Need to vent (again) and need some support

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elphie754
elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I know this isn't really a weight loss topic, but right now I am an emotional wreak and not sure where else to go.

I'm 27 weeks pregnant, and ever since about week 4, I have been sick. I felt somewhat better during my second trimester, but that didn't last very long. Every day I wake up covered in hives, bright red and feel like crap. I'm on a ton of medication, but it doesn't really help. It will help for an hour or two, and then the symptoms come right back. I basically have to take way more than the reccomended amount of antihistamines to get any relief. That of course worries me that I might hurt the baby, but without it, I get really sick.

I've been to numerous doctors, allergists and the ER in the past month, and no one seems to have an answer other than "it's your hormones from being pregnant".

I am just so fed up with not feeling well all the time. It has completely drained me, physically and mentally. My significant others are trying to be supportive, but I still feel terrible. Some days just feel so hopeless that I don't even want to get out of bed. I've been missing work a lot and haven't been there in over a week, so I have a feeling I will likely get fired in the near future which just adds to everything else.

Sorry again for long vent, I'm just really upset and not really sure what else I could do.
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Replies

  • nutmegoreo
    nutmegoreo Posts: 15,532 Member
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    That sounds awful. I have no suggestions, but will offer as many virtual (((hugs))) as you can manage. Vent away, as much as you need.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    littlemissbgiff wrote: »
    So sorry you're going through this. Take a deep breath and remember that this is all temporary. And very worth it in the end. Hang in there. Hugs to you.

    I am trying. I really hope after baby is born, I feel better.
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    That sounds awful. I have no suggestions, but will offer as many virtual (((hugs))) as you can manage. Vent away, as much as you need.

    Thank you.
    vespiquenn wrote: »
    I can't say much other than I know how anxiety can come from losing a job over being ill. When I was going through tests for Crohn's, I essentially lost my job over it despite doctor notes. I can't imagine being pregnant on top of that. However I made the mistake of not doing FMLA. I'm not sure where you are from, but is possible to take medical leave so you're protected?

    Most of all, big hugs your way.

    The problem with FMLA is that you have to be working for a year to qualify. I had to change jobs last March because the company I worked for went bankrupt. I'm not 100% sure I would qualify.
  • vespiquenn
    vespiquenn Posts: 1,455 Member
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    elphie754 wrote: »
    littlemissbgiff wrote: »
    So sorry you're going through this. Take a deep breath and remember that this is all temporary. And very worth it in the end. Hang in there. Hugs to you.

    I am trying. I really hope after baby is born, I feel better.
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    That sounds awful. I have no suggestions, but will offer as many virtual (((hugs))) as you can manage. Vent away, as much as you need.

    Thank you.
    vespiquenn wrote: »
    I can't say much other than I know how anxiety can come from losing a job over being ill. When I was going through tests for Crohn's, I essentially lost my job over it despite doctor notes. I can't imagine being pregnant on top of that. However I made the mistake of not doing FMLA. I'm not sure where you are from, but is possible to take medical leave so you're protected?

    Most of all, big hugs your way.

    The problem with FMLA is that you have to be working for a year to qualify. I had to change jobs last March because the company I worked for went bankrupt. I'm not 100% sure I would qualify.

    Ah, that makes sense because it's the same where I am along with any form of disability. Might be worth a shot at least discussing it with them, if you haven't brought FMLA to them, and keeping a paper trail from doctors. I know in some cases they offer a shorter amount of time. But seriously, best of luck.

  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    vespiquenn wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    littlemissbgiff wrote: »
    So sorry you're going through this. Take a deep breath and remember that this is all temporary. And very worth it in the end. Hang in there. Hugs to you.

    I am trying. I really hope after baby is born, I feel better.
    nutmegoreo wrote: »
    That sounds awful. I have no suggestions, but will offer as many virtual (((hugs))) as you can manage. Vent away, as much as you need.

    Thank you.
    vespiquenn wrote: »
    I can't say much other than I know how anxiety can come from losing a job over being ill. When I was going through tests for Crohn's, I essentially lost my job over it despite doctor notes. I can't imagine being pregnant on top of that. However I made the mistake of not doing FMLA. I'm not sure where you are from, but is possible to take medical leave so you're protected?

    Most of all, big hugs your way.

    The problem with FMLA is that you have to be working for a year to qualify. I had to change jobs last March because the company I worked for went bankrupt. I'm not 100% sure I would qualify.

    Ah, that makes sense because it's the same where I am along with any form of disability. Might be worth a shot at least discussing it with them, if you haven't brought FMLA to them, and keeping a paper trail from doctors. I know in some cases they offer a shorter amount of time. But seriously, best of luck.

    I can try. The only reason I still have a job now is because I filed an EEOC complaint against them when I first found out I was pregnant.
  • kgirlhart
    kgirlhart Posts: 5,015 Member
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    I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult pregnancy. I don't really have any advice, but just want you to know you aren't alone. Hope you feel better soon.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    kgirlhart wrote: »
    I'm sorry that you are having such a difficult pregnancy. I don't really have any advice, but just want you to know you aren't alone. Hope you feel better soon.

    Thank you. Sometimes it really feels like I am alone.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
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    Today I saw my allergist again. She's putting me on steroids, which aren't too good for baby but at the same time may help me. Unfortunately steroids also make me more emotional which is exactly what I don't need. She thinks it will be a good idea to induce early (around 35-36 weeks).
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
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    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:
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,135 Member
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    Adding to the hug train. I'm sorry your pregnancy is so sucky for you.
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 27,988 Member
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  • kschwab0203
    kschwab0203 Posts: 610 Member
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    One of my girlfriends experienced something similar when she was pregnant with her first. I believe it was called PUPP syndrome. Not sure if this is what you are experiencing, but when you mentioned the hives it reminded me of this.

    I had difficult pregnancies with my first and third and it's no fun at all so I can completely understand how frustrated you are feeling. As everyone keeps saying, pregnancy is temporary and you are more than half way there. Just hang on a little bit longer. ((((HUGS)))))

  • sdereski
    sdereski Posts: 3,406 Member
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    Go see a naturopath! Now.
  • sdereski
    sdereski Posts: 3,406 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!


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

    This was my first thought. My husbands cousin has suddenly developed an allergy to her own hormones and it is crazy how the medical community won't do much about it.
  • Shutterbuggg
    Shutterbuggg Posts: 196 Member
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    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.

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