12 weeks postpartum

Dr.,
I am 12 weeks postpartum, had a vaginal delivery, full term, no issues.  Had low potassium 1 week after delivery and had to take a supplement but felt fine after that.  The past 2 weeks have been feeling fatigue, lightheaded, a bit achy, especially in neck and back some headaches, and lack of energy. No other obvious symtoms (symptoms) but the lightheaded feeling is something I've never experienced before.  I haven't fainted or seen double but feel like I'm in a fog, feeling a queasy faintness without actually fainting.  Also experiencing some night sweats.  Went to ob and they ran a thyroid test, cbc and checked iron, potassium and magnesium.  Iron came back "slightly low" and since I'm still taking prenatal they just advised to eat more iron rich foods.  Blood pressure usually high in drs. ofice, it was 140/90 and they recommended I watch it. It's been 103/68, 94/62 and 105/70.  Can sleep deprivation do this?  I haven't had a full nights sleep since I was 5 months pregnant.  Can the slightly low iron level do this?  I have mitral valve prolapse that was symptomatic during my pregnancy, was seen by a cardiologist and had an echo and ekg repeated 6 weeks ago and it was all normal except for still getting some mild pvc's and pac's once in a while.  My biggest concern is the lightheaded feeling and if it's lack of sleep or just low iron I imagine it might take a few weeks to get better but should I be checking anything else out?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Sleep deprivation can certainly lead to fatigue and lightheadedness.  Anemia caused by a low iron level can also lead to the symptoms as well - however with a normal CBC, this would have been ruled out.  

A normal echo would make cardiac causes less likely.  

I would also check a vitamin B12 level as well.  A low iron level can be treated with iron supplements and serial monitoring of the blood iron levels and blood count.  

More specialized testing can be considered, looking for rheumatological causes such as an ANA level (looking for lupus) or rheumatoid factor (looking for rheumatoid arthritis).

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

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