Is postpartum really this bad?

[whiskerblush]

I’ve been backwards and forwards to the GP since the end of October. It started with a swollen lymph node in my neck, the doctor asked me loads of questions about other symptoms. Of course fatigue was one of them, having a 6 month old, at the time. Since then, I’ve had 3 more lymph nodes swell, two more in my neck and one in my groin. I’ve also had horrendous fevers at night, including night sweats, occasionally. As well as migraines, breathlessness, lightheadedness and aches and pains. My skin has also flared massively, which also happened when I was pregnant. I’m itchy- EVERYWHERE, particularly my legs, face and scalp.
The doctors keep putting this down to hormones and being postpartum- is it really this miserable? I return to work soon and don’t know how I’m going to function.

I have had four and don’t recognise this.

Extreme fatigue, absolutely. Emotionally all over the place, yes.

Can you try to get a second opinion? I hope you feel better soon. 💐

I would go back to your GP and get some tests done.

surely not if DC is 6 months old? Talk to another GP (a woman who has had a baby). This is not in the realm of normal. Are you in the UK? You mention doctors .,. Have you seen more than one?

No don’t recognise this at all. A bit tired and a bit irritable yes but nothing physical.

I presume you’re concerned about Lymphoma. I’d push for some bloods to rule it out. Individually, the symptoms could point to hormonal or thyroid issues but together, they could be something else.

please read this x

www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/jesss-rule-three-strikes-and-we-rethink/

Have you had any blood tests done or just been completely fobbed off?

It's probably nothing but I would be really pushing for some more tests if I were you.

Night sweats, skin flares and swollen lymph nodes can point to an autoimmune condition. Go back and insist on a full blood work up being done.

Another one to say, that is not normal. Push for blood tests asap and don’t take no for an answer.

Hi everyone,
thanks so much for your replies and well wishes.

Apologies for not being too clear in my post, I think I needed to rant.

I had blood tests in early December, the second time I visited the doctors. They were all fine apart from my C-reactive protein was elevated. I’ve also had an ultrasound on the swollen lymph nodes which told me that the lymph nodes were inflamed, but I still have no reason why. The ultrasound tech did ask me if I’d been feeling unwell, to which I replied the symptoms above, she then said that those symptoms were probably causing my swollen lymph nodes. It just feels like a never ending circle of questions without answers.

I’ve been in touch with my GP again today and they’ve given me an appointment for two weeks time, I feel like such a burden but it’s so frustrating to feel as though I’m not being listened to.

I hasten to say that it’s unlikely of course, however serious illnesses such as leukaemia have similar symptoms to this.

Wow, I had no idea this existed. How tragic that it does, thank you x

I’ve had bloods taken and an ultrasound on my lymph nodes, so it has been ruled out. Thank you

Lupus?

Just wanted to update you all and thank you again for your well wishes and advice, turns out I have a huge hormonal imbalance! Likely due to a mixture of the contraceptive pill and postpartum (yay to being a woman!).
I’m feeling so much better now I have definite answers and a lot less health anxiety.

Wishing you all well x

I had swollen glands in my armpits and going from freezing cold, shivering under a blanket, to sweating hot if i tried to do anything like housework. This cleared up by around 4 months though

Pregnancy can kick off a whole host of autoimmune stuff, and some of the symptoms you are describing sound like they could fit that area. I would definitely go back to your GP and ask for them to look into this further, I wouldn't leave it personally.