Topic : Dealing with Postpartum Depression

It's good that you're going to see a doctor.  You never know, he/she might say you don't need meds.

I know what you mean about asking people for things.  I'm a bit that way myself.  That actually happened to me just a couple of weeks ago.  My eldest had got me so frustrated that I was crying into my sink.  Tragic.  My point is, with all those dramas, even with my family reasonably close by, I felt like there was no-one I could call for a bit of relief.

Your husband should spend some time with the kids.  They're his kids too, after all.  It's not weird to feel a little bit of guilt.  But, in the words of Dr.Phil, you need to take care of your children's mother. 

Children have a wonderful way of making us smile, don't they?  They have such innocence and joy at the most seemingly insignificant things.  Maybe it's time we all went and played dress-ups with the kids for a while.  Go have some fun.

Take care.  Bye from Australia.

Ruthieg

I can only suggest this, but I don't think you should have more children.  Not until you can get yourself sorted out.  If you can afford it, go to another doctor.  Get a second opinion, that is your right. 

Your family probably don't know the extent of how you're feeling.  Or they just don't know how to deal with it.  Boyfriend can wait for more children.  I say, if he wants more then he go through the process of being pregnant and delivering a child, then see how willing he is to have more kids, tee hee.  I've noticed that about men.  They are more than willing to be there for the conception part of it all, but once baby's born and the real work begins, they disappear.  So just relax, take it easy and take care of yourself.  You have a beautiful daughter who needs you, so you need to take care of you.

I'm rambling now, so I'll finish up before my reply gets lost in all the words.  Take care.  Bye from Australia.

Ruthieg

 I am in urgent need of referral! My daughter was diagnosed with post partum depression after the birth of her last child 2 years ago. Since then, she has been suffled around to so many doctors and her medication changed that at this point we are not even sure what is causing her illnesses. She can't hardly function, she has migraines, she feels that every step she takes is one of sheer will. Since the birth of her child she has had to have a hysterectomy due to fibroids. Prior to that surgery she had to have endometrial ablasion surgery because since the birth of her daughter she would not quit spotting. Please, if anybody out there has a bell ringing about where to direct us to finally find out what is wrong I would greatly appreciate it. My daughter is only 26.

When your duaghter had the hystorectomy, did they remove her ovaries also?  I am 36 and had a hystorectomy a little over a year ago. I ask about her ovaries because having them removed can make a huge difference in your daughters life.

Since your daughter has gone through all these operations, has any Dr. checked her Hormone levels or done a Thyroid test on her?  Have you noticed your daughters sleeping habits changing, eating habits changing, any change in weight lose or weight gain?

I know all these questions may seem dumb and anoying to you but after my hystorecomy I suffered from the same things you describe about your daughter.  I was placed on several different anti-depressants over time and nothing seemed to help me...in fact, they only made me worse.  I complained to my Dr. so much that a couple of months ago he finaly ordered a Thyroid test for me.  I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism.

I am not saying your daughter is suffering from a Thyroid problem but my Dr. explained to me that Thyroid problems can cause a huge range of problems.  Some of the symptoms are...constant headaches, change in sleep patterns, night sweats, hot flashes, change in weight lose or gain, change in eating habits, very bad mood swings, depression, lose of energy, sweaty hands and feet. Basicly you feel like your whole body has turned on you and you don't feel any control over anything anymore. 

Also, having a hystorectomy is a very shocking event to a woman. I remember for about 6 or 7 months after having my operation I felt very bad about having it done. I kept second guessing myself..wondering if I had made the right choice. I felt like what truely made me a woman was taken from me.  I wish I could give you more help ....and I'm not even sure if this will help you...  But I do hope it does.  I feel for you and your daughter greatly.  If you can give me some answers to the questions above I might be able to give you some better advice.  I have a wonderful Dr. and I can take some of this information to him and see if he can give a recommendation of what you should do.  I more thing, what State do you live in?  Maybe my Dr. can help find you a good specialist in your area.  It's worth a shot anyway.