Not coping too well

bit of history, I developed PND after bailey was born, not bad enough I felt I needed medication but was bad enough to see someone once a week
then once I had Aidan everything went downhill. with his very early arrival and his birth which was traumatic for me - I thought they had dropped him during his birth, having to have my legs pulled/ripped up into stirrups and then having the males doctors hand up in me. Yeah not the best experience :/
after Aidan was finally home - 4 months later. I was referred to the mothers and Baby's unit here in Christchurch where I was diagnosed with PTSD, I got put on medication then a few months later I took my self off them - with approval of my doctor.
anyway earlier this year I went back onto the meds - only 1/2 tab a day but then found out we were having another baby and stopped them again

now
with Aidan's gestation date looming I'm finding myself anxious, panicky and depressed
I saw a physiatrist (sp) through the hospital a few weeks ago and she said my PTSD has definitely not gone away and with this date coming up she feels it is only going to be worse. She recommended I go back on my meds but I'm not sure. Do you think I should? I can't go a day lately without having a panic attack, before every appointment wither its just a midwife appointment to the OB appointment I'm having these attacks and its awful! worst of all I can't take anything for them!

so anyway, HELP I'm not coping! my boys are being so naughty and it doesn't help Ive got a short temper

medication yes or no?

Based solely on your post...meds = yes.

Hugs!

From the posts and stories I have read about Aidan's arrival, it's no wonder that you are feeling the way that you are, especially now you approaching that same mark and 2 naughty little boys to add to the mix.

If it was me in your shoes, I would do the meds thing, IF they had worked for me last time I took them IYKWIM.

Based on your post, I would say yes, have the meds. But it is a very personal choice.

I was in a similar situation, sort of started falling apart again when I was pregnant with Ollie. Deciding to go on meds during my pregnancy was one of the best decisions I made. It made a huge difference (after several weeks), I was able to enjoy being a mum to Chloe again and I wasn't dreading the birth of my next bubba.

I just figured it was best for me and my baby AND my unborn child if I wasn't stressed/depressed/struggling etc. Those things do have an effect on your body (not just your mind) and I felt that it was probably not in the best interest of both of my babies to let things continue spiralling downwards.

Big hugs to you Have you decided what you will do yet? And have you got a counsellor or something that you can see regularly?

Lots of love and hugs.

Hi There, I had terrible anxiety/depression with both pregnancies and was put on Lorazapam /Clonazapam with my second and it was so much better, your baby can feel the stress and it can really effect the baby as well. My second baby is in great form and so relaxed compared to my first son who was a very difficult baby which I really believe was due to my anxiety and panic attacks and not having the meds.(stress really effects the baby in the last trimester) I truely believe that taking the med's is a much better option I was so worried about this and questioned my medical team several times but I believe they were right and I am so pleased. My anxiety got so bad toward the end I couldnt sleep more then 2 hrs per night and that was on the med's so I understand what your going through. It does get easier and you need to be working closely with your maternity mental health team to get the best support.

Hi Tastic,
new to forum and chch... have been looking for some virtual company!
i was on fluoxentine through both my pregnancies (second child's name is also Aidan!) and later discovered research into fluox in pregnancies has only proven extra muscle tone in babies.
if you need it then take it, no shame in needing the extra help after all you have been through.

good luck