Health anxiety when pregnant

[amalee78]

I have been diagnosed with GAD and PTSD and have been seeing a psychologist to deal with this, although I haven’t seen her in a couple of months. I am also pregnant at the moment with a completely unplanned pregnancy, which has really made my anxiety worse.

Anyway, for the last week i’ve Been obsessing over having a blood clot in my leg. Last week I had a sore spot which turned into a bruise, and today the same leg is sore in a different spot. A bit like a muscle strain, but over a good third of my leg. Once again, i’m Convinced it’s a blood clot.

The thing is, I don’t even know what the symptoms of a blood clot are, but I am still obsessing over it anyway. I think it’s been too long since I saw my psychologist, and definitely I have been struggling since I found out I was pregnant.

Does anyone have any advice for me? I could really use some.

[PamelaR]

Hi Amalee

Welcome to Beyond Blue forums. Life is sounding very hard for you at the moment. People who respond to the posts are caring, friendly and supportive. I'm not sure whether to congratulate you or not, as you say this pregnancy is unplanned. So I'll leave it open, it is there if you'd like. But completely understand if you don't.

I'm not a health professional, so I'm unable to provide advice about your health. So I'd strongly suggest you see your doctor about your suspected blood clots and to also get a referral to your psychologist as soon as possible. Your doctor should be able to allay your fears about what is wrong with your leg.

There is a lot of material available on Beyond Blue about managing triggers, managing PTSD, anxiety and depression. In the Anxiety forum, you'll find a thread about TIPS for MANAGING ANXIETY. Alternatively you can do a search in the BB search field at the top of the page.

Also, under the PTSD and Trauma sections there are a couple of threads you might find useful too, i) Complex PTSD - What is it? How do we cope? ii) Sharing Strategies to help manage PTSD. Alternatively you can also do a search for these threads in the BB search field.

I'm sure there is also a lot of other posters out there who will be able to provide support to you.

Please let us know how you get on.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Peppermintbach]

Hi amalee,

I’m glad Pammy has written such a kind reply to you. Your unplanned pregnancy has understandably really shaken you up and is causing you considerable stress. I feel for you...I can almost sense the nervous “energy” in your writing. This must be so hard on you.

Not to mention how you have GAD and PTSD as well. I feel that’s a lot to juggle and face each day. You must be under so much daily pressure...

I was thinking perhaps you would like to make an appointment with your psychologist as you haven’t seen her in a while. Please don’t hesitate to correct me if I’m wrong but I’m assuming she has been helpful in the past so maybe it’s time to reconnect with her again.

You’re also most welcome to continue writing here to vent, share, connect and update us (only if you want to). I feel it’s a very welcoming and caring place around here 🙂

Kind thoughts,

Pepper

[quirkywords]

Amalee

I too welcome you the forum.

Pam and pepper have given you supportive advice.

I am not a health professional but I did have an unplanned pregnancy many years ago when I had untreated bipolar.

Being pregnant is a huge thing (is it for the first time) at any time but you have a lot of other conditions you are coping with.

I remember being worried about everything when I was pregnant as your hormones are changing your body is changing and you are very sensitive.

Talking to a doctor will help you to understand what is going on and if you need to get further help.

Worrying about things just make it worse but believe me this is what pregnant women do so you are not alone.

At your local health centre is there a class/for mums to be that maybhelp. This is just a suggestion but it may not suit you.

Thanks for sharing your story here.

Let us know how you are going by posting anytime you like.

Quirky