Something that’s been happening in our family’s life lately is poor health. Which is quite honestly the main reason for my lack of writing lately–it’s hard to get anything done when you’re exhausted, feel ill and can’t think straight.
A Bit of Background
I was healthy growing up. In college, under incredible stress, I got Lyme’s disease, developed IBS and a lactose intolerance, got and recovered from an eating disorder, and struggled with lingering hormonal issues for a while afterwards.
With dietary changes, supplements, and a LOT of doctor’s visits, things gradually improved. Especially after I graduated college and I was able to manage my stress more easily.
When I got pregnant in 2018, I was at my healthiest point in years. I got morning sickness, struggled with some light bleeding throughout my pregnancy, and had a blah but not traumatic delivery. Things were fine. And during that pregnancy, my IBS was nonexistent, which was wonderful.
In 2020, I got pregnant with baby #2 and for the first few months, things were good. Some bleeding issues again, but nothing serious until I was diagnosed with placenta previa at my 20-week ultrasound and had an episode of major bleeding that landed me in the hospital. The rest of the pregnancy was stressful and physically difficult. The delivery was easy, but my son had health issues that put him in the hospital for a week.
Currently Dealing With
Since coming out of the newborn fog/fog of little A’s 1000000 medical appointments last year, I felt… off, starting in June-ish. Not mentally, but physically.
When I first developed IBS, I religiously avoided a whole list of foods that triggered my symptoms: gluten, brown rice, corn, tomatoes, citrus, beans, and of course high lactose foods. I even used nondairy substitutes for everything for a while just to give my body time to heal.
Over time I’d reintroduced almost everything without issues. But after having little A, those foods started to cause problems again… abdominal pain after meals, nausea, and reflux. My symptoms started out so mild that I barely noticed.
But soon they were quite noticeable. I was also diagnosed with low iron (again–it’s a constant problem for me) and took supplements until my ferritin was in the normal range, which took a few months. My OB told me that ferritin levels are supposed to be between 15 and 150ng/mL and mine was 9… way too low.
Even after my iron came up, I started to feel brain-foggy, have joint pain, feel cold all the time, and I could not sleep enough at night (and woke up several times overnight). My blood sugar was very unstable and the “lows” left me feeling shaky and sick.
Even a single slice of wheat bread or bowl of chili forced me to recline after a meal and pop some TUMs. And foods that had never bothered me before–like oatmeal or curry–suddenly caused a reaction too. I felt like my body was breaking down.
What I’m Doing Now
Ultimately, I decided to start my original IBS diet again, just because those foods are definitely triggers and I can more easily figure out anything else bothering me from there.
While I miss chili, sourdough, clementines, and black bean nachos (among other things), it’s just not worth it to feel sick all the time.
I’ve only just started again, and I’m hoping it’s really going to make a difference. I hate being dependent on TUMs/Prilosec, simethicone tabs, digestive aids, and Tylenol to feel like a human being.
I’m also going back to my old gastroenterologist to check in and see if there’s anything else I can do/should be checked for. My family doctor (bless them) recommended some of the medications but wasn’t interested in finding a root cause–but I am.
As a side note, I’m not the only family member who’s struggling with GI stuff right now. Eric had food poisoning last week, and little E developed an oat intolerance after getting COVID in January. He throws up, and it’s sometimes triggered by brown rice as well. I’m also thinking of eliminating his A2 dairy now because he’s got the “shiner” look around his eyes again.
I hope you’re well, and if not: remember to advocate for yourself in the medical world! You deserve to feel well and live life to the fullest.
xx Claire