After completing the first 8-week session of the PRC of Kansas support group, I began noticing my condition was becoming more similar to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).
I noticed that my symptoms were relatively manageable most of the month, but would intensify the 2 weeks before and during my period. So I contacted my OB/GYN again and asked if I could start a low dosage of Prozac™ (10mg). The goal I had in mind was to get the medication into my system so that when symptoms came on, I could ramp up to 20mg as needed, and see if it made a difference in how I felt leading up to my period that month. The doctor agreed. I still was resistant to taking medication, but after learning more about myself and my condition, I was open to trying it and seeing if medication helped.
More Good News
I got pregnant that month. I decided to stay on the low dose of Prozac™. Throughout the first trimester to help get through some of the anxiety of being pregnant again. I weaned off the medication by my 16-week appointment with my doctor’s guidance. I had some anxiety during the pregnancy, but had the arsenal of The Plan to help carry me through any episodes. I also read the book, “What Am I Thinking? Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression,” and I went to the Postpartum Support Group as needed. I delivered our second son in early April of 2008. My husband and I were both elated to have 2 wonderful and healthy boys, even though the thought of caring for both of them was overwhelming. Following the delivery via c-section, I suffered a spinal headache. After receiving a blood patch (that is another story), I bounced back quickly from delivery.
Terrified but Determined
I was scared I would get PPD again. However, armed with the information from surviving PPD the year before, I was confident that I would either not get PPD as intensely or I would see the signs and take action earlier when I noticed the symptoms were becoming unmanageable. With our second baby, I had minimal PPD-like symptoms, but I also fought off PPD by sticking to The Plan devised with my OB/GYN, and avoided going on the progesterone pill following my 6-week postpartum appointment.
Christine Jeffries is a writer/editor for work and at heart, and lives in a home of testosterone with her husband and two sons. She founded a women’s group, The Wo-Hoo! Society, in the interests of good friends, networking, and philanthropy; the group meets separately on a monthly basis in Phoenix and Kansas City. Christine is interested in women’s health and promoting strong women.
Resources:
PRC of Kansas (www.kansasppd.org, 1-866-363-1300)
Kansas City Women’s Clinic (913-894-8500)
What Am I Thinking? Having A Baby After Postpartum Depression, by Karen Kleiman, MSW