It's been 5 1/2 months since the birth of our trio and I am still experiencing joint pain. I felt this was normal following the birth and I thought it would improve but there really has not been a lot of change. It is especially painful in the morning but once I limber up, it seems to settle down. Then it starts again in the evening. The pain is mostly in my legs (knees and ankles). I am up and down stairs all day which I had hoped would strengthen my legs but it is not helping. I have started practicing yoga again and the stretching really helps, and I try to get out and walk as much as possible (which is not a lot during this season in Chicago) but then I am back to feeling the same in the morning.

Did anybody feel this way after the birth and if so, did it improve over time?



Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

Beatrice,
I also suffered a lot of knee pain during my pregnancy and still have some today (my babies are 6 months old). It is better, I have to say. But I guess I will always have some knee joint pain with me!

Are you actually in Chicago, or a suburb? I'm in Algonquin.

Ann

BBG born 7/7/03
33 weeks 3 days

We are in the far Northwest side of Chicago. Right smack in between Niles and Park Ridge (Edison Park of Chicago is the area it is referred to). We actually were "this close" to buying in Algonquin but my husband grew up in the city and cannot let go. I fell in love with the newer developments of Algonquin but we settled for an older home and refurbished, however, my heart stayed in the master suite and closet space of Algonquin. WOW!

I'm glad to hear your joint pain is better. My only guess is that I was so immobile during the pregnancy and I obviously lost a lot of strength. I'm not ready to run to a doctor about the issue so it's nice to hear that i'm not the only one experiencing this pain.

It is also nice to know that there is someone out there fairly close to me with the same age group. How are you guys holding up? Do you find it is getting a little easier every day? Good days and bad days?!!!

Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

I grew up in Park Ridge so I know exactly where you are.

Yes, it is getting a bit easier, however, there are still challenging days. My husband is a firefighter so he's home most days which is a huge help. I hope you are finding it easier every day. But boy it sure is a huge change isn't it? And yes, I was on bedrest for 13 weeks so I know what you mean, it's like your body just goes to pot doesn't it?

Well if you ever want to, feel free to email me at anelson0808@yahoo.com. It's nice to know there is someone close by!

Ann

BBG born 7/7/03
33 weeks 3 days

Beatrice, I developed DeQuerveins (sp?) syndrome after the birth of my trio. This is like carpal tunnel, but at the base of your thumbs instead. I also experienced some pretty horrible pain in my feet for about a year after too. So bad that I would be reduced to tears walking down the steps in the morning when I got up.

It took about a year for both my hands and my feet to get better, and I took an Anti-infammatory drug for a while to help improve the pain.

MTM - mom to Michael(84),Stephan(85), Thomas, Matthew and Kathryn - born 12/27/99 at 32w 0 days

Although it took a year for yours to improve, it is nice to know that a light may appear at the end of my tunnel. An Anti-inflammatory is actually something I never thought of so I will keep that one in my pocket.

I'm glad you are feeling better.

Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

Beatrice,

I was actually going to post the same thing today! I was on bedrest since I was 20 weeks and delivered at 33w6d. That's alot of time to spend horizontal. I too suffer from really bad knee pain, mostly my right knee and my left ankle hurts too. I also wake up very achy, hardly able to walk when I get out of bed. It gets a little better as the day goes by but it still hurts alot. Especially because I spend so much time getting on the floor, sitting indian style, it puts alot of pressure on my ankles. I'm only 35 and I feel like I'm 80!!! I gained an awful lot of weight with this pregnancy (100 pounds, to be exact) and I only lost 60 pounds and that was within the first 3 weeks after delivery. I still have 40 pounds to go but dieting, somehow, doesn't seem to fit my schedule right now. I barely have the time to eat so I eat what's quick and that's usually all the wrong things. I would also love to join a gym but I'm afraid it would be a waste due to all my aches and pains. I'd love to get back into my size 5 jeans again but unfortunately, now I'm a size 12! Now that may not sound too big but I'm only 5"1'. I just attribute the this pain to being too heavy for my frame so therefore, my joints suffer.

I actually did go see a doctor about my knee and he recommended physical therapy 2-3 a week. Yeah right!! Like I have the time!!
If I had that time to spare, I'd go to the gym and strengthen my legs that way. Well anyway, somehow, I developed a bone spur behind my patella (knee bone). He wants me to try physical therapy before having to operate.

I'm so glad I'm not alone with this. And not that I'm happy your suffering too.....I'm sure you know what I mean This pregnancy really took a toll on my body but everytime I look at my little bundles of joy, it makes it much more bearable.

Hope you feel better soon.


Cristina
Proud mommy to Daniela, Bobby and Vanessa
Born June 28, 2003 - The best day of my life!!!

Cristina
Proud mommy to Daniela, Bobby and Vanessa
Born June 28, 2003 - The best day of my life!!!

Really funny that you said you feel like 80 b/c my husband made the comment the other morning that I walk like i'm 80. The weight issue has actually crossed my mind. I gained 60 and lost it due to the fact that I felt pretty awful for a good 4 weeks after the delivery but still have 10 or 20 to go in order to be at what I would consider my comfortable body weight. Dieting? - well tried it several times and I am going to give it another shot tomorrow. The day is just way too busy to concentrate on weight watchers points and pretzels are not my favorite stress snack!!!

I know what you mean about being on the floor. Quite funny to watch me hoist myself off the ground. I even laugh at myself.

I'm afraid that a Doctor will recommend physical therapy so I think I will continue to strengthen myself at home because we all know that we really don't the time or energy to commit ourselves to 2-3 days a week. If I don't start yoga right at nap time, I'm doomed.

I hope you feel better soon and remember, the weight will come off in time. As my sister always tells me "Put aside the housework & dieting and make some memories instead". Sounds good to me.

Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

Hi Beatrice,

I grew up in Riverdale, IL, haven't been there in years! I now live in Valparaiso, IN about 45 mins east of Chicago! I too feel your pain, my babies are 4 months old and it hurts to get up after being on the floor, out of bed, etc...I had pain in my feet since the delivery too, like a nerve is damaged or something? Anyway, I am planning on starting an exercise routine, time permitting, and want to lose some more weight, although I am down to pre-pg weight, I was chunky when I got pg! Don't worry your not alone on this one!!! I think the bedrest and the stress of 3 babies took a major toll on our bods!!! Hopefully the exercise will help! Take care

Carol, BBG, 4 months!

I felt achy in my lower legs until just around the kids' second birthday. It would actually be uncomfortable to walk down stairs first thing in the morning: the soles of my feet ached. Like you, I felt like an old woman. I DID finally see an orthopedist, and he didn't find anything wrong.

I've done a little research on bedrest, and have been surprised by how long-lasting and far-reaching the medical effects of being in bed for even a SHORT period of time can be. The muscular degeneration starts in the second week of full bedrest. Throw in pregnancy hormones (which loosen the ligaments to prepare for childbirth) and it's not surprising that some of us take a while to recover.

The good news? My lower-leg joint and muscle aches faded away and then finally disappeared for good.

HTH,
Jody
g/b/g born Jan 2001
http://www.geocities.com/hombiblio/

Jody
g/b/g born Jan 2001
http://www.geocities.com/hombiblio/

Not only did I feel great after delivery, but I never felt bad during the pregnacy.

Now, if you ask my wife this question, she'll probably have a different answer.

Surviving husband to Tammie who passed in March of 2009.
Now married to Nina.
Father of Samantha Nicole, Kayla Shea , and Dominic Paul born on 10/14/02
Step-father to Kristina Nicole born on 09/24/85
Grandfather to Riley Faith born on 5/13/06
Come and see

Real cute, Nick

Cristina
Proud mommy to Daniela, Bobby and Vanessa
Born June 28, 2003 - The best day of my life!!!

Cristina
Proud mommy to Daniela, Bobby and Vanessa
Born June 28, 2003 - The best day of my life!!!

When I read the first line of your response, I was feeling a little jealous because I wish it was the same for me, BUT, then I kept reading. Thanks for the laugh. Could always use a good one at least once a day.

Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

My trips are just over 10 months old and I just the other day commented to my DH how it didn't hurt when I squatted. My knees finally feel like normal. When I was in for my 6 week post op I mentioned it to my Peri and she said the muscles around the joints are the slowed to recover. At the time I was feelings a lot of pain in my knees and my elbows.

So, yes there is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Jane, mother of...
Sarah- Of course I'm the princess 8/24/01
Joshua- Our little peanut
Matthew- Mama's boy
Paul- I'll just sit here and clap
3/3/03- 34w 6d

Jane, Proud Mother of...
The Princess 8/24/01
"Buzz", Animal Boy, and "Nemo", 3/3/03- 34w 6d

Beatrice,

I think after 14 months, I finally feel normal. I still have problems being on the floor too long, but other than that I feel pretty good. I was on bedrest for about 3 months. I have started walking on the tredmill. I am still tired as heck though.
I delivered at Lutheran General. Did you?

Nancy
Colin, Megan, and Kaitlyn 10/17/02

Yes, I did deliver at Lutheran General. Had a great experience there. If you don't mind me asking, who was your Dr.?

Also glad you are starting to feel better. I had no idea it would take such a toll on my body. I am not use to feeling this way and it is comforting to know that a lot of us experienced the same problem. I was beginning to think it might be a long term issue but I feel much better knowing I am not alone and that everybody is improving with time.


Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

I often feel like I've been beat up by a professional - that's how I feel! ACK!

My biggest pain areas are my back and my feet. For my feet I've resorted to wearing tennis shoes all day, every day, and that's helped tremendously. Before the shoes it felt like my feet were literally falling apart, as if my bones & muscles were tearing apart every time I stood up or moved my foot "wrong" when sitting. Now at least I can walk without excruciating pain at each step. This goes against every grain of my farm-girl heart, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

My back is another story, though. I suspect the pain is here to stay. My lumbar region is the worst, I can tell my spine is messed up there, and that happened during the pregnancy because I got so huge. My mid-back (thorasic? sp?) also hurts frequently, but I can tell that's muscle pain (I can sometimes feel them "ripping").

Of course my knees also hurt, and my hands/wrists hurt from overuse, too! I saw my internist last Spring about the pain I was enduring, she said it was just wear & tear and might go away as the babies got older and I had to bend down less. In the mean time I alternate Tylenol one night, Motrin the next. I can't stand taking painkillers like I've been taking them, but I have to find relief somehow!

I didn't associate all this pain from being on bedrest, though. I was on bedrest for almost the entire pregnancy, but now that others have mentioned it, perhaps because I started my mommydom from a big deficit in regards to physical strength, maybe that's why I've been full of so much hurt this past year.

Oh well, that's Life, right? The pain is getting better, but I do put up with it every day. I sure hope you can find some relief, Beatrice!

Tulip & The Three Amigos
Born at 35w5d on December 31, 2002 - Happy New Year's Eve!!!
Aimee, Let's bump heads!
Edward, Rollin' Rollin' Rollin', Got to keep on rollin'!
Hope, Bouncy! Bouncy! Bouncy! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

YES! You *can* breastfeed triplets!!!
http://www.tripletconnection.org/dcforum/forum1/14349.html

Tulip & The Three Amigos
GBG born at 35w5d on December 31, 2002 - Happy New Year's Eve!!!

YES! You *can* breastfeed triplets!!!

I am a Velveteen Rabbit, and the birth, love, kisses & magic that are my children has made me Real.

Hey Tulip, Only have a minute here b/c everybody is waking up and the day must begin at some point. Good thing i'm up early with a cup of coffee or two in me!

Your pain does not sound good. Do you at least feel it is getting better? One thing I forgot to mention is that when time permits, I hit the tub and soak for about 45 minutes. Not only does is help the pain in my knees and ankles, but it relaxes me after a long day of going, going, going. A glass or wine or two and some soft music such as Enya always goes nicely with the soak. I know you are nursing but 1 glass shouldn't hurt. I look at it as a nice treat after a long day at the office!!! Babies are down for the night and shop is closed!!!

You might already try this, but have you tried a heating pad on your back at night or braces for your wrist? My girlfriend finally resorted to the braces for her wrist and it did a world of good for her.

Beatrice, mother to:
Aidan James (7/28/03-8:41pm)
Connor Michael(7/28/03-8:43pm)
Fiona Rose(7/28/03-8:44pm)

Bea and Mike
Parents to BBG (3 years)

LOVE is a wonderful thing!

My three turn one today (it is midnight here) and I feel like I am just know back to normal (mostly). I had weird hip pain. I think it takes a body awhile to get everything back into place. Hang in there.

Melissa
Mom to Bridget, Bella & Will born 1/12/03 at 32 weeks

Melissa
Mom to Bridget, Bella & Will born 1/12/03 at 32 weeks

Hi. After my daughter Leya was born, I suffered extreme pain in my knees and feet. I would actually wake up during the night and couldnt go back to sleep from the pain. I thought this would last forever and I spoke to a friend of mine who assured me that it would go away after a year cuz she suffered the same thing. And sure enough, the pain completely went away after Leya turned 1
So regardless of being pregnant with one or four, the suffering post delivery is the same I guess! good luck and hope the pain goes away soon!




Eman (33)
DH (32)
DD Leya (24 months)
EDD 7/22/2004 (Expecting triplets)

http://www.myspace.com/princessplus3


Eman (36)
DH (35)
DD Leya ....... Jan 10, 2002
GBG @ 32 weeks 5 day

Well, all I can say is "I feel your pain"! I have been struggling with pain for 7 months now.

The last two weeks of my pregnancy my pubic symphosis joint separated from the weight of the girls. I have never felt that kind of excruciating pain. Every little move felt like daggers in the pelvic area. I needed help just moving my legs, much less getting out of bed etc. Everything else was a breeze compared to this element of the pregnancy. Apparently, this condition is very rare. I haven't met anyone who has had this.

After the girls were born, the pain was slightly better, but then I had painkillers. Thank god. I had to learn how to walk (hobble) again. I walked with a walker for three weeks. I finally could walk around the block at 8 weeks. The doctors cleared me for activity. Then I started to have back problems and knee problems. After pushing it too hard, I started seeing a chiropractor (1st time in my life) and a physical therapist. I was that desperate that I had to figure out how to see these people. I needed help or I would feel like an 80 year old for the rest of my life. The physical therapist really helped me with movement and exercises to increase core strength at my level. My level was VERY low. She also told me which activities not to do...carrying bouncy seats with babies in them etc. I did exercises (simple ones) on the floor with my babies. Little by little, the advice & work paid off.

Now I feel like I'm 60. I still have joint pain and back pain, especially in the morning. But, I am starting to build back the muscles and joints. And the pubic symphosis joint pain is waning. I was in great shape before the girls...I was training for ski races. Now I am "training" for the triplet races. My goal is to run after my girls without much pain.

Anyway, good luck in your recovery. Little by little.

Kari
g/g/g 6/13/03

I'm so glad you posted about this. For the first few months after giving birth, I had terrible pain in my knees. I could barely turn over in bed, it hurt so badly. That's gone away, but my back still bothers me sometimes. I also feel like I'm 80 when I get out of bed in the morning. It takes me a while to get moving. I had no idea that other triplet moms went through this. Now I have hope that maybe it will improve.