Terrified

*hyperventilates*

I've made the massive decision (for me!) to start a family, I am due my next depo injection tomorrow but me and my fiance are going to GP to discuss support etc.

I told him last time I saw him I was planning to come off depo, had a long chat and he agreed. It's a big deal as I severe mental health problems, complex PTSD, severe depression and panc disorder with agoraphobia. Gp has recommended, in agreement with psychiatrist, that I stay on all my medication apart from the antipsychotics (I was taking them PRN as no sleep=psychosis). I am worried I'll hurt a baby on my meds, especially the antidepressant (not advised in pregnancy) and benzos taken 5 x a day (also not recommended). Anti psychotic has been replaced with a sleeping tablet that is safer though not as effective on me.

GP said he was going to work out the best way of supporting me, during planning, whilst pregnant and after and was going to have info ready for tomorrow.

I really want this but am also utterly terrified. Terrified my MH will get worse during pregnancy, terrified coming off depo will upset hormone balance, terrified I wont be able to breathe during pregnancy (panic disorder!), terrified as my chances of post natal depression is sky high (hence staying on meds), terrified I'll not cope and leave my fiance alone with a baby.

Lol, sorry, this is my first help help help post. I'm sure there will be many more!!!

Elly

Thats good your doctor is being so supportive.
However I disagree with MrsMojo on this one as there isn't any AD's that can be taken during pregnancy. Yes they can be taken, but ALL have their risks. I have just gone through this and have decided not to take any medication until I have past 24 weeks. Reason for this is that they all carry the risk of what is called 'spontaneous abortion'. This is a miscarriage before a baby can survive in the outside world. Which is generally 24 weeks.
I have discussed this thoroughly with a psychiatrist (contacted them just for their input on the medication and their recommendation) and also maternal mental health. Whereas the psychiatrist said he was ok with prescribing me the medication, he was very insistant that I knew ALL the risks, but also the benefits. This is where benefits of taking the medication are 'over ruled' by the risks.

I don't mean to scare you, but I really feel that before taking any medication during pregnancy, you should look at all the risks and benefits. Looking at your case, I'd say the benefits outway the risks.

I was also told that there is also a risk to baby if you don't take the medication! I suffer from panic attacks and if they aren't controlled, this can cause all sorts of problems in itself.

Get information from your GP, also contact maternal mental health and also a psychiatrist at the hospital....all of whom can give you actual facts. Don't google in this case.

Again, I don't mean to scare you. There are meds that can be taken....BUT..they all carry risks.

Thats ok MrsMojo...that why on the end I added they can be taken...but with their risks.

I too came on here asking advice when a doctor had prescribed them to me. But I'm rather paranoid about taking anyhing in pregnancy and looked into it quite thoroughly.

Sometimes the benefits outway the risks, and thats a hard thing to get your head around being a pregnant mum.....so in MY situation I have decided to wait until at least 26 weeks (24 is just too early for my liking)....and if really need to take something, I will then.

I have a friend who is bi-polar and she wants TTC for her 3rd in about a year. She is already discussing this with her doctor and counsellors who are advising that in her case, medication will be decreased but wont be stopped as it's better for her mental health to stay on them.

So each case is different :)

I was talking to a lady at the Hamilton one, and she covers a large rural area and visits all the ladies in far out places.

I was referred by my midwife....otherwise I'd have never heard from them.

My nurse from MMH has also worked closely with my doctor so perhaps your doctor could send a referral.

I'm presuming its NZ wide as ladies on here from all over have talked about their service.

Hi MerlinFluff,

I too think you are very brave for sharing your story and fears with us.

It sounds like you have an awesome DR, nurse who will give you lots of support, as will your DF.

I agree with Nefertiti - don't google for any info. You are best to use your support people for answers or queries.

I wish you all the very very best

Wishing you all the best MerlinFluff.
We are all here to listen so let it all out whenever you want. That is what it is all about

Hehe, lol at your DF and the pony!

I have been reading this thread but havent commented yet.

I think you are really brave and very wise taking this big challenege on with so much careful thought and consideration. Sounds like your going to be great parents

Well done for coping with the awful smear and internal,..I can only but imagine how hard that must have be enfor you.
I have PTSD from the birth of my daughter and alos PND and anxiety, and a few months back when I needed a smear it was a very long, scary anxious awful time,..took me 7 attempts going to the clinic to have it done, before I could actually manage it    I was so pleased and so proud once it was over that I had actually finally done it!

Its great that u have such a supportive DF and GP and other services. Its good your Dr has referred u to MMH now too.
I am now in contact with them and have a case worker who I see in preparation for us ttc #2 which will be sometime next year hopefully.

So yeah,.hi and welcome to Ohbaby! Good luck with your journey to Mummyhood!


Edited by Kellz

 welcome Merlinfluff!  i think youll find there are lots of people on here who can to some extent or another relate to what you are going through. sometimes, just knowing you arent the only one helps so much.

feel free to come chat to us ladies in the "waiting to TTC' thread. were all holding off TTC for some reason or another, so just chat about well, everything and anything! great to have others in the same position.

welcome again! thanks for sharing your story with us

Kellz wrote: Hehe, lol at your DF and the pony! Well done for coping with the awful smear and internal,..I can only but imagine how hard that must have be enfor you. I have PTSD from the birth of my daughter and alos PND and anxiety, and a few months back when I needed a smear it was a very long, scary anxious awful time,..took me 7 attempts going to the clinic to have it done, before I could actually manage it    I was so pleased and so proud once it was over that I had actually finally done it! So yeah,.hi and welcome to Ohbaby! Good luck with your journey to Mummyhood!

Thanks for the welcome

You were very brave to make it for your smear, welldone . My gp knows me too well, just went for a 'normal' appt to get my meds and not take depo and he sprang a smear on me, he said he had time (whilst running over an hour late ) and if I just hop onto the table whilst DF was there it would be over in seconds crafty GP! He knows I would 100% not be able to make an appt for a smear, panic attacks would make it impossible to drive there and wait. lol. Not sure how I'll go with actually being pregnant and people wanting to have looksies up there etc. Though no idea how often that would be!

Hee hee, we have 4 horses already and ride often, DF wants baby on a pony ASAP. Made me giggle, waiting for Depo to wear off, even ttc will take a while let alone old enough for a pony . So glad he's excited though. He knows I love winnie the pooh and is already trawling trade me for winnie the pooh things. Talk about impatient men!!

Hi MerlinFluff for taking a big step and posting here - I am sure you will find lots of help and support on your journey.

Your GP sounds great and clearly knows you very well! As for loking *down there* I had no idea what to expect when I was pregnant with Amy and was amazed that no one looked until 2 days before she was born - when I had a stretch and sweep to try and move things along!! I know that every LMC is different but I don't think that it is like the old days when they looked at every check up .