Help! My Body Is Falling Apart

My first thought as I read all of this is that it smacks of thyroid issues. See an endocrinologist.

What does you doctor say about this?
This sounds like it could be an infection to me..
You need to see if you can get to the Dr. tomorrow . call them NOW..

Go to your doctor. You need labwork and a professional diagnosis. You might have a thyroid condition, B12 deificiency, or any number of other possibilities. Until you get a full workup, all you'll be getting are guesses.

If you are staggering and exhausted, with pain and weakness...it sounds to me like you are B12 deficient. You'll need a urine test for MMA, and a homocysteine serum test to determine if so (B12 in serum is very unreliable and can be masked by high folic acid readings). You may have a specific type of anemia due to those deficiencies. There is no way to know without labwork.

Start with your primary care doc. If they give you an "I don't know"...or "your levels are fine," get a consult to a hematologist or other specialist who DOES know. There is something wrong. You need treatment.

Good luck, and get on the phone for an appointment!

C.

I had similar symptoms 4 months after my second c-section, though not as severe. My bloodwork came back that I had hypothyroidism, but further investigation actually resulted being diagnosed with hashimoto's hypothyroidism. It's an auto immune disease that is treated with synthroid/armour as well, but may also explain the joint pain, etc. I have been doing a lot of research since being diagnosed and found that so many women suffer from these symptoms, but since their bloodwork doesn't reflect the condition (yet), they are not treated. If your bloodwork comes back normal, ask for them to test your antibody levels as well...that's how I was diagnosed. Of course I'm not happy with the condition, but feel like myself again and am able to fully enjoy the kids! Good luck!

aaww it sounds like you are having a horribletime! This is supposed to be the fun time when you get to play with your new baby! I'm sorry that you're having to deal with all of this!
Some of the things definitly made me think thyroid right away but others Im not sure about. (I'm not an expert on thyroid though lol) After I had my 1st baby i felt great! I lost all my weight by my 4 week check up and had so much energy! Then all of a sudden I gained 20 pounds, had no energy, I'd fall asleep every time I sat down (and wouldn't even know it) and I was so weak I couldn't hold my arms over my head. I was also very cold all the time and it was August! (in Oklahoma!) I went in and the dr checked my thyroid and it was WAY off... now I am on medicine and feel soooo much better! They have had to increase my dose a couple times but I've NEVER been as bad as I was then!
I would definitly ask them to check your thyroid levels... it will make a HUGE difference once you get on medicine for it if that's the problem!
Good luck and I hope you figure out something soon!

It does sound like you have more than one thing going on, and all of us would be just guessing. You are going to need to see a dr and have blood work to figure this out. Thyroid is definitely a possibility, as is Lyme's disease, not sure if either of those would affect your teeth, hair loss can be just normal hormonal changes. As another mom said, you may have adhesions of scar tissue from your c-section. Tendons get looser during pregnancy to allow for delivery, I don't know how long it takes them to return to normal, or what (hormone) trigger the body sends to tell them to return to normal, and even with this, most mom's don't have their fingers become disjointed.
Feeling exhausted is completely normal. The only thing that would wake me up after my daughter was born was the slightest peep out of her or my alarm clock. Fire alarms, bombs going off, any other kind of loud noise would not stir me at all.
Make sure you are taking vitamins, and get to your doctor, don't let the dr tell you it's all due to having a baby, it sounds like you have something else going on.
Good luck.

yes J.!! you're not alone!! i also had a c-section and it took me about 6 months to feel like myself again and it took my hair to get back to its original state a little longer. my daughter was 2 when my hair stopped falling out. i'm also tryin for baby#2 right now and i'm not lookin fwd to going thru all that again, but it's a small sacrifice for such a great gift!! i've also been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and i'm on 50 mg of the generic form of synthoid. i've only been on it for 2 weeks and don't really feel a difference yet. i suggest you see an endocrinologist and get your bloodwork done and see what it is. it does sound like thyroid issues.....good luck....M. =)

HI J.,

I went through the same thing with my first....I went through natural childbirth until we needed an emergency C-section. Won't explain how the anesthesiologist blinded me but I thought I was dying. I was down on the floor with my back for months and I felt like I had been hit by a truck.....

My husband and sister talked me into going to a chiropractor and I did. That was a miracle. Then I started on an absorbable multivitamin and life became normal again. I feel and have felt great for a long time now. I even went through another C-section three years after that and it was a breeze. Don't assume there is something medically wrong until you have ruled out the obvious. Our bodies weren't made to have C-sections. Good thing we have the ability to recoup!

I take the only absorbable vitamin that is guaranteed. The vitamin and mineral complex is terribly inexpensive and it is so much better than anything else on the market. If you try it and you don't like it you have 90 days to return the bottles empty and get your money back. Let me know if you're interested.

M.

I agree, get to a doctor right away. Certain type of infection can attack the joints/bones. Call your doctor right away and schedule an appointment for as soon as possible.

The hair falling out though, I think we all go through that after having a baby. That's mostly because our bodies produce extra hair during pregnancy and once the pregnancy hormones are gone all of the extra falls out. If your hair got super thick and shiny during your pregnancy then the hair falling out isn't abnormal. Mine fell out in clumps too.

J.,
I agree about checking with your doctor.
I can send you a great cd on women's health if your are interested.
Victoria

Dear J.,

None of that is normal. Get yourself to some professionals STAT.

"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA

Wow! This series of symptoms sounds serious. Don't wait--run to the doctor for testing.

Hi J.,

I am so sorry you are feeling this way, but I am so glad you posted this!! I am feeling the same way!! I had a c-section 4 months ago, and one 2 years ago. I felt fine after the first, but now, I feel like I have aged 20 years.

I have all of the symptoms you describe! I am the same with exercise, but my energy is almost non-existent. I hadn't heard of a thyroid condition causing this, so maybe I will get that checked, but any other advice from mommies would be very helpful!

Hang in there, and keep me posted,
L.

I agree! You need to get to a doctor right away! I also gave birth via c-section late last year, but I am back to normal for the most part. Good luck! I'm sorry you're having to go through this with a new baby.

Double check with your OB about adhesions from the C-Section. It is extra scar tissue that can adhere to different organs. Secondly, are you taking any vitamins right now? Whether bottle or breastfeeding you still need the extra vitamins. I continued to take prenatals for three months afterward because I didn't want to experience hair loss etc. Also, your thyroid could be out of whack or possible anemic. Please follow-up with your OB. Unfortunately, the extra weight doesn't help with the energy levels either :( I would try altering what you eat and with the weather nicer out there go for walks to help with exercise...

First you need to consult your doctor to find out what you are dealing with.

Nutrition! I am a huge believer that good nutrition can turn you around and change your life. I can make you a few recommendations that I think will really and truly make a difference. It did for me! And I've seen it for many others.

Contact me if you have an interest J.. I truly believe I can help you to feel substantially better within 30 days.

Hello,
Sounds like a lot of new Moms, moms with young children.
You might consider trying some "superior quality supplements" you've probably gotten this advice before. Melaleuca The Wellness Co. provides the most amazing supps.This is a multi-award winning co. Wikepedia... Melaleuca to learn more, nothing to lose. msg. ____@____.com.
Superior products, safer for home and family. Create revenue stream as well. B sure to consult you PCP before taking anything, also sounds like Calcium and Vit D difficiency, Omega3s as well. Maybe not!. Check.
V. C.

hi, sounds like your system has been through a lot. I've had 3 c sections. no fun at all....and every time I've had one, it puts my whole body through a loop. I'd recommend a ph balancing diet.

http://acidalkalinediet.com/forum/index.php

To some extent it sounds like you are a new mom to me, however, reading your post does cause me some alarm b/c it sounds worse than it should be. I initially thought thryoid too b/c I know a problem with the thyroid can cause major issues with your body. I have felt at my worst since having a child (he's 3 now. I work full time - and have since he was 10 wks old. I had a c-section) My first suggestion is see a doctor and get bloodwork done. Tell him to test for EVERYTHING possible. Thats the best way to know if you have any health issues. I have gone to my dr several times in the last three years in utter tears b/c I felt so physcially and mentally drained. Being pregnant, having a baby, having a major surgery and then having to be a new mom is SOOO HARD on your body...but don't rule out possible health issues. The teeth thing scares me. Do you see a dentist regularly? People don't realize that good dental hygiene is a MAJOR factor in overall health. Also, an opthalmologist. Regular eye exams can clue you and the dr in on major health concerns too. Make an appt today for those too. Diet and nutrition is a MAJOR factor now. The exercise is too but that is hard and I find that sometimes that actually runs me down more. I try to move but keep it gentle and simple. 20 minutes of yoga for aches, pains, stiffness. Walking for cardio. Light weights (3lbs or 1 lb walking) for strenghth and toning. Although its been 3 yrs and I still am not very good at all this! I find what I eat/drink is HUGELY important. I used to be a party girl and I can't so much as drink two glasses of wine anymore without it impacting me for DAYS - but its taken me a long time to realize that I can't do what I did when I was 25 and function like I did now that I have a child and work and am just plain getting older. I love caffeine but I have found it be somewhat of an enemy and have to constantly "cut back" I have to eat right. I have to sleep whenever I can (so easier said than done). I have to take mulivitamins (prescribed with extra iron) and omega 3 supplements. I have to limit my caffeine intake because I was drinking SOOO MUCH to function that it was actually having a reverse effect on me. Its sooo hard to do but if you can cut back or cut it out it WILL help you feel more energized. ITS SOOOO HARD THOUGH!!!!! Even if you can just limit it to one -two cups a day. Honestly a lot of what you are saying I have experienced too but it seems in my mind that not to the extent you are conveying here. Not sure what your age is..I am 35 now and while I do not consider myself old by any means, but it seems with each year its getting harder - which is ALL THE MORE reason I have to focus on diet exercise and overall good health! I do feel your pain and suffering. The groin pain I experienced when pregnant - I couldn't even lift my legs to put my pants on and FORGET about rolling over in bed. I still get that now. Its sooo sad. Its not as bad but I can feel it. Its like my muscles stopped working. HOWEVER, I do want to emphasize that while a lot of what you are saying sounds normal, the joints, the bones, the teeth, that doesn't - so please make the appts necessary and don't suffer any longer if you don't have to!

Hi There,
I had a variety of symptoms after having my second child, not the same as yours, and not as drastic. However, they did check my thyroid because apparently Thyroid problems can be triggered by pregnancy and manifest themselves postpartum. My doctor did blood workups and urine tests and found nothing. However, I have since taken some steps to up my energy and decrease the nausea etc. that i was feeling randomly. (ie. supplements, exercise, probiotics) and I have been doing better. It seems like your issue could very well be a Thyroid Problem though.
I hope you find a solution soon!

When you talk to your Dr you might want to ask about simple exercises that you can start doing at home. If there is no medical reason not to exercise, you should start a simple routine. Try a beginner yoga DVD or Wii program. Yoga will do wonders for your energy level, stiffness and balance issues. You can start out with a simple 10-15 minute routine. I do "sun salute" at least once per day. It only takes about 10 minutes but it makes a HUGE difference.

That's not normal. I had a c section after 14 hours of labor and was pretty bad but not like you are describing. I think there's something else going on. Maybe it's come out worse because your immune system and body are trying to heal from the C section surgery. It could have been underlying all along. Make sure while you are getting a full work up you also have them check you for lyme disease. Depending on your doctor some think of it right away, some poo poo it. But a lot of the things you describe could actually be from lyme as well, so just to be safe insist on getting tested. Chances are it's something else, especially with your teeth cracking. But definitely get to a doctor and get a full workup.

If I were you, I would see a doctor. Having a c-section really does not have
anything to do with what you are describing.