I am having health issues. I've gained 15 pounds in two months while breastfeeding. I had lost to below my highest pre-pregnancy weight. But now I weigh more now than ever before in my life except during pregnancy.
I have not been eating great, but I have also not been eating uncontrollably either. I'd say my eating would explain a slowing of pregnancy weight loss, but not a gain at all.
Also, I've been sick for a month. I'm on my second round of antibiotics for a sinus infection. I got a UTI I didn't even know about.
My blood sugars are out of control. I was borderline diabetic or glucose intolerant before pregnancy. HBA1C never above 6.1. I had very tight control throughout pregnancy (with both NPH and regular). Got lax after the birth. Discovered BGs were not cooperating. I've been using 25units of NPH morning and evening for a couple of months (does this explain the weight gain???), yet my HBA1C came back at 6.8. I wasn't surprised as even with NPH, my fasting BG has been around 120 and bedtime around 150. But, it was NEVER high like that before pregnancy.
Also, H noticed that my pupils are pulsating. I googled this and found stuff on "Adrenal fatigue." I'm not sure if this is a legitimate thing or something concocted to sell herbal remedies. I have been under incredible stress for about 18 months. In terms of life events, H and I are both over the top with stress. Marriage, pregnancy, birth, deaths in family, car accident, serious eye injury, neck surgery, work uncertainty, multiple moves, etc...
I have total brain fog, my brain sometimes feels like it is rolling around, lol, dry skin (though it is finally winter here...) I'm very tired and easily can sleep 12 hours.
Here are some labs I got over the phone:
ldl: 108 (doc said high for diabetes) hdl: 63
tsh: 1.83 Free t3: 291 (this number makes no sense) Free t4: 1.4
HBA1C: 6.8 (YOUCH!!!)
Anyway, my doctor didn't change anything, told me to finish breastfeeding and come back in three months. This is a primary care doc. I need to see an endo, but I'm not sure there is much they can do as I am breastfeeding.
I'm thinking of adding back some Humalog before meals. (Yuck)
I want to try Byetta, but I think my pediatrician won't approve while breastfeeding.
Oh, and I'm still on 100mg levoxyl.
Plus, we want to try for a second baby ASAP. I need to lose at least 30 pounds before this and get BGs under control. (Thus, the attraction of Byetta.) Any idea of how to do this while breastfeeding? How important do you think it is to breastfeed beyond 7 months? I had intended to continue until Newtimer is at least a year. Right now, she is breastfed + one jar food/day. But, I'm wondering about the trade-offs in terms of my health/fertility at this point simply because of the limits on my drug options.
The good news is, in spite of all this, we are doing great as a couple and a family. It is so good to have that strength and support while I'm messing with these health issues.
Thoughts on what to do about weight, BG, and freaky pupils while wanting to breastfeed yet get pregnant again ASAP? Remember, I'm your sister's age or a year older (43). (Hey, maybe she'll have another one too!)
