SPD - Page 2 - SPD - Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction | PGP - Pelvic Girdle Pain - Pregnancy Forums - Madmums

Author

Message

Prev Topic | Next Topic

hug0rune
Crazy
Avatar

Joined: 29 May 2007

United Kingdom
Posts: 6
Gender: Not Specified

Posted: 06 June 2007 at 1:28pm \| IP Logged

I spoke to Vanda and Margaret at Manchester Uni yesterday, the two midwives who've put together the most recent research regarding SPD (The GAP Study) and the percived lack of knowledge/care/support is pretty much universal when it comes to this condition.

The consensus is that because it's often not tangible (i.e there appears to be no physical evidence of something being wrong) doctors tend to dismiss it. Even in cases when it's obvious there is something wrong the fact that women have bad days and good days gives a sort of mixed message. That is to say they can't understand why someone could phone a midwife asking for help and in absolute agony to the point of being immobile one day yet up and about the next. Frustrating for all concerned i imagine.

There are glimmers of hope in the shape of research being done in Norway (where, apparently the rate is 40% among pregnant women) which will be looking at the root cause of the condition. That and the fact that the GAP Study will very soon be on the desks of every midwife in the country can only be positives. Quite how it will help those already suffering is debatable but if GPs take note perhaps it will lead to a bit more empathy for those affected. That would be a start.

Angelica72
Looney Tune
Avatar

Medals:

More Awards: 2

Joined: 24 April 2007

United Kingdom
Posts: 1937
Gender: Female

Posted: 14 June 2007 at 7:28pm \| IP Logged

Hi. I suffered from SPD during my middle pregnancy. By the time I gave birth I could barely walk, had a zimmer frame and my husband had to turn me over in bed inch by inch - it used to take 10 minutes for me to get up - I was in agony. Sometimes I had to crawl to the toilet on my hands and knees, shuffling. That was in 1996 - I have suffered pain ever since. I have constant pain in my pubic bone, hips, lower back and often down my buttocks and thighs.

I had to fight to get any help during my pregnancy, and actually wrote a letter of complaint about a consultant who was completely unsympathetic, and left me in tears after basically telling me to get on with it. I was induced early - my consultant writing in my notes that I would require an epidural. After a horrendous 12 hours,where we were mostly with a student midwife - I gave birth, to find that they hadn't actually noticed the epidural request on my notes! (At that time, the hospital in question didn't give epidurals on demand).

I too find it incredibly upsetting to read about other people's stories, as it takes me right back to how it was. I am so sorry that your wife has had to go through this. I hope things improve for her.

hug0rune
Crazy
Avatar

Joined: 29 May 2007

United Kingdom
Posts: 6
Gender: Not Specified

Posted: 14 June 2007 at 9:36pm \| IP Logged

Hi Angelica, isn't it incredible just how many people have had these very similar and horrible experiences-yet no one seems to have heard of SPD. Only this week I had to explain/remind my own GP what the initials SPD stood for! Grrr.

You say that you were affected in your middle pregnancy and I hope whatever you experienced afterwards wasn't anywhere as severe. Your experience with the consultant sounds hellish. A bit of understanding would go a long way. A point I aim to put across in my project.

I have had contact from the pelvic partnership who will discuss my request for an interview at their next comitee meeting.

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

Pregnancy Forums

SPD - Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction | PGP - Pelvic Girdle Pain

Topic: SPD