Mother in Law

[motherinlaw]

Can anyone give some clues please. I have a beautiful, strong, intelligent and loving daughter in law. She has had a tough time in a number of ways but she has a beautiful little boy, a devoted husband (though still in training) and as much love and support as we are all able to give but ...
she is permanently desperately tired - even when she hasn't done too badly for sleep, she seems to be SO angry with just about everything and everyone around her. She is just so unhappy - and we are therefore all unhappy. I wish I knew what to do to help her but I'm not sure if she would recognise the problem and even so it would be difficult for me to say anything without angering her further. Help needed urgently

[sarajay28]

Hi Mother-in-law,

How lucky for her that she has you trying to help her! Have you tried approaching your son about this? You obviously think she has PNI to some degree? else you wouldn't have asked for advice on this site? correct me if i'm wrong or making assumptions. Maybe you could show her this site? maybe you could contact her Health Visitor? do you know if she has ever completed the Edinburgh Scale Questionairre? It is something that health visitors use to assess the likelihood of a mum suffering from PNI, although most women do try and give the answers that they think the professionals want! (just warning you)
Have you tried any of the above? maybe you could tell us more about what things you have tried, i.e. taking the child out to give her a break, helping with housework etc,etc.
I'm glad you have found this site as it is hugely supportive, please feel free to keep us updated and we'll try to give you any advice that may help.

Loadsa Love

Sarah.xxx

[cheshire]

Hi MIL,

How lovely that you're seeking support and help for your DIL?xx

My mother suspected I had PNI long before I recognised it myself - it must be hard for those on the outside who suspect something is wrong..

I agree with sarah's advice, and would only add that in line with my own experiences - I found it easier to open up to a GP than a HV (who in my opinion didn't really understand the gravity of the situation& was a bit patronising!).

As Sarah asks, does she gets lots of breaks? I had to put my 2 in Nursery (wasn't working at the time) for 2 days a week and spent quite a bit of that time just sleeping - following a long period of insomnia).
It really helped.

Hope this is useful in some way - please feel free to ask anything - although we're not experts, we'll be able to share some of our experiences with you.

Hopefulxxx

[K]

Dear Mother-in-law,
I saw this post and had to reply, I have PNI and my mother in law has suggested I may be making my symptoms up or faking them. I was so upset when I read this because I don't have that relationship. I have been with my husband since I was 16 years old (I'm 27 now) and have turned myself inside out to please her. Your daughter-in-law is so lucky to have you to support her.
Please pass on my best wishes for her and show her this site. There is hope !
Love and best wishes
Kelly