Wwj12d or think LONG

[bantyrooster]

So its no secret I had severe ppa after G. Looking back I hid a lot of things from my MD and real life friends. I started speaking truthfully with my MD while still pregnant with E. He said we could start meds while in the hospital if I wanted or even go home with a script. A big part of my anxiety is admitting it is there. I didn't know if I would be able to call and explain why I needed an appointment before my 6 week check if it came down to it.

So we ended up deciding to see how it went and if I needed to be seen H would call and make the appointment.

Now two weeks out from my 6 week check I have anxiety about what to do. I feel way better than I did after G, but still "fail" the screening tool. To be completely honest, since I actually can be here, I really don't want the ppa label on my chart. Which is rediculous I know. Honestly probably 60% of my ortho patients have depression, its not unusual.

The big things affecting me with her are the thoughts coming at night, the anxiety if I sleep something bad will happen. It is not as bad as it was with G but still takes 10-75 mins to fall back asleep after a wake up. And second the mood swings.

I do think maybe meds would make things better. I am very vocal this time with family and friends about my feelings so I don't think therapy is needed. Wwyd? Am I "normal" for 4 weeks pp? My anxiety peaked with G at 7 weeks. How long did you take your ppa/ppd meds?

[summergirl1211]

I didn't have PPA/PPD after Riley was born, but I hope my advice helps. I guess what I would say is if you're even "thinking" medication could help, you should try it out. I understand not wanting to be labeled, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

I wish I could say more but I just don't have a lot of experience. GL whatever you do! Hugs girl.

[nursedesi]

If I were in your shoes I would go ahead and call and get started on them. You know that if its ativan or xanax they put you on then it would help right away (mostly) and that if its an antidepressant then ot could take up to 4 weeks to be fully effective.

Your more likely to have ppa/ppd since you had it before. There is no shame at all in having either one. Your hormones are off and just need a little help getting back to basline. Your not just doing it for you but for G, E and J.

If I were you and feeling like its creaping back, I would start them. GL with whatever you decide!

[jodielyn10]

I wouldn't worry at all about what's "normal" for this stage of post partum or what others experience and how you compare - if you are struggling and think medication may help and your Dr is on board then I wouldn't hesitate to give it a try.
Good luck and keep your chin up - there is no shame in having a hard time and needing some extra help!

[trixi282]

I will echo what the other ladies said. I didn't have PPD/PPA with J, but we've all seen plenty of mamas on this BMB who struggled with it. I would definitely call your doctor and find out if the meds would help you. If you feel it starting now, and you peaked with G around 7 weeks, then you know it could get worse, and it would be better to get ahead of it before that happens.

Call your doc and talk to them about your options. I'm glad you're being more vocal about it with friends/family, but that alone will not help your PPA thoughts and fears.

[somethingcleverer]

I didn't take meds for ppa or ppd but I do take a daily antidepressant for anxiety. I would call if you think you think you might need it. There have been so many times I've put off calling the dr about go back on medication but after I'm on it for a while I wish I had made the call earlier because I made myself suffer trying to wait it out.

I believe the minimum recommended about of time for an antidepressant is 6 months, then you can re evaluate and decide to wean or stay on the medication. If it's something like xanax you can take as needed and go off when you no longer need to use it.

[xanthepants]

It's no secret I'm on anxiety meds for the time being for sleep issues. I would take hours to fall asleep after wakes even 2 years out nad was terrified I was going to die, or she would die. It took my Neuro to just tell me flat out - some people run on high. Type A, perfectionist, etc are things that could have described me both before and after the birth. That is just how I am made. I had a hard time as well admitting that I really needed help. But I am so glad I did. My body was physically failing (severe migraines) and I was making stupid mistakes daily. Getting those things back make me feel more in control.
I don't know how severe you are feeling, but your sleep anxiety sounds like mine. I obviously let it go too long. And maybe yours will go away on your own, but I don't think you shouldn't feel any shame in how you are feeling. Would you want one of your patients to hide a problem from you? I bet the answer is no, and I bet you would tell them there is nothing to be ashamed of. We have to treat ourselves as kind as we would treat others.

[bantyrooster]

Thanks guys! What sucks is I feel great during the day, with random what the hell am I doing mom moments. I think those are normal. Night is when things get bad. I will see what he says. The screening tool most use I score a 12. Above 10 is "talk with your doctor " and above 13 is meds are usually recommended. The tool is based on your last 7 days so maybe next week will be lower.

My big holding back point is at night is the only time I really have to rest and the old peds ICU nurse in me let's my mind go to the bad things I have seen in kids. I so think the meds would help shut that off. With G I was better starting at 6-7 months so it is definitely a pregnancy related thing.



I will add my headaches have gotten worse. I normally don't get them.

[pegleg715]

I say call. If it helps then you know youve made the right call. And don't worry about the label, being there for your kids and enjoying it is way more important.

I've been on Prozac for close to 20 years now (sometimes Zoloft) and after each kid I have had to up my dose for 6 months or so. It made an ENORMOUS difference after evie. I hadn't known that I was missing out on enjoying everything because I was constantly worrying. With Caz I knew and upped the dosage right away and never had a problem.

Whatever you do don't decide after 4-5 days of medicine that it's not working of not for you. Stick it out. Give it time. And give yourself time.

Good luck!

[USCgirl]

@batyrooster, I had ppd and ppa and probably still do to a point. I still get worried every now and then about LO not breathing while sleeping, etc. I totally feel your pain and worry. I personally did not want to take meds because I prefer to do things more naturally, but am not opposed to meds next time around if it makes sense. Being a FTM was difficult too, so I tried not to be too hard on myself to seek help, but in hindsight, I probably should have.

Thankfully, things are okay now, but if you are comfortable taking meds, then I would say go for it and see if it helps. Feeling anxious is horrible and not anything to try to deal with alone Thanks for feeling comfortable enough to share with us. Hugs to you!!