Chronic fatigue syndrome and birth

[nicoloola]

I was diagnosed with CFS nearly 2 years ago, and although it's not too bad, and seems to have almost gone during pregnancy, my immune system is still a bit knackered. Anyone out there had it and how did you cope after the birth?

Oh gosh, sorry I have only just seen this and you have probably been through it now. Me too - got CFS and much better during pregnancy. Birth ended up very long and I was very tired, so was forceps in the end. After the birth I was really fine until baby about 4 months, but stupidly moved house when baby 3 weeks old, and house in complete state (in need of major redecoration). Anyway, if anyone else out there has CFS and reads this/ wants to talk...

My sister, who has had cfs for 16 years is due mid December with her first, she too has been much better during pregnancy, truely bloomed in fact! I'm also interested to hear what others have heard or advice to be offered from those who've been there and are now wearing the t-shirt!

What are the symptoms of CFS and is it the same as fibromyalgia? a colleague has this and i seem to remember her saying her GP said they are the same condition.

I've had ME for years. I found pregnancy ok too - morning sickness was no different to my usual nausea! In fact being pregnant made me feel 'normal' for a bit as I could put my tiredness down to making a baby! I was OK after the birth - can't remember how long for - but then it all really caught up with me. I have very clear memories of lying on the floor next to dd because I physically couldn't get up My dh was so good - he did a lot of the mornings to let me sleep, but I got very fed up having to pace myself. Everyone else could fit in so much in their day, but I always slept (and still do) when dd slept. Dd at 3.3 still naps which I am so grateful for...
Having said all this - I love being a mum! I'd love another baby if I could believe I could cope...

CFS/ME and fibromyalgia are not the same condition, although they very frequently accompany one another. CFS/ME is the tiredness/weakness/brain-porridge/malaise bit. Fibromyalgia is the nerves-on-fire, constant migraine, inexplicable excruciating pain bit. I had them both and actually managed to get diagnosed, eventually.

Hot&bothered, I'm sorry to hear that, doesn't sound good news. Keep pacing yourself, my sister's got really good at taking life easy, which is not typical of her character at all but pays off.

Thanks Bizzi. Pacing does work I know, but it's not always practical! It's amazing me how many people have/know someone with ME - but hardly any research into what causes it.

yes, my darling son naps twice a day, and i nap at least once with him and sometimes twice. am waiting for him to be in nursery before attempting number 2. i am ok, but can get depressed that i don't go out as much as other mums. my target is to do 3 things 'outside home' per week with him even if it is a 5min walk in the park. we spent the pm with a friend today so that counts!

I have ME for two years and I am now pregnant too. Good to hear all your experiences but can anyone tell me at bit more about their birth experiences? I really want a drug free water birth ideally at home. Wondering if I might be better off in the local hospital to save the need to transfer if it all gets a bit too much. Then again it won't be quite as relaxed and they only have one birthing pool so if it is busy I will be more likely to need drugs which will obviously reduce my chances of natural interference free birth.

Eeek! As you can see I am going round in circles so any experiences anyone has to share would be MOST welcome!!!

Cheers