I don't think I can cope with another 25 weeks of this.

[MammyToMany]

Am 15/16 weeks pregnant and the thought of another
25+ weeks of feeling like this is awful.

I am suffering with severe migraines most days, I saw the gp who has given me co codamol but couldn't prescribe anything else (she was considering beta blockers) as I am mildly asthmatic. She is going to write to my consultant but I don't know what they can do to help me.

I have 3 children including a 14 month old and am struggling on a day to day basis. The migraines make me feel dizzy and sick, I have to use a chair by the cooker to make dinner, I dont get out much and the dc are going stir crazy, the pain can be incredible and I have resorted to putting the Dc to bed as early as half 6 so I can crawl up to bed with the toddler. They are 10 and 8 and it seems so unfair to them. I've been sending the eldest to get chips or a happy meal quite often as it means I don't have to try and move off the sofa and cook.

The older dc spend half the week with their dad and on the one hand this is great for them and means I have less responsibility and they get to go out etc but on the other I have been relying on them quite heavily at times to help me with the toddler, fetching him drinks and playing with him etc.

I have the midwife on Wednesday but don't know how they can help me.

I am a single parent and don't really have friends or anyone who can help me. My house is a mess, I am failing my Dc and if anyone has any migraine cures I would be so grateful.

When you have your midwife appointment can you ask about SureStart volunteers? I haven't used them but I have heard good things about them helping people exactly like you who need a hand with everyday things.

Can you put your older DC in a play scheme while they're still on holiday? My local council runs lots of sports camps over the summer and there is even more provision by private providers.

I had a similar thing from 18 weeks. I ended up in tears at the dr at 23 weeks. He prescribed cocodamol. I was reluctant to take it at first but I soon found that if I took it regularly as time went on it cleared the headaches. Eventually after 2 weeks I was able to stop taking them.
When I went to the dr my bp was high and I think this was what was causing the headaches. I have put it down to stress. I too have 3 dc's (7,4, just 2) and the end of term was crazy. I have tried to slow right down, go to bed early and stay well hydrated. I also cut my caffeine intake completely and started trying to eat better. For me it is a viscous circle with these things - the worse I feel the more crap I eat.
See if you can get some suport of your local children's centre. I am not a single parent and find it hard enough.
Good luck x

Can you not have the father of your toddler, or his family, help out at all?

Otherwise I agree with getting help from sure start or using play schemes. I would presume you're getting some kind of benefits so must be entitled to some financial support for play schemes etc.

In terms of the migraines, have they given you a cause for them? I was havin them but I was found to be anaemic. Since taking iron tablets they've all but disappeared.

I've had a look at sure start children's centres but my older boys are to old for their activities, will have a google at local playschemes etc.

The gp says its just hormonal, my iron levels and blood pressure are fine. Serves me right really for sailing through previous pregnancies!

Exp works full time so not great for childcare although he will take him for a few hours of a weekend - ds3 is under a prohibited steps order though so I shouldn't really be letting him go but I'm hopeful the order will be lifted soon.

I've been keeping notes of what I am eating and so far have cut out cheese, chocolate, coffee, coke, and a few other things although a lot of the time they can be set off by catching the sun in my eye (it's always the right eye/side) looking in certain directions with my eyes, moving my head to quickly, sleeping at an angle on the pillow, watching tv - or certain programmes, to much noise, too quiet, not enough sleep, brushing my hair, having a poo - the list is massive!

I'd highly recomend cool n soothe or 4head strips to help ease you head, they were essential for me between 13-18wks. £1 for 3 in asda and fantastic.

And also drinking water constantly yes i spent 90% of the day peeing but i'd rather that than a sore head.

I will definately get some of them, thank you.

I drink a lot of water, but will up the amount.

I'm hoping they ease off soon, I'm glad (sorry!) that other people have experienced the same, I was worried there was a sinister reason for them.

Have you had your eyes tested MammyToMany? I had to go see an optician because of migraines in earlier pregnancy - I was refered by my MW/GP. Unfortunately it wasn't the underlying problem with me and i kind of had to put up with it and spend most of the first 20 weeks either hanging over toilet or lying down in a dark room. I couldn't focus my eyes at all without it hurting really bad. But maybe this could help you out a little? Worth a try at least! Hope you feel better soon!

I don't think I've had my eyes tested since I was a child, I'll have to get them done, I know what you mean about trying to focus your eyes