PPMD: 3 Month Update

I have had several emails and comments asking for an update on my postpartum mood disorders.  I am happy to oblige!

Here is a quick recap - click here to read the full story.

• I had fairly severe struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety after Buggy.
• I didn't admit I had a problem until 6 months when I couldn't leave my porch.
• Admitting it was the hardest thing - I didn't fully "come clean" about how sick I was until over a year later.
• My thyroid was the main cause of my issues.
• This time around, I began having problems at 6 weeks postpartum.
• I was prepared to battle to stay well.

Ok - we're all caught up.

At 6 weeks, I noticed that I was showing symptoms. I headed right to my endocrinologist.  After lab work, she decided to adjust my thyroid hormone levels.  All but my TSH looked perfect, but since I was highly symptomatic, it warranted a change.  My calcium and vitamin D levels were also quite low so I began extra supplementation.

A week later, I was actually feeling much worse.  I wasn't sleeping.  I was highly anxious.  I had no sense of humor.  My doctor ran labs again and had me discontinue my thyroid replacement hormone until the results came in.  Things were headed in the right direction but not enough for me to feel any better.

After four days with no supplementation, my levels were changing enough for me to start feeling better.  Each week I have felt more and more like myself.

My sense of humor is back.  I am completely enjoying my time with my children.  We have fun.  We laugh.  We crawl on the floor.  We dance like crazy.  I am healing!  It is rare to have a symptomatic day now.  The picture with this post is proof.  I haven't been able to look at a picture of myself and smile about it in a long time - let alone take a picture of myself for the sole purpose of looking at it - let alone posting it for all to see!

What do you think of the new hair color? I felt bold when I bought it.

In a few weeks, I will share with you another aspect to this healing process.  Who knew a car would be instrumental in becoming well?  Also, check back next week for a guest post entitled "7 Tips to a Less Anxious Life."

Have you struggled with postpartum mood disorders?  How have you coped?  Are you healing?  Let me know in the comments!