Do you think this is ppd.....

[musicmaj]

I am 10 weeks postpartum. My whole body aches, even the bottom of my feet and I can't figure out why. I have nightmares most nights and they are just too weird. I feel anxious.

We just moved 2 weeks ago (stress and a lot of work) and I also have an autistic child that is very needy right now because of adjusting to a new sibling and a new house. I do feel stressed out, but I don't know what is normal and what is not. I guess my biggest concern right now is how much my body hurts for no apparent reason. I thought it was from lifting and moving things but the pain is not going away. I feel like I have the flu. I am breastfeeding and I have no pain in my breasts so I don't think it is mastitis.

Thanks for your opinions.

[Annikate]

I have not experienced pain like that relating to ppd but I don't know. Anyway, didn't want to read without posting. Hope you feel better & find an answer!

[callalillyanne]

I just wanted to let you know that anxiety, for one, can cause all kinds of strange bodily sensations...as can depression. Unfortunately, I speak from experience. I'd go see your family doctor and tell him/her what is going on. If he finds no other cause, anxiety is most likely the culprit.

Also, did you take the PPD quiz posted at the top of this forum? It can be helpful ....

I hope that helps and don't hesistate to post/write if you need us!

[mama4-5]

I read your post, and we have a great deal in common. I too had strange pains in my body at two weeks pp. I have been to many doctors and had many tests, and now I am 18 weeks pp, and still battling with feeling weak and sick, and now I wonder if depression and anxiety can have these physical effects. I moved to a new home in a new area before my baby was born, and I have a son with as that I home school. You are going through a lot, and I feel for you. Not feeling well with so much responsibility is so very difficult. I know that I didn't offer any advise, but I wanted you to know that you are not alone. I will keep you in my thoughts.

[musicmaj]

Hi,
Thanks for the responses. I just took the quiz. I didn't see it yesterday when I posted. I scored 39 which is under the score where they say you should go get help - but I do have two of the things in red. I have had scary thoughts and weird thoughts that keep going around in my head. For instance, I had a whole night worth of nightmares two nights ago - gory nightmares - which is not normal for me. Usually if I have a nightmare they will be more of the suspensful type. Now I can't stop thinking about the images in those dreams. I never think about me hurting my own child, but I get really panicky when my children are not with me and I start to have thoughts about my kids being kidnapped and held for ransome or of them getting into a car accident.... The thoughts don't usually involve the baby either. My kids getting kidnapped is the one that plays over in my head the most. I do have to say though, these thoughts are not constant, but I have been experiencing them daily for about 2 weeks now. Also, I don't think that I am a bad mother, but lately I have had guilty feelings for my son being austistic and fear that my new baby could also have autism. (there are no signs of it right now though).
I think I will have to call my dr. on Monday and at least discuss all of this with her. She is a really good doctor and she knows me well.

I am glad I am not alone with my body aches. I bet it is from stress. From what I have read, having all those body aches post partum could also be caused by a thyroid problem so I will have my doctor check that too.

Mama4-5,
You are right, we do have a lot in common. I am also homeschooling my 5 year old, but my 3 year old goes to preschool 3 days a week so he can get his therapy. I do enjoy homeschooling and have been trying to keep it as simple as possible since having the baby. I hope you are feeling better soon too.

[Anuska]

I just wanted to let you know that anxiety, for one, can cause all kinds of strange bodily sensations...as can depression

Yes, that is so true. I had symptoms like that when I suffered PPD. The body/mind connection is so strong. I was hyper-sensitive to so many things during the PPD time. Its good to have a good thorough checkup though.

[musicmaj]

I am going to my trusted doctor tonight at 5:30. I spoke with her yesterday and she said that she will probably put me on some medication - prozac or paxil. I just have to find out which one is safe for breastfeeding. She will give me a check up too. I can not wait to feel normal again.

Thank you everyone.