Why am I having these symptoms?
Question
I am very confused about what is going on with my body. In the last nine months, I have been pregnant twice. The first pregnancy ended with a miscarriage, and the second pregnancy ended with an abortion due to extenuating circumstances surrounding the pregnancy. I regret the decision I made in terminating the pregnancy. I believe that I either am now pregnant again or possibly exhibiting psycho-somatic symptoms. My period is not yet late, and will not be for close to a week. I have had dizzy spells that started about 2 weeks ago, followed with light nausea. About 1 and one half weeks ago I developed a light pink discharge, which lasted only less than one hour. Now I am nauseous on almost a constant basis, but the dizzy spells have tapered off. I have only gotten sick twice, but my nipples have begun “leaking” with a clear, water like discharge. I have taken two urine tests at home, and the hospital gave me one as well, all resulting in a negative. I am not sure if they did a blood test. They did however diagnose me with a UTI. I have been on some medications (which I would immediately stop upon pregnancy) including xanax, soma and methadone. Could any of this affect the outcome of the test? What else could cause the symptoms especially the nipple discharge?
Nikki
Answer
Last Updated: October 21, 2013
Yes, there is a lot that is going on and I can understand your confusion. First, it seems your main concern is why the breast discharge, and could you be pregnant.
The nipple discharge (galactorrhea) can have many sources but only a few are more likely in your case. Yes, the medications you are taking can cause the discharge. Other substances such as herbal products or marijuana are causes as well. Secondly, you have been pregnant twice in at least the last 12 months. This hormone change can leave you with the discharge. Are you taking any hormone products? These can cause it as well.
If your period is not late, I don’t think your symptoms of nausea, dizziness, etc. are from pregnancy. I think the medications can contribute to these symptoms especially if any are new or the dosage has been changed. More likely, the symptoms are a result of post-traumatic syndrome from the abortion. Theresa Burke, PhD., a psychologist, started seeing the syndrome in her practice. She has started a help group called Rachel’s Vineyard (rachelsvineyard.org or 877-HOPE4ME or 877-467-3463) to help treat women and restore their dignity after an abortion.
Certainly, it sounds like that there has been a lot of rough times in your life to bring you to the point where you are now. I would strongly recommend that you would avoid pregnancy at this point in time by abstaining. This way you could give yourself some breathing room and not have any more medicines in your blood.
In fact, when you are ready, contact CANFP again and they can help find you a Natural Family Planning teacher who will help learn how to chart your cycles. You will be able see how your cycles are for medical reasons and for avoiding pregnancy. Women like being able know when their periods are coming and like knowing that things are normal. The charts can be used by doctors to pinpoint abnormalities.
I hope that all goes well for you. I hope that you will seek some extra help and care through Rachel’s Vineyard and find out that you are not alone in your symptoms.
Remember that you really do matter!
Sincerely,
Gretchen V. Marsh, D.O.
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