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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Feeling desperate

8 replies

localcrackpot · 07/05/2011 12:34

Sorry all, I'm just ready to scream and I don't know what to do.
I had pneumonia in Jan (I've posted before) then preggers in Feb, with a series of chest infections since.
Apart from the normal preggers things (feeling like you've been living with a bad hangover for months, retching, vomiting blah blah, generally feeling worn out) I think I'm extra worn out and wrong somehow- is anyone else the same as me?

I can't stand up for long. About 10 minutes max. I can't wander round next, walk round the block, go to the supermarket. I'm a secondary teacher, I can sit down regularly in class and the children are nice so I've been hauling through hour by hour, but at 3pm I'm dead and have to wait an hour to have the energy to drive home. I can't do my marking, I can't sort out all the data. I've been signed off for a week recently, but I'm still in the same state. I went to choir yesterday, which is one of my favourite things ever. I only missed one rehearsal with pneumonia. I had to come away at half time because I felt so bad. Standing up makes me shiver and dizzy and feel as if I'm going to pass out. I've only fallen over once, but I was at home so I could lie down for a bit. If I stay standing up - it sounds stupid - I just feel like I'm going to die there and then!

I just want to be able to do small, normal things. I've had all my bloods done and I'm not anaemic. I'm 14+3 at the moment.

Is anyone in the same position?
Thanks

OP posts:

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PinkFondantFancy · 07/05/2011 12:53

Hi local I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. I think you should definitely go and talk it through with your GP - I was feeling absolutely exhausted at about the same stage as you and couldn't really do my job, and my GP signed me off for a month. While I was off I basically slept day and night and I'm now feeling so much better. Things sound even worse for you because you're probably still trying to get over the last chest infection. HTH

BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 07/05/2011 13:00

Yes, I'm 36+1 and in the same position. I've got heart problems which make pregnancy extra tiring, have had the problems standing which you describe from the outset... I almost collapsed in Tesco last week and had to be wheeled out to the car by the first aider. Like you, I really want to be able to do the small, normal things, and am fed up that I can't.

What has helped me most has been to keep reminding myself that pregnancy is only temporary and that I will feel better eventually. After DD was born, I felt immediately so much better that constant treadmill of nappies and endless sleepless nights seemed an utter breeze. If it's the pregnancy causing your symptoms (and probably best you check with a doctor that there's nothing more serious) then you should feel the same.

In the meantime, though, can you cut down on what you're trying to do? As much as you want to go to choir and the supermarket, you could potentially take some time out from the choir and do all your shopping online... which would leave you more energy for the marking and data sorting essential for work. Is there anyone you could get a lift from or car-share with for work, so you don't need to drive, or don't need to drive every day?

Thinking of you. Do PM me if you want a chat, or just a moan...

Original poster

localcrackpot · 07/05/2011 13:24

Thanks so much. I mostly have stopped trying to do things I know I can't, but I was hoping there might be a quick fix, ha :)

Thanks breastmilk hope you feel better soon too x

OP posts:

Original poster

localcrackpot · 07/05/2011 13:26

Why did it not post what I put?!

I also said thanks to fondant and that I would go back to the dr :)

OP posts:

buttonmoon78 · 07/05/2011 17:00

I agree - go back. I had bronchitis and flu over Christmas and New Year at roughly 7-9 weeks pg. It wiped me out totally for a good while.

If rest is what it takes, then rest is what you should have. Going on like this means being in a bad state to begin your baby's life which is the time you need energy for labour etc.

Hope you feel better soon.

nickelbabe · 07/05/2011 17:06

poor you.
it's not fair that it seems the best solution is to put on hold the exrta-curricular stuff.

cos you have to do your marking, but you don't have to go to the supermarket or choir.

If I were in your position, I'd sooner not work than have to miss choir!
what about asking if you can have fridays off?
then you could have a lie-in, and have enough strength to go to choir.

If that's not a possibility - don't stand up to sing ! you can sing equally effectively if you sit up straight, and give your lungs plenty of space. (i promise!)

nickelbabe · 07/05/2011 17:07

or the other thing was to ask if someone else can do your marking?
so that you just do the teaching part, and any extra gets done by someone else.
that's not a permanent thing, so when you feel better, you can take some or all of it back.

travispickles · 07/05/2011 18:11

Am a sec school teacher and I felt the same at that stage. It's a hard job anyway but I was wrecked. I wish I had been signed off, I got no respect for being a martyr.

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