[*krista*]

This has to be like the 4th time I have gotten flu like body aches since Charlotte was born. They always come with a headache, more painful let down and more painful nursing/pumping in general, but no fever. They always seem to come when I try to wean off the pump and nurse more instead. My nipples start getting damaged and then boom, body aches. Anyone know what this is? Is this normal for BFing? I thought it might be mastitis, but like I said, no fever.

[Oriyan]

Did you have an epidural? These can be all epidural side effects. They can last for years.

[*krista*]

I did. But would it come and go? It usually only lasts a few days. I have had an epi before for other reasons and I had back aches because of it. No back aches this go round. I never knew body aches could be a side effect!

[~*Bethy*~]

Maybe heat exhaustion? Does it happen more when its hot outside? maybe dehydration? How weird!

[*krista*]

I've made sure to drink plenty of water and have been a bit of a hobit and stayed inside for the most part... so no heat exhaustion here.

It fits all the symptoms of mastitis without the fever. Can you get mastitis without a fever?

[Oriyan]

I've had body aches and headaches all from the epidural. My lower back has been in a lot of pain the last week, along with having almost daily headaches. Sometimes my whole body just feels blah. I want nothing more then to never have an epidural ever again. Now I know for the next baby, no water breaking until the end. Cause had my water not broke till the end I could have went the last 5 hours pain med free. But the pain mixed with being overly tired, i just needed drugs.

I suppose you could have mastitis without a fever... fever is a signal that the bodies immune system is in overdrive and fighting infection.... so its possible that your immune system is not working and your sick..... maybe. *shrug* I'd give the doctor a ring.

[~*sierra*~]

call the doc!

[*krista*]

Did you get the awful spinal headache?? I got that with my first epi, it was horrid. I felt like I was dying! Not really, but you know what I mean. Luckily I didn't get that with this one, I couldn't imagine taking care of a newborn with a spinal headache. Are your aches all over all at once or localized?

Oh I forgot to mention I also got chills with it. You know that feeling when you have a fever where your skin hurts and the lightest touch is slightly painful? I had that yet no fever. Weirdness.

[Resi]

Do you have a hard spot/clogged duck on your breast when you have the flu like symptoms? I read that you don't have to have a fever to have mastitis but I'm not sure how true that is. Maybe it's the start of mastitis but clears up before the fever kicks in? I'm just guessing. At least it only lasts a couple days. Another thought is lack of sleep. If your not getting enough that can make you feel run down too.

[*krista*]

Yeah, I have a clogged duct. I got engorged, then the clogged duct, then the body aches. I don't know if I've had a clogged duct each time, but I know this definitely isn't the first time I've had a clogged duct so it is possible it has occurred each time.

[Oriyan]

Thankfully, i never had the spinal headache. I did not have any issues with my epi (other then vomiting several times) until after I got home. My back was sore and a few months later, I always had headaches. I pretty much now hurt mid-lower back -- it just started hurting again recently. My chiropractor said I was not out today in that area so its definitely a result of the epi. No more epis for more.

[Resi]

When I had my first clogged duct I felt a little achy all over to like I was coming down with something. I bet that is what happened with you.

[Mars]

Hope you figure out what's wrong. I don't have any suggestions. Sorry.

BTW: Remove your pregnancy ticker!!!!

[*krista*]

You guys are really getting tired of my out of date siggy aren't you? Give me a break, Charlotte's only 6 1/2 weeks old! j/k