworn off Dr. Google who convinced me I had Meningitis or Brain tumor or some other horrible disease.

I am constantly battling Vit D deficiency (ironic because I live in Fl...I just don't process it like a normal person), anyways, a Vit D deficiency will cause you to feel achy especially in your lower back and joints. It can also make you feel just overall run down. A lot of Dr's either don't test for it at all or don't test for it right away, but it's definitely something to look into and ask about. I have always been told to take Vit D3 specifically and to take the gelcaps. Hopefully you get to feeling better soon.

ten17

MRI came back completely normal. Praise God! I have been a wreck this last month. At least now I can enjoy Christmas with dd and no fear of a brain tumor or lupus or something equally as awful. Jmolly my dr did test for hypothyroid and from my research online it sounds just like what you describe. Worth checking into because it could be a quick fix. In January I am following up with a headache specialist. Will post results if I get an answer. Even if this thread has died it may help others if it comes up on Google to know not every headache is a brain tumor.