Am I alone?

SandFHasse · March 2014

I've lurked a few times over here since I had DS in January. I tend to stay on my BMB. I just have a question and thought posting here would be better.

I had an emergency c section on Jan 28. LO's heart rate dropped to 55 and he just wouldn't come out. DH was not allowed in the OR because they had to put me under.

Anyways, ever since the c section I feel like I've been having more nightmares and I feel I guess anxious. I'm not really sure how to describe it. I was just wondering if anyone else has felt this way and how you handled it?

Worcbride · March 2014

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I wish I could be helpful and say that I've experienced the same but I can't. Maybe you should speak with your OB?

jaysears · March 2014

I remember having this happen, also thinking I was hearing the baby cry from the next room over the fan when she wasn't. I think it was b/c I was running on zero sleep, and trying to do everything myself. I was trying to be super mom, and realized I just couldn't. I hope it gets better for you, good luck.

slwprincess · March 2014

I had terrible anxiety the first few weeks post partum but as my hormones stabilized, it improved. This was not the case with my previous pregnancy... The symptoms lasted for months. I believe I had Post Partum Anxiety Disorder. It didn't improve until after I weaned. I would encourage you to talk to your doctor now.

mysticl · March 2014

Nightmares and anxiety can be symptoms of PTSD. An emergency c-section counts as a traumatic event. My suggestion would be to contact a therapist.

[Deleted User] · March 2014

The user and all related content has been deleted.

slwprincess · March 2014

JandACoffee said:
Could be the c-section/PTSD type symptoms or possibly just exhaustion from having a newborn, but it could also be postpartum thyroiditis which is extremely common and often goes undiagnosed. Definitely talk to your doctor. For about 3-4 months after I gave birth was was running extremely hyperthyroid. I have a thyroid disorder so I was already getting checked and knew what to watch for but high anxiety, nightmares, trouble sleeping, heart palpitations, etc... are all symptoms of this and I had them all pretty bad. Somewhere between 3 and 4 months I flip-flopped and my thyroid stopped producing as much, and I went extremely hypothyroid and had to go back on meds. Postpartum thyroiditis affects approx 1 in 10 women and many of them have never had previous thyroid issues.

Good point! I also have thyroid issues and suspect that played a significant role in my anxiety.

SandFHasse · March 2014

Thank you ladies for all of your advice. I really appreciate the help and input.

Abcollins57 · March 2014

I had an emergency c-section with my first son and ended up having anxiety attacks for weeks after. They were very uncommon for me and the first few convinced me I was having a heart attack! Finally my doctor gave me a prescription of Xanax with strict instructions to only take at the onset of an attack. After about 3 months, things calmed down and I was able to talk myself down when I felt panicky or anxious. Definitely talk to your dr, it's no fun at all to try to deal with!

Harveys11 · March 2014

My first CS was an emergency and for months following I kept having bad dreams that I was never given pain medication upon waking up from being put under. I'm actually not convinced the first time was a dream.

zbeesma86 · March 2014

I'm so sorry you are feeling this way! Have you talked to anyone else about it? I had panic attacks that sound like your symptoms. Perhaps call & talk to your doc? Hope you get some help to make it stop!

nolagal79 · March 2014

I had my first C in January, but it was planned so I had time to adjust to the idea of it. I can see as to where having an emergency C is a traumatic event. I agree with PP's and suggest talking to your OB about it. Sorry you're going through this and hope it goes away soon!