Feeling terrible (physically/mentally). Doctor rec, please.

[Anonymous]

I've been feeling terribly tired, with no energy, bad mood, tearful, strong headaches, sleep problems, etc. It might be depression although I never felt like this before so not sure if it's just a temporary blues, an illness or lack of nutrients. On the physical side, every time I get my period is hell, especially the headaches. I'm still breastfeeding my toddler, so maybe that's part of the equation. I just have no one to talk to and this condition is starting to affect my relationship with DH and DS, which in turn makes me feel even worse and guilty. I want to have the old me back (joyful, playful, energetic) for all the obvious reasons but also because I don't want DS to see his mom in a gloomy state constantly.

I'd like to start by seeing a doctor and having bloodwork, physicals, etc., to determine if it's something I'm lacking, and then go from there. Would prefer to initially avoid medication and start with a change in diet, lifestyle, and see how things improve. However, I have no doctor in DC and don't know where to start. Should I first go to a general practioner or to an internal medicine doctor? Can anyone recommend a doctor who's thorough, patient, with a warm personality? (preferably downtown DC) Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Start with your GP and ask him to run the blood work and especially look at thyroid and iron levels.

[Anonymous]

OP, I experienced the worst weekend of my life about 10 months after DD was born, shortly after I weaned. I think it must have been a hormonal thing - my body was realizing it had been pregnant or nursing and all of a sudden it went into this shift. Luckily, it did not last long but I will never forget that feeling of utter hopelessness and thinking "I will never look forward to anything, or get excited about anything, ever again."

I think hormones can be very powerful. I would start with a primary care doctor, hopefully you can get some recs (I have none for NW DC) or if you have a good relationship with your obgyn you could start there for a recommendation. A primary care doc can do things like test your basic levels of stuff and your thyroid, which tells you a lot about your hormones.

Were you on the pill prior to getting pregant? It could be depression but it could be hormones.

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks PPs. I'll ask to have iron and thyroid levels checked. I haven't been on the pill for ages. Hopefully when I wean the situation won't worsen any more than now! I'll keep waiting for other posters to suggest primary care doctors.

[Anonymous]

Excellent internist and diagnostician is Gary Koritzinsky on K St (202-466-4016). He found a thyroid problem I did not know about and has helped me maintain good levels.

[Anonymous]

feeling the exact same way and after a rec from DCUM I went to see Dr Houd at VHC. She asked for some blood work and I'm waiting.

I went to see her today, the visit lasted 10 minutes and she said that since I'm BF there's nothing else she can do. We're 7mo PP and she asked me to see a therapist because it might be stress due to life changes.

Meh, I bet there's stuff going on I'll keep investigating on my own.

[Anonymous]

Go see Dr. Joel Ang in Dupont Circle. (www.qstreetmds.com)

He does incredibly thorough workups and the blood work is done in-house, so he will discuss the results with you during the same visit! Dr. Ang looks like he's about 14 years old, but don't let that fool you. He's a great doc!

[Anonymous]

15:01, just so you know, there's a LOT you can do while BF. Once you get those labs back don't allow yourself to be turned away from treatment routinely due to BF. Get something like Hale's Medications in Mother's Milk and a practitioner who is willing to review drugs from an evidence-based perspective.

OP, I agree with the pps, especially looking at iron and thyroid.

[Anonymous]

19:40 Blood work for some tests can be done in house immediately. However for the TSH test to determine T3 and T4 levels and any thyroid issues, the test takes 2 to 3 days, so results cannot be given imemdiately.

[Anonymous]

OP again. Thanks to all for your inputs. I called the office of Dr. Ang but he's not taking new patients. I was able to schedule with another doctor there, Dr. Fagan. I feel better already that I'm doing something about it.

To 15:01, I hope you start feeling better too, and don't get discouraged about your doctor's response (or lack of). GL!