Need to vent (again) and need some support
elphie754
Posts: 7,574 Member
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.
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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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.1
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I'm not sure where you are from, but is possible to take medical leave so you're protected from your job, like Family and Medical Leave?
Most of all, big hugs your way.7 -
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.0 -
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.
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vespiquenn 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.0 -
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.1
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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).0
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Pregnancy was rough on me as well. I remember someone reaching out and telling me it was temporary and to just go day by day and it would be over before I knew it.
It's true - 10 years later and I hardly remember how bad I felt at that time. I'm sorry you're going through all of this and hope you feel better soon.
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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))))))) 0 -
Adding to the hug train. I'm sorry your pregnancy is so sucky for you.0
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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)))))
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Go see a naturopath! Now.1
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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!
(((((hugs)))))))
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.0 -
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When I was pregnant, I would take my Womens One a Day prenatal vitamins right before going to bed. I woke up with head to toe hives each night until I figured out the vitamins were causing it. I switched to Flintstones and stopped having the issue.
I can sympathize. Good luck to you. I remember how hard it was wanting to scratch my skin off.7 -
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.3 -
Aw, Elphie, I'm sorry your pregnancy is so rough. Piling on more (((((hugs))))
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Sorry Elphie. Hang in there kiddo!0
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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)))))))
I'm in NY. I'm pretty sure that they don't have seperate maternity leave,just FMLAAdding to the hug train. I'm sorry your pregnancy is so sucky for you.
Thank youkshama2001 wrote: »
Omg!! So cute!0 -
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
I thought about that as well but OB said its notbPUPPs based on symptoms.
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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.)2 -
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.
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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.0
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