ec
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Post by ec on Feb 6, 2020 18:50:37 GMT
Hi Monica I'm well thank you. I had my 20 week scan today. Time seems to moving very quickly now. A bit anxious about this new virus in China, I guess it plays into my health anxiety and being pregnant makes me more concerned about these things. How are you? I hope you are well x
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Post by monica on Feb 7, 2020 15:34:09 GMT
Wow 20 weeks - that’s gone fast! The corona virus is worrying - it sounds less virulent that sars for example. I’m sure you’ll be fine - look after yourself or as much as you can! Not easy with little ones!
I’m well thx. I’ve been undertaking a course for which we have to submit a portfolio of work - it’s due in next fri and I’ve got a lot to finish! X
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Post by monica on Mar 26, 2020 12:47:20 GMT
How are you doing EC in these crazy times? How’s the pregnancy going? Thinking of you - big hugs x
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ec
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Post by ec on May 28, 2020 20:29:20 GMT
Hi Monica Thank you for the message and sorry for the late reply. I've generally been fine thanks. I have a bit of protein in my uribe which midwife is investigating but don't have any preeclampsia symptoms so hopefully it's just an anomaly. I am a bit concerned about going into hospital to give birth. I'm currently a bit stressed about a white spot I've found on the inside of my cheek which I can't get checked out at the dentist but have periods of anxiety when I start catastrophising that it could be cancer. I've not felt particularly worried about my health since pregnancy so makes me wonder whether it's a symptom of PNI blip. Trying to remember cbt strategies but when anxiety arises I find it hard not to think the worst. Hopefully the white spot will disappear but don't want to keep checking as that won't help with my anxiety. Guess I will just have to sit with it. How are u? Are u working or furloughed? I hope you and your family are well xx
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Post by monica on May 31, 2020 10:40:08 GMT
Hi EC
Great to hear from you and that your pregnancy is going well. How many weeks are you? I think any pregnant woman is bound to feel anxious at this time but from what I can father maternity units are really trying to make mums to be as stress free as possible. Could you speak to your midwife about this? Do you have particular concerns? Maybe these could be addressed and plan put in place.
How’s the spot in your cheek? I get mouth ulcers that look like this? Could it be that? It’s highly unlikely to be anything serious but as someone who worries about these type of things I hear you! You can get virtual appt with your dr or consultation over the phone. Do approach dr for reassurance! Nothing worse than worrying! It’s great that the health anxiety hadn’t reared it’s head though completely understandable especially with covid that it does from time to time. Also if you’ve had an anxiety free period, it can feel so much worse.
I’m ok thanks ...I’m combining working in the office and some working from home. For once, going in is great! Gets me away from the house and kids!! I’m fortunate in that my pay hasn’t been affected and work have generally been very supportive x
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ec
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Posts: 57
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Post by ec on Jun 5, 2020 20:20:24 GMT
Hi Monica Thank you for reply. I'm 37 weeks tomorrow. I've just found out I'm positive for step b which will mean intravenous antibiotics in labour. Feeling a bit bummed by this as although risk to baby is low feel like I can't take it but don't like the thought of taking them throughout labour and having to go in moment labour starts. I was reading about the post viral symptoms that people can be left with after coronavirus like chronic fatigue and fuzzy head etc and they sounded so much like some of my PNI symptoms. It freaks me out that if I was to catch it I would have so much anxiety about not properly recovering from the illness and ending up feeling like I did with my physical PNI symptoms with 3 chn to look after. I'm catastrophising but that's where I go in dark moments. I'm glad to hear you are enjoying going into work and that you and your family are well. I do miss work and seeing colleagues. Sorry about venting, I know compared to what some are going through I'm being ridiculed x
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Post by monica on Jun 5, 2020 21:53:49 GMT
Hi EC
Wow 37 weeks! That's gone quickly! I had strep B too and took antibiotics in labour. I guess its' necessary though. Perhaps try to plan (as much as you can) what you'd like to have done at home and replicate that as much as possible in hospital?
You're not being ridiculous at all and this is your space to offload whenever you like. I know it's tough and the whole corona thing I think brings out the anxiety in everybody, especially with three children to care for. My best advice to you re: coronavirus is DON'T read anything about it unless it's relevant to your situation. Whilst the symptoms may be similar to pni the cause is different. If it helps you make a plan in case you get it ie what help/support you could get otherwise try different distraction techniques. I made a conscious decision not to watch the news as it really made me jittery. What things help you when you start to catastrophise. It's tough not seeing your work friends - do you chat on the phone or video call?x
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ec
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Post by ec on Jun 15, 2020 16:59:22 GMT
Thanks Monica, that's good advice. This virus is something that no one can control. I think long term health problems are a big trigger for me as i thought I was physically ill for 9 months until I found this forum. I do speak to colleagues and I'm still doing a bit of work from home but feel so tired and big now that I'm really struggling to do any more now. I hope you continue to stay safe and well. Thank you for your ongoing support. X
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Post by monica on Jun 17, 2020 6:34:50 GMT
Always here to listen EC! Glad you’re ok if not quite so comfortable anymore wow you’re doing well to be still working .i do remember How hard it is being 38 weeks pregnant.
I hear you about how anxiety triggering illnesses can be and don’t forget your Pni experience wasn’t that long ago. I too believed I had some awful illnesses before finding this site and that experience can have an impact though in time will lessen.
All the best with the birth - I guess it could be anytime now! Do let me know how you get on - I’m sure it’ll all go smoothly! Good luck! X
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ec
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Post by ec on Jun 27, 2020 17:23:20 GMT
Hi Monica It's my due date today and I feel a bit unsettled. I've been under some stress recently with extended family stuff so that might have contributed to my unease. I woke up this morning with a weird feeling in my jaw and I'm having catastrophising thoughts of it getting worse. I recognise this as anxiety and trying to remind myself that by focusing on the feeling it's making it worse. Just brings back the reminder of PNI at a time when I would like to feel calm and relaxed. It's so annoying because if I didn't have the anxiety I probably wouldn't even have given my jaw sensation a second thought. Xx
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Post by monica on Jun 28, 2020 8:59:24 GMT
Hi EC
I hope today is better! Family issues are not what you need! If you want to talk about then feel free to post here or by private message.
The jaw ache is also familiar to me - I have a mouth guard for night time as that’s what I do too! Could you try distraction/relaxation techniques? I’m not great atm As going through a relationship break up - ruminating, stressed and unhappy - but am finding relief in audio books - I’m listening to handmaids tale on you tube (probably not for you atm!) but something you enjoy. I find having to listen to the spoken word really good as a distraction. Also try wearing an elastic band on your wrist and flick it if you find yourself catastrophising- this little shock can help. I’ve started a bit of telephone interpreting and it’s weird as when I get a call I find this jolt really does something positive - immediate distraction and focus and afterwards I feel more objective and calm. Very odd but it works!
I don’t know if you’re able to just try to put these issues aside for now ? Perhaps pass them on to someone else to deal with? I try to do this when I just can’t deal with stuff for whatever reason .
Big hugs EC - try to make you a priority!! X
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ec
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Post by ec on Jul 5, 2020 18:58:09 GMT
Hi Monica So sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time at the mo and thank you so much for replying to me when you’ve got your own distractions. I hope things resolve themselves quickly and you find contentment. I had my baby last week and she’s lovely. Birth was quick and we didn’t get antibiotics in the end. Had one night in hospital and then home. It’s lovely being a mum of 3 but even with my husband off its full on. I do wonder how on earth im going to cope when he has to start working again. Found mood wise I’ve been good but last day or so old anxiety creeping back in. I must sound like a broken record with physical things worrying me but I found a lump in my nipple area and whilst I try not to catastrophise, anxiety makes everything in my mind scream the worst. I’m breast feeding so maybe it’s a blocked duct but it doesn’t hurt. Going to phone docs to get it checked out. I wish I Could be like my husband and only worry when there’s something to worry about but my brain doesn’t work this way especially post partum. I’ve found myself tears today and just generally a bit low which I guess the lack of sleep and hormone change is to be expected. I’m glad you’re enjoying your translation and that it provides some distraction. Thanks again for your support x
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Post by monica on Jul 6, 2020 10:45:06 GMT
Hugest congrats EC - welcome to the world baby! Wonderful news and glad all went smoothly. Your hormones are all over the place, possibly no routine established yet plus two other little ones to look after - youve got so much on!! It’s normal to feel teary. The lump is undoubtedly related to the breast feeding I’m guessing but do get it checked out for peace of mind.
Don’t ever think you sound like a broken record! Talk away! You’ve identified exactly the cause of the heightened anxiety - it’s such an unpleasant feeling even if you able to rationalise logically but your head can’t quite accept it. I’m sure it’ll settle down. If it’s getting to you could you speak to midwife or health visitor. Sometimes just offloading can help x
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ec
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Post by ec on Jul 9, 2020 16:10:14 GMT
Hi Monica I went to the docs about the lump. she said it didn’t feel suspicious and could be blocked duct and to massage it and if it doesn’t go in a couple of weeks she will refer me to have it scanned. I still feel anxious about it though and even with reassurance I’m scared it’s bad. Every time I go to massage it and then feel it still there it makes the anxiety worse as I’m questioning why it hasn’t gone. Wish I could rationalise but seem to have trouble being object at mo. How are u getting on? I hope you’re feeling a bit better X
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Post by monica on Jul 9, 2020 22:22:09 GMT
Hi
Ive no doubt the dr is quite correct - it’s not a coincidence you start breast feeding and the lump appears! Saying that I get the health anxiety - it’s hard to control with rationalisation especially with tiredness and hormones. Just do what you can to tell yourself it’s nothing to worry about and if it feels likes it’s Too overwhelming do think about getting support .
Thanks for asking after me! I suppose I’m feeling a bit better getting used to life as it is x
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