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Considering Abdominal Repair During C-Section with EDS Type III

Hello everyone! I’m a woman in my mid to late 30s, currently at 36.5 weeks into my second pregnancy. I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) type III, and my baby is measuring over the 97th percentile without gestational diabetes. At 5'11" and weighing 199 lbs, my belly is much larger compared to my first pregnancy. Because of the baby’s size or potential complications, I am contemplating whether to have my abdominal muscles repaired during a cesarean section. I’ve come across various studies presenting conflicting views on the benefits of addressing diastasis recti, alongside some associated risks. However, I’ve also found numerous positive accounts suggesting that repairing not just the fascia but potentially the fat as well could yield good results. Having relocated, I’ve had to transition to a different healthcare provider, and it seems that while my previous one routinely performed repairs during C-sections, my current one is hesitant and cites various risks that seem relatively minor to me. Given my condition with EDS, which I was only recently diagnosed with, I’m worried about the likelihood of healing complications. The existing weakness in my pelvic floor means I'm especially vulnerable to diastasis recti not resolving on its own, which could further compromise my pelvic health. Thus, I’ve requested that any necessary repairs be made during the C-section. Are the identified risks truly significant? Do individuals with EDS type III experience added benefits from such procedures? Is this approach common practice in your medical facilities? Could the resistance I’m facing be excessive? Is there any angle I might be overlooking? I also want to avoid the scenario where I incur unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, should my insurance decide not to cover these treatments. I anticipate having a difficult recovery process with my pelvic floor as it is, so I’m determined to do everything possible to facilitate my healing. Additionally, it has been mentioned that as I reach full term (assuming I make it that far, given that I have begun dilating and my cervix is mostly effaced), there are heightened risks of injuries and shoulder dystocia. I would greatly appreciate any insights, opinions, or personal experiences related to this situation! Thank you!

InsomniaPsychiatryDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Guidance and Support

In brief, I fell ill with C. difficile on January 23, 2023. This illness confined me to bed for a staggering 18 months, resulting in a loss of 120 pounds along with significant muscle deterioration. Upon finally getting up in June 2024, I immediately recognized the extent of my deconditioning. I embarked on a rigorous six-week physical therapy regime, attending three sessions daily. My goal was to rebuild my strength sufficiently to find a job accommodating to my debilitating fatigue and weakness, which I achieved in January 2025. Since then, my journey of recovery has continued alongside regular appointments with my primary care physician, yet my blood tests consistently yield unsatisfactory results. Most alarmingly, I have been diagnosed with gastroparesis, which has severely impaired my nutrient absorption. The last four to five months have been particularly challenging, to the point that simple tasks such as showering leave me breathless for 10 to 12 minutes afterward. My legs feel incredibly heavy, akin to dragging around weights, while my arms lack strength to lift. I frequently experience dizziness and a sense of imbalance. As a parent to a one-year-old, I find myself physically incapacitated, and despite managing this for 21 months, I am reaching my limits. Looking at my latest blood test results from March 18, 2026: - **Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)**: My level is 42, while the normal range is 0-15. - **Complement C4**: My result stands at 49.8, compared to a normal range of 12-36. - **Complement C3**: I recorded 205.7, in contrast to the normal range of 90-170. - **Total Iron Binding Capacity**: My value is 40, while the normal range is 65-175. - **Iron Percent Saturation**: I show a level of 13.8, where normal lies between 19.7 and 50. Researching these figures suggests that I am experiencing significant inflammation and critically low iron levels. Unfortunately, my doctors seem dismissive, recommending merely to "take some iron," ignoring the fact that my gastroparesis prevents proper absorption. Given these results, should I consider going to the emergency room? I’ve been relying solely on determination to manage my responsibilities at work, walking daily between 10,000 to 12,000 steps, yet I feel utterly drained. I am reaching out in hope that someone can provide insight or advice. Thank you.

AnxietyDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Struggling with Health Issues: Seeking Guidance

Summary: I fell ill with C. difficile on January 23, 2023, and for the following 18 months, I was confined to bed. This illness caused me to lose 120 pounds and considerable muscle mass. When I finally managed to rise from my bed in June 2024, I was acutely aware of how much my physical condition had deteriorated. To regain strength, I enrolled in physical therapy for six weeks, attending sessions three times daily. Afterward, I continued with sustained effort until I found employment in January 2025 that accommodated my extreme fatigue and weakness. Since leaving my bed, I've consistently seen my primary care physician, but my lab results have not shown improvement. I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, leading to nutrient malabsorption. The last several months have been particularly challenging; everyday tasks like showering leave me breathless for up to 12 minutes after finishing. My legs feel incredibly heavy, as if they are encased in lead, and I struggle to lift my arms. Frequent lightheadedness and balance issues have become common. As a parent of a one-year-old, these physical limitations feel even more burdensome, especially after enduring this for 21 months without respite. Latest blood work results from March 18, 2026, reveal concerning figures: - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): 42 (Normal range: 0-15) - Complement C4: 49.8 (Normal range: 12-36) - Complement C3: 205.7 (Normal range: 90-170) - Total Iron Binding Capacity: 40 (Normal range: 65-175) - Iron Percent Saturation: 13.8 (Normal range: 19.7-50) Interpreting these results suggests significant inflammation and critically low iron levels; however, I feel dismissed by my healthcare providers, who simply recommend iron supplements. Unfortunately, due to my gastroparesis, I am unable to absorb iron effectively. Given these results, should I seek emergency care? I've been relying solely on my determination as I walk 10,000 to 12,000 steps at work daily. Yet, I feel completely drained. I'm reaching out in hopes that someone can provide insight or advice. Thank you for your support.

InsomniaPsychiatryDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Guidance on My Health Crisis

Brief Overview: I fell ill with C. difficile on January 23, 2023, and endured an entire year and a half confined to my bed. During that time, I lost around 120 pounds, along with a noticeable reduction in muscle mass. Upon finally getting up in June 2024, it became clear that I was severely out of shape. I embarked on a rigorous physical therapy regimen for six weeks, attending sessions three times daily, and maintained this effort until I strategically secured a job that accommodated my debilitating fatigue and weakness in January 2025. Since regaining some mobility, I've continued to visit my primary care physician, but my blood tests consistently yield troubling results. I've been diagnosed with gastroparesis, which hampers my ability to effectively absorb nutrients. The past four to five months have been excruciating. Even taking a shower leaves me breathless for 10 to 12 minutes afterward. My legs feel heavy and cumbersome, making it a struggle to move them. It's as if I’m encased in a heavy suit. My arms are difficult to lift, and I often feel dizzy and unsteady. As a parent to a one-year-old, I find myself limited in performing any physical activities, and I have been pushing through like this for the past 21 months. Recent blood test results from March 18, 2026, are as follows: - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Mine is 42 (Normal range: 0-15) - Complement C4: Mine is 49.8 (Normal range: 12-36) - Complement C3: Mine is 205.7 (Normal range: 90-170) - Total Iron Binding Capacity: Mine is 40 (Normal range: 65-175) - Iron Percent Saturation: Mine is 13.8 (Normal range: 19.7-50) When I research these numbers, I find indications of severe inflammation and critically low iron levels. However, my doctors dismiss my concerns, merely suggesting I take iron supplements, despite my inability to absorb them due to my gastroparesis. Should these findings compel me to seek emergency medical assistance? For a year, I have managed to keep up with my job, walking 10,000 to 12,000 steps each day, but I feel utterly drained. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those who may have experienced similar circumstances. Thank you for your support.

InsomniaPTSDDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Desperate for Assistance

Concise Overview: I was diagnosed with C. difficile on January 23, 2023, leading to a prolonged illness that kept me bedridden for a year and a half. During that time, I lost 120 pounds along with a significant amount of muscle. When I finally stood up in June 2024, I was fully aware of how weak I had become. I committed to physical therapy for six weeks, attending sessions three times a day, and I maintained this regimen until I was able to strategically secure a job in January 2025, one that accommodated my relentless fatigue and weakness. After my recovery began, I have continually visited my primary care physician, but my blood tests have consistently returned abnormal results. I've now developed gastroparesis, which prevents my body from properly absorbing nutrients. The past four to five months have been particularly difficult; even showering leaves me breathless for about 10 to 12 minutes afterward. My legs often feel heavy as if they are burdened, requiring effort to move, and my arms lack strength. I frequently experience dizziness and a sense of imbalance. As a parent to a one-year-old, I find myself incapable of engaging in any physical activities. Yet, I have been persisting through these challenges for 21 months. The latest blood test results from March 18, 2026, are as follows: - **Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR):** My level is 42 (Normal range: 0-15) - **Complement C4:** My level is 49.8 (Normal range: 12-36) - **Complement C3:** My level is 205.7 (Normal range: 90-170) - **Total Iron Binding Capacity:** My level is 40 (Normal range: 65-175) - **Iron Percentage Saturation:** My level is 13.8 (Normal range: 19.7-50) Upon researching these results, I've learned that they indicate significant inflammation and extremely low iron levels. Unfortunately, every time I consult my doctors, they seem to dismiss my concerns, simply recommending that I take iron supplements despite my inability to absorb them due to the gastroparesis. Should these test results prompt a visit to the emergency room? I've been relying on sheer determination to keep up with my job, walking 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, but I feel utterly drained. I'm reaching out in the hope that someone can provide me with guidance. Thank you for your attention.

InsomniaPTSDDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Assistance with My Health Struggles

Brief overview: I experienced a severe illness caused by C. diff starting on January 23, 2023. For a prolonged period of 18 months, I was largely confined to my bed, leading to a weight loss of 120 pounds and a noticeable decline in muscle mass. When I finally managed to stand up in June 2024, it was clear to me that I was in a state of significant deconditioning. To address this, I engaged in physical therapy for six weeks, attending sessions three times daily. Subsequently, I persisted with this regimen until I was able to secure a job in January 2025 that accommodated my overwhelming fatigue and weakness. Since my recovery began, I have maintained regular check-ups with my primary care physician, but unfortunately, my blood test results have consistently indicated poor health. I developed gastroparesis, which has severely impacted my nutrient absorption. The past four to five months have been particularly excruciating; I struggle to perform simple tasks like taking a shower, which leaves me gasping for breath for up to 12 minutes afterward. My legs feel unbearably heavy, as if I am dragging dead weight, and I often find it difficult to lift my arms. Frequent bouts of lightheadedness and a sense of imbalance have become common. As a parent to a one-year-old, I feel incapacitated when it comes to undertaking physical activities. I’ve managed to push through these challenges for the last 21 months. Latest blood test results dated March 18, 2026: - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): My result is 42; the normal range is 0-15. - Complement C4: Mine stands at 49.8, whereas the normal range is 12-36. - Complement C3: My level is 205.7, while normal is between 90-170. - Total Iron Binding Capacity: Mine is 40; the normal range is 65-175. - Iron Percent Saturation: Mine is 13.8, while normal values fall between 19.7 and 50. Researching these results suggests that I am experiencing considerable inflammation alongside critically low iron levels. Despite this, my healthcare providers seem dismissive, merely suggesting I take iron supplements, which won't be effective due to my condition. Given these concerning findings, should I seek emergency medical assistance? For the past year, I have relied solely on determination to perform my job, averaging 10,000 to 12,000 steps each day. Yet, I feel utterly exhausted and drained. I would greatly appreciate it if anyone could offer guidance or advice on my situation. Thank you.

InsomniaDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Guidance During a Tough Health Journey

In a nutshell, I fell ill with C. difficile on January 23, 2023. This illness kept me bedridden for a staggering 18 months, during which I lost 120 pounds and a noticeable amount of muscle. When I finally managed to get out of bed in June 2024, I realized I was in a profoundly weakened state. To combat this, I committed to a rigorous physical therapy program that lasted six weeks, attending sessions three times daily. I maintained this routine until I found a suitable job in January 2025 that accommodated my overwhelming fatigue and weakness. Since my recovery began, I’ve been in regular contact with my primary care physician, yet the results from my blood tests have consistently been concerning. I've developed gastroparesis, resulting in my stomach being paralyzed, which inhibits proper nutrient absorption. The past four to five months have been especially challenging; even simple tasks like taking a shower leave me breathless for 10 to 12 minutes afterward. My legs feel heavy, as though encased in lead, making it difficult to move them. I also struggle to raise my arms and frequently experience lightheadedness and balance issues. As a parent to a one-year-old, I find myself unable to engage in any physical activities, yet I have been enduring this for a grueling 21 months. My latest blood test results from March 18, 2026, are as follows: - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): 42 (Normal range: 0-15) - Complement C4: 49.8 (Normal range: 12-36) - Complement C3: 205.7 (Normal range: 90-170) - Total Iron Binding Capacity: 40 (Normal range: 65-175) - Iron Percent Saturation: 13.8 (Normal range: 19.7-50) Interpreting these results indicates I am facing considerable inflammation and dangerously low iron levels. Unfortunately, my doctors have downplayed my situation, suggesting I simply take an iron supplement, despite the fact that due to my gastroparesis, I cannot absorb it. Given these alarming test outcomes, should I seek emergency medical attention? I have been pushing through my obligations at work, managing to walk between 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, but I feel utterly drained. I sincerely hope someone with expertise can provide me with some much-needed advice. Thank you for your support.

PsychiatryDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Considerations for Abdominal Repair During Cesarean Section with EDS Type III

Hello everyone, I'm reaching out for some insights. I'm a woman in my mid to late 30s, currently 36.5 weeks along in my second pregnancy. Diagnosed with EDS type III, I'm carrying a baby who is already larger than 97th percentile without gestational diabetes. I'm tall at 5'11" and weigh 199 lbs, with this pregnancy resulting in a significant increase in belly size compared to my first. I'm contemplating the option of having my abdominal muscles repaired during a potential cesarean section, especially if my baby’s size necessitates it or if complications arise. I’ve come across various studies and opinions on the benefits of addressing diastasis recti, but I also see concerns about associated risks. While some suggest that repairing the fascia and addressing excess fat yields favorable outcomes, others emphasize caution. After moving and switching healthcare providers, I've learned that during my first pregnancy, it was the norm for them to repair abdominal issues, but my current provider expresses reservations, citing risks that don't seem particularly high to me. Given my recent diagnosis of EDS, I'm particularly wary. I’m aware that I’m more prone to issues like diastasis recti not healing properly, which could further complicate my already compromised pelvic floor situation. This has led me to request an abdominal repair during a c-section if necessary. Are the concerns surrounding risks truly justified? Is there a potential advantage for individuals with EDS type III in opting for this sort of surgical intervention? Do you find that this type of repair is standard practice in your experience? Is the hesistance from my healthcare team excessive, or am I overlooking something? Additionally, I’m apprehensive about the financial implications of being responsible for this surgery if it falls outside insurance coverage. Coupled with the challenges I already face in rehabilitating my pelvic floor and managing the possible recurrence of prolapse issues from my first pregnancy, I want to ensure I’m taking the best steps towards a successful recovery. As I near full term—especially since I’ve begun dilating and my cervix is mostly effaced—I’ve been informed of an increased risk for complications such as shoulder dystocia. I would greatly appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or perspectives that you may have! Thank you!

PsychiatryAnxietyDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Guidance in a Time of Struggle

Brief Summary: In January 2023, I fell ill with C. difficile and spent a staggering 18 months confined to my bed. During this period, I lost 120 pounds and noticeable muscle strength. Upon my return to daily life in June 2024, I was acutely aware of my physical deterioration. I committed to a rigorous physical therapy regimen, attending sessions three times a day for six weeks. Afterward, I carefully secured a position that would accommodate my chronic fatigue and weakness by January 2025. Since then, I've had multiple appointments with my primary care physician, but my blood tests consistently display troubling results. I've developed a condition known as gastroparesis, which hinders my ability to absorb essential nutrients efficiently. The last four to five months have been particularly challenging, as the simple act of showering leaves me breathless for 10 to 12 minutes afterward, and my legs feel heavy and cumbersome. I experience frequent lightheadedness and difficulty maintaining balance. As a parent to a one-year-old, I find myself incapable of engaging in physical activities. I've been enduring this ordeal for 21 months, using sheer determination to push through. Latest blood test results from March 18, 2026: - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): My result is 42 (normal range: 0-15) - Complement C4: My level is 49.8 (normal range: 12-36) - Complement C3: My reading is 205.7 (normal range: 90-170) - Total Iron Binding Capacity: I recorded 40 (normal range: 65-175) - Iron Percent Saturation: My percentage is 13.8 (normal range: 19.7-50) These results suggest I am experiencing significant inflammation and critically low iron levels; however, my healthcare providers have dismissed my concerns, minimizing them to ‘just take some iron.’ I must stress that, due to my gastroparesis, absorption is an issue, and I am unsure whether these lab results warrant an emergency room visit. I’ve been exerting myself at work, routinely walking 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, but I feel utterly depleted. If anyone has advice or insight regarding my situation, I would be grateful for your input. Thank you.

AnxietyDepressionStress
Male • 25-34
1 week ago

Seeking Guidance on My Health Struggles

Summary: I experienced a severe illness caused by C. difficile starting on January 23, 2023, which forced me to remain bedridden for 18 months. During that time, I lost 120 pounds along with significant muscle mass. Upon getting up in June 2024, I realized I would be in a state of extreme deconditioning. To combat this, I underwent physical therapy three times a day for six weeks and persistently continued exercising until I found a job in January 2025 that accommodated my profound fatigue and weakness. Since re-engaging with daily life, I have had multiple visits with my primary care physician, but my blood results have consistently been troubling. I developed gastric paralysis (gastroparisis), which impairs my body's ability to absorb essential nutrients. The last four to five months have been particularly challenging, to the point where showering leaves me breathless for 10 to 12 minutes afterward. My legs feel incredibly heavy, almost as if I’m dragging them around, and it feels as though I’m encased in a heavy suit. I struggle to lift my arms, frequently feel dizzy, and often lose my balance. Caring for my one-year-old child has become almost impossible physically, and I have been enduring this ordeal for 21 months. Latest blood work results from March 18, 2026: - ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE (ESR): My result is 42, with the normal range being 0-15. - COMPLEMENT C4: My result is 49.8, while the normal range is 12-36. - COMPLEMENT C3: My result is 205.7, compared to the normal range of 90-170. - TOTAL IRON BINDING CAPACITY: My result is 40, with a normal range of 65-175. - IRON PERCENT SATURATION: My result is 13.8, with the normal range being 19.7-50. After researching these results, it is apparent that I have significant inflammation and critically low iron levels; however, my doctors often dismiss my concerns and suggest I simply take iron supplements. It's important to note that due to the gastric paralysis, any iron won’t be effectively absorbed. Should these alarming results warrant a visit to the emergency room? For the past year, I have been exerting myself at work, walking 10,000 to 12,000 steps daily, yet I feel completely exhausted. I sincerely hope that someone can offer me guidance or advice. Thank you for your attention.

InsomniaAddictionDepression
Male • 25-34
1 week ago
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