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Due to a break for Health and recovery, I'm bringing you the full, uncut version of a popular bonus episode. This episode, originally titled My Story Part 2, was first released in its entirety exclusively to Patreon subscribers in 2024, with a bite-sized snippet available during Season 3 of Quiet Connection. I'm offering the full deep dive now to check in with you.
I’m sharing the traumatic medical crisis that compounded my severe PMADs, including postpartum Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and OCD. After enduring multiple Mental Health hospitalizations, I began experiencing unexplained physical symptoms like rapid, alarming weight gain and chronic pain. The episode details the terrifying moment an MRI revealed a mass on my pituitary gland that was hemorrhaging into my brain.
I recount my time in neuro ICU, the relief when the tumor eventually bled itself to death, and the lasting impact of becoming chronically ill and disabled. Ultimately, I reflect on the duality of my experience and affirm my commitment to the PMAD community. This is a powerful look at finding joy and strength in the fundamental philosophy of the “both and”. I am sick a lot of the time and I can also find joy in things.Â
🗝️Key Takeaways
- Initial PMAD Diagnoses: Chelsea's PMAD journey included depression (after their first child, Lily ), and extreme challenges after their second (Avery, born in June 2022), including a severe postpartum hemorrhage and three mental health inpatient hospitalizations. Diagnoses included postpartum anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD.
- Unexplained Physical Symptoms: Prior to the new diagnosis, Chelsea struggled with debilitating, unexplained symptoms, including gaining over a hundred pounds in less than a year , chronic pain , severe swelling, and loss of their period. They were often dismissed by doctors.
- The Pituitary Crisis: A horrible, rapidly worsening headache led to an ER visit where an MRI revealed a mass on the pituitary gland that was hemorrhaging into their brain. They were rushed to neuro ICU.
- Medical Trauma and Treatment: The crisis led to a hospital stay and immediate treatment with high-dose IV steroids. The pituitary gland, which controls vital hormone production, wasn't working due to the bleeding.
- Resolution and Aftermath: The tumor eventually “bled itself to death” and was no longer visible on an MRI. However, the pituitary gland was irreparably damaged , leaving Chelsea chronically ill and managing fluctuating hormone levels, extreme fatigue, body temperature dysregulation, and heat sensitivity.
- Finding Their Place in the PMAD Community: Chelsea concluded that while the tumor likely amplified their PMAD symptoms, they still experienced PMADs and affirms they belong in the community.
- The Both/And Philosophy: Their philosophy f
This episode discusses topics that may be triggering for some individuals. Please check the show notes for more information and be mindful of your own mental health and comfort levels.
Real moms. Real talk. Zero sugarcoating.
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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection
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Chelsea is a nonbinary, disabled/chronically ill stay-at-home parent. As a passionate advocate for those too often unheard, Chelsea is always eager to dive into honest and open conversations with other moms about the messy, challenging, and unexpected realities of parenthood. Chelsea hosts Quiet Connection: Postpartum Mental Health podcast and is a panel member on the Odd Moms On Call podcast.
Chelsea worked for 10 years in intensive-needs special Education and is still passionate about advocating for neurodiverse families. They also volunteer at a pediatric oncology camp as the planner & facilitator of their quarterly playgroup, serving the families of their youngest campers.
