Posted by Jeffrey on May 23, 2004, at 16:32:47
In reply to Re: Please help- I am stuck - Thank you » Jeffrey, posted by Caper on May 22, 2004, at 23:18:12
> Hi Jeff,
>
> First, congratulations on your healthy baby. Second, my heart goes out to you. As a parent I know nothing is worse than worrying about the health of a child.
>
> I wanted to say that I agree with most of the posts above. Also, as an expectant mother one does the best she can to protect the health of the baby but some things are out of her hands- like the x-ray.
>
> With my first pregnancy I had a chest x-ray and dental x-rays before I knew I was pregnant. Also, I had to work up to 18 hours a day waiting tables (I was only 20 years old and all alone) and had premature labor two times. The doctors were able to stop the pre-term contractions both times and eventually I delivered a perfect full term baby who is now a healthy ten year old.
>
> My second pregnancy was twins and since their father is a doctor we got the best care possible, I didn't have to work, and I'm pretty sure I could not have been more cautious, but in my fifth month I had placental abruption and both babies were stillborn.
>
> My point is, you can do everything right and have an unhealthy child and you can also have a few things go "wrong" and have a perfect baby. It's out of your hands as far as the x-ray. All you can do now is enjoy your healthy child and take the best possible care of her- and I have no doubt you will do so, given the concern you've shown.
>
> Please don't let the fear of an extremely unlikely complication spoil your first months with your baby. The time goes by so fast, and you can't get it back. Just try to think positive thoughts and concentrate on the fact that the baby is healthy and keep telling yourself that she will continue to be healthy in the future. She really is much more likely to stay healthy than to develop a problem from one x-ray, you know that intellectually- now you just have to keep telling yourself until you believe it emotionally.
>
> I can't really suggest anything as far as medication, sorry. I would say try cognitive behavioral therapy some more if you can, plus be very honest with the baby's pediatrician about your fears so you can get some honest reassurance.
>
> I hope this helps a little. You'll be in my prayers.
>
> Caper
>
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I have posted here before and received thoughtful responses. I continue to be having problems so here I am again...
> >
> > I have had obsessive thoughts and chronic uneaseiness and anxiety since my wife had an x-ray during the pregnancy of our new baby girl. I worry that the baby may get cancer from the x-rays. I can not seem to get it out of my head. For your information, although the literature is volumous and often inconsistent and generally has some methodological flaws, there is good evidence that there is some increased risk of cancers. Even knowing that the risk is very small, I cannot seem to get on with my life. I have a great wife, beautiful new baby and a good job. But I cant enjoy them. I am continually anxious and have a low-level depression.
> >
> > I have been on Effexor (up to 250mg) and I am now on 80mg! Celexa while moving off the Effexor. I also take clozepam as needed (about 1 mg a day.) I have tried Remeron but did not like the spaced out feeling and neurontin which was not effective enough. I have tried CBT and may try it again. It has not been that succesful but has helped a little.
> >
> > What can I do? I want to start to enjoy my life again. Any med augmenttaion you can suggest.
> >
> > Please keep in mind that I am a practicing lawyer with many resposibilites so I have to be "on the ball". I am just going through the motions of life with fear and no pleasure.
> >
> > Thanks very much and good wishes and health to you all,
> >
> > Jeff
> >
> >
>
>
Thanks for your compassionate response. I will try to take your thoughtss to heart. You put it well: I understand intellectually that the risk is small and worrying will not help it but I am still stuck worrying about it and not enjoying this wonderful time for me and my wife.
Best wishes, Jeff
poster:Jeffrey
thread:349325
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040521/msgs/349933.html