Need to vent (again) and need some support

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  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
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    Aw, Elphie, I'm sorry your pregnancy is so rough. Piling on more (((((hugs))))

  • RAinWA
    RAinWA Posts: 1,980 Member
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    Wish I had a wonderful solution for you! But here's some more ((((hugs))))

    f1g2eghodwnn.jpg
  • marm1962
    marm1962 Posts: 950 Member
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    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruritic_urticarial_papules_and_plaques_of_pregnancy
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
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    Sorry Elphie. Hang in there kiddo!
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    Psychgrrl wrote: »
    I'm so sorry for the awfulness of the symptoms you're having! The doctors need to get their butts in gear--it's not logical you should be allergic to your own hormones!

    Are your docs able to confer together? Teamwork can help and supplement knowledge in areas that are not of their specialty. There's always got to be another specialist to refer you to.

    As for work, are you represented by a union? Or do you have legal benefits as a part of your job? It may benefit you to consult with an employment attorney. It would be logical there has to be a provision with FMLA that when you haven't left your job, but are instead working for a different company that you are still protected. According to our HR, you have to have worked a minimum number of hours during the 12 months before you want to use your FMLA. I don't remember what that magic number is, though. (Realizing I depend entirely too much on our HR).

    What state are you in? Some, like CA, have supplemental FMLA, plus "baby-bonding" laws. All in all, new parents here can be off almost six months.

    Having some bad allergic reactions myself, I can't imagine how bad it must be to be pregnant along with the hives! I have a prescription antihistamine cream and a prescription steroid cream along with my prescription antihistamine. Maybe the creams are better for baby?

    (((((hugs))))))) :heart:

    I'm in NY. I'm pretty sure that they don't have seperate maternity leave,just FMLA
    zyxst wrote: »
    Adding to the hug train. I'm sorry your pregnancy is so sucky for you.

    Thank you
    kshama2001 wrote: »
    56646661.jpg

    Omg!! So cute!
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    sdereski wrote: »
    Go see a naturopath! Now.

    That's a big no.
    Shutterbuggg wrote: »
    You may consider looking into your current meds like others have mentioned. I know that a lot of pre-natal vitamins can have some funny side effects.
    I'm so sorry you are going through this. Vent away! I truly hope you get some relief.

    I am no longer taking prenatal vitamins because I got violently ill.
    GottaBurnEmAll wrote: »
    Aw, Elphie, I'm sorry your pregnancy is so rough. Piling on more (((((hugs))))

    Thank you
    marm1962 wrote: »
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pruritic_urticarial_papules_and_plaques_of_pregnancy

    I thought about that as well but OB said its notbPUPPs based on symptoms.

  • joans1976
    joans1976 Posts: 2,201 Member
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    I've never been pregnant but I had poison ivy 3 times in a month this summer and also had a poison ivy like rash that was all over my body that no one could ever figure out. So, steroids. I have anxiety naturally so I was excited for them! (Sarcasm)
    Tips for steroids:
    Water
    Gives you energy to work out! (If okay'd by your doctor-unsure where you are at with pregnancy)
    Water

    Tips for itching:
    Clean sheets (I think this was a psych thing for me)
    Aveeno powder dissolved in the bath
    Loose clothing
    Distraction, distraction, distraction
    Hot hot water (but that worked for ivy, unsure about hives)

    Tips for emotional roller coaster:
    Take it 10 minutes at a time
    Meditate (I have a free app that simply gets me to breathe)

    I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. I've never been pregnant and not sure what meds you can take. I HAVE been insanely itchy and been on the 'roids. Try to tell yourself it's temporary and then tell yourself again. And all the other advice the more experienced posters offered.
    I am so sorry you are struggling! Hugs!

    (Also-have you changed your laundry soap or fabric softener recently? You probably already considered that as the culprit.)
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    joans1976 wrote: »
    I've never been pregnant but I had poison ivy 3 times in a month this summer and also had a poison ivy like rash that was all over my body that no one could ever figure out. So, steroids. I have anxiety naturally so I was excited for them! (Sarcasm)
    Tips for steroids:
    Water
    Gives you energy to work out! (If okay'd by your doctor-unsure where you are at with pregnancy)
    Water

    Tips for itching:
    Clean sheets (I think this was a psych thing for me)
    Aveeno powder dissolved in the bath
    Loose clothing
    Distraction, distraction, distraction
    Hot hot water (but that worked for ivy, unsure about hives)

    Tips for emotional roller coaster:
    Take it 10 minutes at a time
    Meditate (I have a free app that simply gets me to breathe)

    I'm sorry I can't be more helpful. I've never been pregnant and not sure what meds you can take. I HAVE been insanely itchy and been on the 'roids. Try to tell yourself it's temporary and then tell yourself again. And all the other advice the more experienced posters offered.
    I am so sorry you are struggling! Hugs!

    (Also-have you changed your laundry soap or fabric softener recently? You probably already considered that as the culprit.)

    Thank you. Unfortunately aveno baths aren't an option (I'm allergic to oat).

    The hot hot water seems to help but only for a short period of time.


    Will look into meditation.

    No,nothing has changed with laundry detergent.
  • everher
    everher Posts: 909 Member
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    I've never been pregnant, but I am truly sorry you are feeling so awful.

    I have had hives multiple times in my life, but they were brought on by stress. Could stress possibly be the cause / contributing to your hives ?

    I know with my hives none of the medication seemed to work. The medicine would work for a little while, but sooner rather than later it would be like I hadn't taken anything.

    Obviously with hives it's hard to identify the cause and I wasn't sure when I got them the first time it wasn't an allergen causing them, but since then I have gotten them multiple times all at points of high stress.

    Meditation and distraction help me when I'm suffering from hives. I can't stand any clothing or anything touching my skin so I'll try to stay home and scantily clad as possible. Water also helps me - both drinking it and bathing / sitting in it.

    It's really just awful though and I'm sorry you are going through it.
  • HippySkoppy
    HippySkoppy Posts: 725 Member
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    Oh @elphie754 , I am so sorry to hear that you continue to be plagued with horrible physical symptoms like this, as well as dealing with the emotional overload that pregnancy can bring on top of employment woes....

    Whew that is SO huge no wonder you feel vulnerable and overwhelmed and I would challenge anyone to feel any differently. Pregnancy is a tough gig even 'perfect' ones and under the circumstances I think you are very brave and doing a magnificant job of keeping body and soul together.

    I wish I had a sure fire cure for your skin and to make you feel better but sadly all I can do is offer my best wishes, long distance hugs and unwavering support.

    Anecdotally, I remember having itchy skin with my 1st, especially at night but no where near your dreadful symptoms. I also remember it resolving virtually immediately after my Daughter was born and a sage older Midwife commenting that the itchies were from overloaded female hormones...I dunno how right she was medically speaking or whether it was a bit on the 'old wives tales' but my 2nd pregnancy with my Son was free of the itching.

    I really hope the steroids help, I know you a worried about taking them but your OB will give you the best regime and dosage to help you and not hurt bubs. You must be absolutely worn out as this pregnancy has been a real trial. You deserve and need all the help that is available, lean on your So's, other family, friends, medicos, your MFP family etc as MUCH as you want and need too.

    All the very best
    <3
    Karen



  • fidangul
    fidangul Posts: 673 Member
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    I felt terrible through the whole 9 months of both my pregnancies plus I was on more medication than I would have liked. I also had to have CT scan during my first pregnancy which troubled me a lot. However, one of my doctors said to me that I had to be well for my baby to be well. And yes there are risks involved in everything but sometimes we don't have the control over things. So, think of it as if you are doing it for your baby because baby is ultimately who are doing it for after yourself.... I dunno it helped me a little. Hope you feel much better soon!!!
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    everher wrote: »
    I've never been pregnant, but I am truly sorry you are feeling so awful.

    I have had hives multiple times in my life, but they were brought on by stress. Could stress possibly be the cause / contributing to your hives ?

    I know with my hives none of the medication seemed to work. The medicine would work for a little while, but sooner rather than later it would be like I hadn't taken anything.

    Obviously with hives it's hard to identify the cause and I wasn't sure when I got them the first time it wasn't an allergen causing them, but since then I have gotten them multiple times all at points of high stress.

    Meditation and distraction help me when I'm suffering from hives. I can't stand any clothing or anything touching my skin so I'll try to stay home and scantily clad as possible. Water also helps me - both drinking it and bathing / sitting in it.

    It's really just awful though and I'm sorry you are going through it.

    It is very very possible stress is making it worse.

  • ronjsteele1
    ronjsteele1 Posts: 1,064 Member
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    Given that you are quite reactive when you're not pregnant, pregnancy tends to increase histamine reactions in someone that already has histamine issues. Have you ever researched abnormal histamine responses and/or mastocytosis? It sounds to me like you could actually have one of those issues going on and they are treated very differently from "standard" allergies (be it food, environmental, or both). I would lean heavily towards histamine intolerance but only you really know all that is going on with your body. If you do some research on abnormal histamine response you will get a boat load of info that could prove very helpful not just while you're pregnant, but afterwards as well. Researching masto as well would probably give you enough of a view to decide if either of these could be an issue for you. If one is, take it to your doctor for help (hopefully).

    Sorry this is so miserable. :-(
  • Ming1951
    Ming1951 Posts: 514 Member
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    Hi Elphie, Sorry you are going thru all this, hugs...remember you are loved and so many are this board are by your side and trolley care too, we all want to see you feel better. Have you seen your other doctor, since you have been off your meds? Can he/see offer you any advise? Maybe your ob/gyn can go over all the meds you are on and see if any can be cut back or eliminated from your diet. And go talk to your employer, tell them you have been sick and you do not want to lose this job as once your baby arrives you are sure you will be better again. Perhaps a doctor's note's to go along with your visit so they they know you are not making this up. Perhaps you can just take a leave of absence for the remainder of your pregnancy. As one poster said hives can be coming from stress too as you are worrying a lot . You want to do everything right for the babies health, you want to please the so's, and you don't want to lose your job. Thats a lot of worry. Take care of yourself, read some baby care books, look at baby supplies, keep your mind busy on good things, think happy thoughts.
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,136 Member
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    Not sure if these fall under your allergy umbrella - baking soda and apple cider vinegar. You can make a paste or mix in warm water with the baking soda. Mix the ACV with warm water to soak yourself in or blot on with a cloth. Might help with the hives. I'm sure any relief from the constant itching will help.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    I honestly didn't think this week could get any worse, but I was wrong. (Guys may want to stop here) as I woke up for work, and stood up, had a gush of fluid come out. Okay, once not a big deal, kept going with my daily routine. Stood up from sitting in shower and felt it again. So we called the OB and she said doubts it is an issue but to come in because it could potentially mean a small rupture in the amniotic sac, and what I am feeling is amniotic fluid.

    My Male SO and I were supposed to be going into work together at 11. He asked if I wanted him to come with me which I said yes but also don't want him to get into trouble with work. He gets all pissed that I'm actually going to the OB and tells me I'm pretty much freaking out over nothing. Yesbthay could very well be the case, but the baby has been the one thing that has been keeping me from completely melting down, and now it feels like I could even lose that, which would absolutely kill me.

    Of course he called out and is upset with me because he thinks it's nothing. I'm not really sure why he's so upset that I'm somewhat freaking out. I think from now on, I will just keep any complication to myself and take care of it myself.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
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    elphie754 wrote: »
    I honestly didn't think this week could get any worse, but I was wrong. (Guys may want to stop here) as I woke up for work, and stood up, had a gush of fluid come out. Okay, once not a big deal, kept going with my daily routine. Stood up from sitting in shower and felt it again. So we called the OB and she said doubts it is an issue but to come in because it could potentially mean a small rupture in the amniotic sac, and what I am feeling is amniotic fluid.

    My Male SO and I were supposed to be going into work together at 11. He asked if I wanted him to come with me which I said yes but also don't want him to get into trouble with work. He gets all pissed that I'm actually going to the OB and tells me I'm pretty much freaking out over nothing. Yesbthay could very well be the case, but the baby has been the one thing that has been keeping me from completely melting down, and now it feels like I could even lose that, which would absolutely kill me.

    Of course he called out and is upset with me because he thinks it's nothing. I'm not really sure why he's so upset that I'm somewhat freaking out. I think from now on, I will just keep any complication to myself and take care of it myself.

    I'm really sorry you're having to deal with that right now. I think checking it out is absolutely the right thing to do. Baby is probably fine (this happened to my sister last year and my nephew was fine), but you're going to feel so much better if you get it checked out. It's completely understandable that you'd want to make sure everything was okay. I'll be thinking of you today -- I've never had a baby, but I understand how awful it feels when you have relationship anxiety and feel like you have angered an SO. <3
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,020 Member
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    @elphie754 I hate to hear this. Lots of hugs your way. This happened to my sister with one of her pregnancies and it wasn't amniotic fluid and she and the baby were fine, but it was very scary and not "nothing".

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