Postpartum problems HELP!

[sarahd0ll176]

Hey everyone,

I am a month post-partum and my life has been hell since giving birth.

I was induced and had an epidural.

The day after I gave birth I developed sleeping problems.

Everytime I try to sleep, I get muscle spasms in my legs, even in my head.
I get weird sensations like I am falling. It's like a wave. I don't even know how to
describe it. I never had it before.

A few nights ago, I even got what felt like an electric shock in my head.
I wake up during the night a lot. It's so uncomfortable and scary
I feel like I'll never sleep normal again!!!!!!!!!

I also get weird feelings like I stop breathing when I sleep.
I've had some mental problems as well. Just feeling weird and sickly.

I've also got tingling in my shoulder, and my ear crackles a lot.
And I've been feeling very VERY sick. Shortness of breath, pressure
in my head, etc. I have this weird sick feeling I can't describe.

Every minute is a living hell!

I have been in and out of the ER. Always come back with a clean bill of health,

I feel like a prisoner in my own body.

The doctors say I am fine physically, but I feel like I am dying.
And I just want to be able to sleep normal again! It's killing me!
I still have it after a month!

The doc says I have post partum depression, but the only reason I am
depressed is because I am having these problems!
I feel like they will never go away!!!

What should I do? Any ideas on what is causing all my pain?
I have had blood tests, EKG, urine tests, chest X ray, all normal.
What other tests should I get done?? I just want to feel like my old self again.
I am scared. Everyone says it's all in my head but I know that it is NOT!!

I feel so ill I can barely function. I'm scared there's something wrong with my nervous system or something.

PLEASE HELP!! :(

[sarahd0ll176]

Thank you both so much! I will look into all of that! :)

[MelissaMay12]

Have you thought of trying a liquid magnesium dietary supplement? Maybe there is a possibility of a magnesium deficiency since the birth of your baby, then the epidural, then the stress that follows...and the hormones and anxiety. It has been shown that magnesium can help with all of those things. For me personally, I had trouble sleeping, I am a stress case, my legs were restless and sometimes painful and I would get headaches. I started supplementing with an ionic supplement called Angstrom Minerals Magnesium and it literally changed my life! I now actually rest when I sleep, I am more relaxed, but not dosile (?) and fewer to no headaches, my legs allow me to get sleep now...it is like night and day.  You can order it online at healthshop101.com/magnesium.html and it is usually shipped that very day! Sometimes it just seems too simple, but yet if some of your symptoms could be relieved with something so simple, then why not?? Anyway - hope this helps and maybe you can give it a try... Good Luck!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I can understand your concern but if the investigations have come out all clear then there is little to worry. Moreover the symptoms are not present during the day but during the night which rules out any organic disease. I agree with your doctors as it can be due to post partum anxiety disorder or post partum depression.  The labor pains coupled with the stress of childbirth and rearing the child during night are adding to it.

In pregnancy, reproductive hormone levels in a woman's body are 20-30 times greater than normal.  At delivery, hormone levels drop abruptly, along with changes in amino acids, neurotransmitters, and thyroid hormones. The sudden drop in estrogen, progesterone, endorphins, and other hormones may trigger depression.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.