Postpartum Joint and Muscle Pain

Please make an appointment to see a rheumatologist. I have reactive arthritis flares due to being exposed to strep. I know exactly how painful it is. A rheumatologist can prescribe something better than 12 Advil per day that will help you feel better. Take care!

Sorry you are dealing with this.

I found out I was low in vitamin D after my daughter was born. When I'm low in vitamin D I feel tired and achey including joints (though not to the extent you are describing). I've also felt something similar to growing pains due to hypothyroidism.

Thyroid problems can be triggered by pregnancy and low vitamin D may contribute to development of auto-immune disorders so both might be worth checking out. Even if it isn't related to what you are going though it might be good to rule them out since both are fairly common. You can be screened for both via a simple blood test.

Good luck!

I've had something similar but not all at once. My jaw after my first baby (TMJ), then osteitis pubis (inflammation of the pubic symphasis bone) after my 2nd, deQuervain's tendinitis in the wrist after my 3rd, and the achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and intermittent hip and shoulder pain after my 4th. All were specifically treated as non-pregnancy related - so full TMJ treatment (which took years and was finally resolved with an in-office surgery), a cortisone shot for the wrist, a course of anti-inflammatory medicine (basically 2400 mg of ibuprofen a day, which is what you're on now) for the OP and I'm still dealing with the aftermath of the last pregnancy.

Is there a time limit for the course of advil? I think I was instructed to take it for 30 days and then I was evaluated again and x-ray showed that the inflammation had gone away so I was effectively "cured." If you've been told something like that, then keep at it - as long as the pain is being managed - until the specified course of treatment has been completed. I didn't think it would help but it solved my OP. If that doesn't work, or you're in a lot of pain, get an appointment with a rheumatologist who has seen this before ASAP. This could be the beginning of fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis, especially if there is a history of either in your family. You may also want to look into acupuncture or holistic/alternative medicine, which I have found is much better with treating systemic symptoms than traditional medicine is. Some supplements that help with inflammation include fish oil, glucosamine, condroitin and MSM (the last three are often bundled together).

I sincerely hope this is something that just passes and that you get relief from your pain soon.

I wish I had some positive answers....I will be interested to see what others have to say...I started with severe joint and muscle pain after the birth of my first child in April 2008. I still have yet to be diagnosed with something, and am still dealing with pain.

Three rheumatologists. My primary doctor. Nothing. Blood tests revealed the possible beginnings of something autoimmune, but I have never had enough additional symptoms to be diagnosed with anything.

I took Celebrex for a while and it helped minimally. The thing that has always helped is a 'round' of oral steroids. That would wipe every ounce of pain away within a day or two. My pain has fluctuated from completly debilitating to bothersome. But, everyday since a few months after my daughters birth I have had some sort of pain.

Recently, I started seeing a psychiatrist. She started me on Cymbalta with the hope that the medication would help my depression and my pain. And it actually has. Cymbalta is used for fibromyalgia. Though my psychiatrist has not (and will not) give me the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, I'm pretty convinced it has to be it.

Other Than that my doctors have pretty much said it is a waiting game to see if additional symptoms start to show up. Yay!

I hope your pain clears!

I haven't read your responses yet but here is a quick tip to try... I suffer migraines and OTC pain relievers don't help so when my Dr told me to try Extra strength Tylenol Arthritis formula for my arthritis pain I laughed till I cried, thinking she was crazy to suggest that Tylenol would help... but it did and it helped a lot... you might try it till you can get in to see your DR

Please consider alternative medicine. 12 advil a day is wreaking havoc on your liver! You can be treated with Classical Homeopathy. If you are interested you can email and I will give you names of Docs.
L.
____@____.com

Hi M.,

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Wishing you much Blessings.

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