battle with pmdd
What is PMDD? Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome. Basically think of your PMS and multiply it by like 600. Yes, its really that bad. I had post-partum depression really bad after I had Hunter and as a result, I now suffer from PMDD. So, for 3 to 5 days two weeks before I get Aunt Flo I get extreme emotions. Whether it be anger, crying, depressed, anxious….they are to the extreme.
PMDD is a real disease. One that I have had for a few years and thought that i could overcome it on my own. But last year, i realized that I couldn’t and I needed help. I talked to my doctor and was officially diagnosed and put on Prozac. Ahhh, the love of Prozac. Originally I was put on 20mg of Prozac along with Yaz as birth control. Honestly, that was the best combination. I swear I have never felt better in my life.
….And then it was discovered that I had a hepatic adenoma caused from the pill. So no more Yaz for me. My dose of Prozac was then increased to 40mg. Most of the time I feel pretty good, but because I can get so down during that 3 to 5 day period I am allowed to double my dosage. Yes, apparently I am that crazy.
The reason I’m sharing all this with you now, is because I never felt really comfortable talking about it publicly. But, now i realize that I am not the only person with this and maybe i could help someone else going through the same situation. I am not embarrassed. And I am not ashamed anymore. Right now, I’m having a hard time. I’m feeling sad, lonely and depressed. I absolutely HATE this feeling. I just cry and sleep and don’t want to do anything. Its awful as a mom too because I feel so guilty. He knows something is wrong but doesn’t understand it at all and it makes him sad too. I’m hoping that by opening up and sharing this with you all that it will help me feel better.
I need to get back to my peppy self already!
About Blondie
Hi! Welcome to my blog!
All I can say is WOW. I am so glad you shared this not only because this is GREAT for you but because you did just help someone! ME! I have dealt with PPD with my last 3 babies. It was associated with my fears of losing another baby to SIDS. Well after Kambree, I realized something has been off the past few months. I haven't been feeling myself. About 2 weeks before AF was due, I'd go off on tyrades. I was not just a bitch, I was a total terror. I would cry and scream and just blow up over simple things. I am about to make an appointment with my dr and I'm going to ask him about this. THANK YOU! Not just from me but from Stoney too. I love you girl!
You know, I am so glad you posted this. Honestly, I don't think I ever experience PPD, but I wonder if I may have a slight case of this PMDD. There are a particular 3 days every single month that my husband rethinks our marriage I'm pretty sure. I'm going to look up some more info and talk to my doctor. Thank you for sharing your story!
It's really ironic you posted this today since I'm having an emotional day as well. I really think since I had baby #2, I'm way more over the top with my emotions all the time. I'm going to look into this PMDD. I think it's worth a shot! THANKS for posting!
Hugs hon, you are so right when you say you might help someone by posting this. I'm sure many women go through this and I can only imagine how tough it must be. Hang in there
I have PMDD as well. Not to the degree that you do, but it still isn't fun.
I am glad you shared. It always feels good to find you are not alone.
Oh, Miss Blondie. I'm pretty sure that's what I have too. My doctors never specifically diagnosed me with PMDD, but I'm being treated for anxiety and depression which always seems worse the two weeks leading up to my period. More women do need to talk about it. I think I will work up the nerve…someday…
Just wanted to offer more heartfelt words of support. I've battled PMDD as well (which hit a peak when I bit my boss's head off in a meeting – oops) and there's nothing worse than knowing something is wrong and having a doctor dismiss it and the world around you not accept it as a legitimate condition.
Wishing you all the best with it. You do a great service to women by putting it all out there.
You're certainly not alone Nicole and if it helps, definitely talk about it. Sometimes I wonder myself if my emotions become too extreme before AF comes. But I'm too chicken to go see my gyno and talk to her about it.
I think it is great you decided to share this in case it helps someone else. I NEVER would have guessed this about you because you always seem so, well, perky!
I don't have this and my husband actually tells me that I am the only woman he has ever known that you would never guess it was that time of the month, but even though I have very few problems I still notice that EVERY LITTLE THING bugs me, at least for half a day or so.
I can't even imagine what kind of roller coaster your body puts you on and the extreme emotions that occur.
If it helps, I'll wear the viking helmet just for you any time you want.
I can't tell you how excited I am that you came 'out of the closet' with this. I have been writing on PMDD for years now and work so hard on helping Women realize they don't have to be embarrassed.
Over the past 6-8 months I have seen so many more Moms come out, it is an incredible feeling to be able to talk openly with them.
I have 4 kids, I take Prozac too
it sucks that they have to deal with it, but the truth is most of deal with something, at least we are paying attention to our bodies and are doing everything we can to keep the peace (as well as we can 
Good luck to you and keep on speaking out, it helps so many other Women, you will never know just how much!
Stef
http://www.lifewpmdd.com
I read this the other day, Miss Blondie and I commend you for writing such a wonderful post! So many women go untreated for stuff like this. In fact, I just went to the doctor 1.5 weeks ago for antidepressants (I haven't blogged about it yet) combination of PPD and other various stuff (not making excuses, but, still!) Bravo for telling your story. xoxo
I have PMDD as well. I also use Yaz. I also just had a CT that showed a small lesion on my liver. After reading your post I can't help but wonder if this currently small liver lesion that they told me not to worry about (yes they actually said that) will turn into something worse. I hate being a girl sometimes.
would you be willing to share what you use for birth control now if any? I thought the Yaz would be the answer to my problems. it helps some, but not enough. my mood swings are bad during that time, but lately the pain and physical symptoms have been worse, the headaches and cramps really kill me month after month.
I think I've tried just about every form of BC on the market so if anybody has questions I'm ur gurl