Numerous health issues and can't make a decision how to treat....

[Binta]

Here I am 3 weeks post partum and I am immobilized by all the physical (and hey, by the way, mental too) ailments that keep coming at me.
I have anemia, a yeast infection, mastisis, UTI (all diagnosed) and a sinus infection (my guess). The mastisis is under control. The yeast (in breast) is the biggest current problem.

Perhaps it is my tiredness, or my body being so overwhelmed, but I honestly can not seem to be able to make a decision on how to get back on the path to health. Even little decisions and simple actions seem impossible (like, what to eat for dinner). Things that could possibly have long term effects on my DS are just way too much for me to even try and figure out.
Okay, I'm being a bit vague, what I mean to say is - I really, really do not want to take medication while I am breastfeeding. I read all about how to get rid of yeast, or UTI - and every option seems to have a side effect, or a potential down side for my DS. (The 3 week old.) He seems to have colic, or GERD or thrush, something that is causing him discomfort, and because of this I am wanting to get rid of my health problems (in case it is what is causing him this discomfort, i.e. thrush).
I need a push to get me to actually take something (or do something) to fix myself. Problem is, I don't know what to take/do. Yeast: the gentian violet has side effects, the Dr. RX has more. UTI - The antibiotics that were RX to me have been carefully thrown in the back of my medicine cabinet untouched. Cranberry not seeming to do anything, extra water either. Vit C, nothing.

I am depressed. Even getting motivated to do the basic things takes a lot. These medical issues are really pushing me to the edge. Please, if anyone has any advice, please share. I am sure this is easier than I am making it - I am honestly just frozen and not able to make any movements on this.
How do I know what to do, and that the choice I make are the right ones? Wish I had someone to talk to that understands my adversion to medicine.

[leafwood]

oh mama!!!! you're dealing with a lot!!!!
from personal experience, yeast sucks. it can get out of hand. ditto for UTI. i would suggest taking the abx for the UTI AND insisting on a long, big course of diflucan for yeast...especially since the abx will encourage the yeast to grow. if i were in your situation, i would view it as taking 4 wks to get things back on track and then, when you can think straight, you'll be able to fine tune things.
personally, my ductal yeast was so overwhelming i felt depressed, hopeless, so out of it....and that was just one of the many things you are dealing with.
and your baby should probably be treated for yeast as well. nystatin worked for us plus topical cream on my breast. throw out ALL soft plastic that has come in contact w/ breast or baby's mouth. get help around the house, etc. if anyone is offering and hang in there. you will get through this and your body is strong. give it time and gentleness and you will heal!!!

[sbgrace]

Honestly, I would do antibiotics (along with heavy duty probiotics throughout--and get florastor prior to starting and take it throughout as antibiotics can't kill it and it does well with yeast control) and diflucan afterward. Diflucan is the only thing that finally helped multiple people I know who struggled with yeast. Baby needs treated as well (genetian violet perhaps?).

[Binta]

Thanks for your posts! I guess I do need to just bite the bullet and take the meds.
I appreciate your thoughts. Now for me to get moving and do something about it already

Karen

[balancedmama]

Sometimes I found that the ease of doing the western medicine route was really what I needed when I was early postpartum. 2 weeks after my homebirth I had mastitis too and still couldn't stand up from my rectocele. Try not to make yourself crazy - I would take the abx and then the diflucan and try to enjoy your baby. Keep an eye on that mood and let someone know if you are still feeling down after your health improves, mama. Oh and get something good to help your anemia. I like iron glycinate best for the PP anemia.