In August I suffered a septic miscarriage. I was incredibly unwell and spent a couple of weeks in hospital.
I have been signed off work since this happened but do not feel I am getting any better. I have developed awful, agonising joint pains particularly in my ankles, knees and wrists - often the pain will keep me from sleeping. In constantly exhausted regardless of how much sleep I get. I am suffering from muscle weakness (can’t pick up my toddler, even picking up household items such as kettles is difficult). I’ve had ongoing minor infections (uti etc) which have led to my body having extreme reactions (collapsing due to blood pressure dropping, body temp dropping very very low) leading to further hospital admissions. I’ve got constant digestive issues, diarhea anytime I eat. I also feel like my brain is cloudy - I don’t know how else to describe it. I’ve also began developing allergic reactions to antibiotics I’ve previously tolerated fine. My body temperature is all over the place - I’m either freezing cold or profusely sweating, and there seems to be no trigger to either of these happening.
At my last hospital admission following a collapse and allergic reaction to UTI antibiotics, I was told I was showing signs of systemic inflammation - they described it as my body going into overdrive to fight of any infection. They couldn’t say how long this would last or even give further information about how to manage this and no follow up. Almost just firefighting the main issue (the collapsing) and then sending me on my way.
I spoke to my GP and she ran a few basic blood tests. It’s come back that I’m anaemic but nothing else. Autoimmune diseases were briefly mentioned but I don’t know what the pathway around this even looks like, and I certainly haven’t been referred for this. I need to make another GP appointment because I genuinely cannot carry on like this. I’m usually a healthy 34 year old.
I appreciate the nhs is on its knees and has to prioritise and deal with the key issue at hand. But any advice or guidance around how I can get the ball rolling with working out what’s happening for me and get me back to some semblance of normal life?
I am receiving psychological support for my loss and the trauma of the last few months. I know there is a strong link between emotional and physical health but I can’t see these extreme symptoms being solely down to my emotional wellbeing.
Sorry for the long rambling post - any guidance or support would be greatly appreciated. I feel so lost right now.