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Pregnancy

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

Extreme, Chronic, Severe Fatigue in Pregnancy

3 replies

LovePaisley · 05/02/2019 19:40

So, by week 6 I was so tired/weak I had to stop going to work. In fact, I had to stop doing anything at all. With a lot of effort I could make it down the corridor to the bathroom - that was it. I could not stand up long enough to take a shower. I did not have strength to hold myself upright to eat at table. I got taken to my hospital appointments in a wheelchair. Up until this point in my life I have always been active with no underlying health problems. Blood tests did not show up anything abnormal - no thyroid problems, no blood count problems, no deficiencies. By week 12 there had been episodes when I was so weak that I literally could not move, not even to lift my own head. My dh was afraid that I would die in the night, and I felt like I was slipping away. Doctors at the hospital were clearly baffled by my condition and said it was 'very unusual'. Although they could not diagnose what was wrong with me or name any particular complication, they offered to admit me to hospital. Then, we lost the baby in a silent miscarriage. As I had already got to the point of thinking that I might not survive pregnancy, my first reaction when we were told was relief. It's two months after the D&C and I am still recovering physically from the weakness. I have not yet returned to work but, on good days, I can go out for short walks. I am getting stronger and feel confident I will make a full recovery. But, the reason I am posting this is because I do not feel confident about trying again. In fact, I feel terrified. I feel like trying again would be hugely brave and possibly hugely foolish. With doctors not able to pin down the problem (I am still being monitored with blood tests), I have been unable to get any real medical advice about whether or not I would experience the same symptoms if we did get pregnant again. Also, I feel so isolated in my experience as I've not come across any stories about the same thing. Has anyone out there experienced this incapacitating level of fatigue in pregnancy? If so, were you given treatment? Were you ultimately able to have a successful pregnancy?

Thanks for reading.

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LovePaisley · 09/03/2019 13:49

Just wanted to update this post in case anyone does come across it looking for answers to something similar.

I am now 3 months post the EPRC. My energy is close to getting back to normal. I will restart work next week.

Things that I didn't mention above, so as not to complicate the issue were that the pregnancy was diagnosed as partial molar. All the health professionals I've spoken to say that the symptoms I suffered are not associated with molar, so it remains a mystery. However, my energy has been returning at the same time that my HCG levels have been levelling out so maybe it is connected after all...

Also, I have a history of PMDD (which has only very recently diagnosed). This means that I am hypersensitive to hormonal fluctuations. However, I can't find any examples of women with PMDD who have had similar issues with pregnancy (molar or otherwise).

If you have experienced anything similar then I'd be happy to hear from you.

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JenMumma · 10/03/2019 01:56

Wow you e been through a lot. How are you feeling ? Hope you're ok? Your post is fascinating (and obviously also very sad, sorry for your loss ) xx

LovePaisley · 10/03/2019 14:54

Hi JenMumma, thanks for your message and your sympathy.

I'm not too bad, considering. Lol. Now that my energy is returning I've been doing a bit of baking and gardening, and it's very encouraging to be able to feel productive in small ways. I'm creating a balcony garden from scratch so am hoping to heal with the process.

My partner got very run down looking after me while trying to keep up with his (very demanding) job so he's now off work recooperating too, which I think is for the best.

I've been offered therapy from my work and the hospital so I may take that up at some point when I'm feeling fully recovered physically. I'm also going to try out acupuncture to help with my PMDD (now that my periods have returned). I may broach more mainstream medical treatment down the line. Haha, I'm a work in progress! But there are more good days than bad right now.

I'm glad you found my post fascinating. I just hope my GP feels the same way when I next see him. x

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