OT-and for my NEXT trick

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-22-2003
OT-and for my NEXT trick
12
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 3:13pm

I don't think I bothered telling you ladies about the medical "garbage" I've been dealing with since giving birth. But as of today, I'm feeling a bit like Paula. Here's the background info., in short form.

The day I was supposed to be discharged from the hospital, I ended up getting incredibly sick and requiring a blood transfusion. We thought that was going to be "the worst of it" but naw...my body had other things in mind.

About 36 hours after being discharged I developed severe edema in my lower extremities. Not uncommon for pregnant women, and not uncommon post-op for most people...but I'd had 4 pregnancies, 4 c-sections, and 2 ortho. surgeries and NEVER experienced any problems with edema before. So, last Thurs. I went in for my post-op follow-up visit with my OB. Low and behold, the edema had caused my blood pressure to sky rocket. Which for me is huge because I always run a really low pressure. (No joke my average blood pressure is 85/55.)v I had also been experiencing chest pains- that I was passing off as related to nursing Lucy. Well, DH was scared-and as a medical professional nothing ever scares him- and my doc was concerned enough that she gave me a Rx and told DH that if I wasn't better by Monday to call her right away because she wanted an EKG to rule out congestive heart failure.

Luckily the medicine worked, the edema vanished (I lost 13 lbs. of water weight in 24 hours)- and I'd been feeling okay. I was, however, dealing with some shoulder pain that I attributed to "baby arm"- because it was all on my left side, and that's the side that I carry Lucy on.

Well, a little over a week ago, I noticed what I suspected were spider bites on that same shoulder. I thought that perhaps a spider had gotten into my pillow and bit me repeatedly. I didn't think much about it, and I'd just been having DH put cream on the spots, etc. But this morning I mentioned to him that it felt like the spider venom had gotten all the way into my nerve. (Several times over the last few days I'd asked DH to rub my shoulder blade.) He got this funny look on his face and said, "You know Ames- you could have shingles."

What? No way. That's silly.

"But think about it dear. The spots are traveling in a specific area, that's right in line with a major sets of nerves. You've been under an incredible amount of stress, and you were recently sick enough that you required a blood transfusion."

I just got back from the doctor's office.

Sometimes I absolutely hate it when my husband is right.

So if you think about it, please send me some P&PTs. Of all the things I didn't need to add to my plate right now, this is pretty high up there. I'm off to the ped. office this afternoon to see what, if anything (other than the vaccine), can be done to prevent Lucy from getting the Chicken Pox because of this.

Why can't life be just a bit simpler?

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Amy


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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2004
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 3:26pm

Oh Amy, I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with all this on top of a c-section and taking care of a newborn! I can't imagine going through all that at the same time! I'm glad that your husband was able to figure out what was going on, though. I hope that you are feeling much, much better soon! Sending lots of prayers, positive thoughts and hugs your way.

Amy~Natalie & Lily's mom

Avatar for betz67
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 4:02pm

((((AMY)))) sending P&PTs for you! what a nightmare!

Betsy

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Registered: 04-28-2007
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 4:12pm

((((((((((Amy)))))))

Good God, what a few weeks you've had. You poor wee thing. On the upside if you had chicken pox as a kid (and if it is shingles I am guessing you have) and you are nursing Lucy she is already protected. The vaccine probably wouldn't work in this case as it takes a while for the antibodies to be stimulated. If you are up to it keep nursing. (((HUGS))))

Dee

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Made by My Cool Signs
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 10:29pm

oh Amy!

I am so sorry! I wouldn't wish a Paula-esque experience on anyone (self included!).

I know the Lidoderm patches are used for shingles pain. I don't know what the deal is with using them and nursing, but if the doc has not mentioned them, ask. They do help with severe localized pain.

(((((gentle hugs))))

I hope things start looking up soo. And please keep us updated on the situation with you and Lucy (cos we worry, you know...)

-Paula


visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com

-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-28-2008
Tue, 06-17-2008 - 10:50pm
Oh Amy! That's just horrible. I'm sending lots of P&PT your way. Here's to a mild case and a quick recovery. Hugs

Andrea, mom to

Graham
Miles
Anson

Andrea, mom to

Graham
Miles
Anson
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-25-2007
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 5:41am
Oh you poor thing! I understand your pain. A few years ago we were going through massive layoffs at work and I was stressed to the max. We had just gotten a new puppy when I got this horribly painful rash. I thought I caught something from the dog. Turned out to be shingles. Doc said stop stressing. Yeah right. Anyway on the bright side they never came back. I hope you are feeling better soon and can start really enjoying your bundle of joy.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 8:39am

Oh Amy, you poor thing...a new baby and c-section recovery is enough for anyone to deal with.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 9:19am

(((((((((HUGS))))))))))) to you Amy

from Sara

Avatar for nutmegspice
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 9:21am
(((AMY!))) add my P&PTs!!!! Hoping for a quick recovery and lots of naps for you!!!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Wed, 06-18-2008 - 12:01pm

Here are good thoughts through this time. I know shingles can get pretty ugly and painful.


Double check with all of your doctors to make sure that it is safe for the baby to be near you. Granted it may be too late now but it she is so far so good. Distance no matter how much you may not like it well.. Shingles if I rember are spread through both Droplet and Contact. So try not to expose the area to everyone too much. ESp if the pustules are draining.


Also double check with the Doctors about safe pain management. Esp if you are allowed to nurse and I believe the meds taken to help relieve the other symptoms of shingles again make sure they are safe to take while nursing.

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