Pregnancy Forums

Posted: 21 November 2007 at 8:10pm | IP Logged

I had SPD with my first child, which was very bad. I had no physio or support with that and now it has come back with this pregnancy. But luckily have been reffered to a physio. The Pain is really bad and I have my first physio appointment tomorrow. And I was just wondering what to expect. My pain is ok at times but I struggle to walk at times. Going upstairs is a nightmare and looking after my daughter is a struggle as she's not quite walking yet.

Posted: 21 November 2007 at 8:19pm | IP Logged

Sorry to hear that your SPD has reared its ugly head again. I ended up unable to walk when I was pregnant with Ruthie, and after struggling with a zimmer frame etc, I was induced early. I got very little help or support from the hospital - I actually made a formal complaint about one of the registrars who saw me. It's an awful feeling when you can't make people understand how much pain you are in.

I'm glad you have been referred to a physio - you will get lots of advice about what you can and can't do. I got a support belt early on to wear, which you may get too. I really hope it doesn't get too bad for you. I had a toddler, and that was hard because I couldn't lift her or anything. Do you have people around to help you?

Good luck tomorrow - let us know how you get on.

xxx

Posted: 21 November 2007 at 8:29pm | IP Logged

Yeah I was really bad with my first I got induced early. I swear the hospital thought I was making it up I was in so much pain. I was in and out of hospital for the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy due to the pain. And then I had a forceps birth and they put my legs in stirrups I was in full labour for 14 hours. It was a nightmare.

Now I struggle walking down to the local shops I'm in so much pain. I can't even push my daughters buggy for long. I do have family here and my mum is already aware that she may need to help me as she helped me before, so I am lucky there. But I am hoping I get treated alot better this time than I did last time as I felt so stupid and like I'm making a mountain of a molehill. I ended up so depressed over it, especially when it came to the point that I couldn't walk and they offered me nothing apart from strong painkillers that did nothing.

Posted: 21 November 2007 at 8:37pm | IP Logged

SPD certainly seems to be recognised a lot more nowadays in some places anyway - I really hope you are looked after properly this time. Make sure to speak up for yourself, and don't let them send you away feeling that you've had no help, or you haven't been listened too.

Unfortunately I still suffer from it 11 years on - it flares up and down from manageable pain to extremely painful. I did go to an osteopath last year when it was particularly bad, and it seemed to help a bit. I can't afford to do that all the time though, so have the physio next week to see what they can do (again!)

I'm glad you've got support from your family. Just take it easy as much as you can with a lo! Lift as little as possible, avoid the stairs unless totally necessary, and rest as much as you can.

xxx

Posted: 21 November 2007 at 8:45pm | IP Logged

I'm sorry to hear that the SPD has come back. I know how much pain you are in. I had SPD in my pregnancy with my son. Eds is now 2 and half and I am still in a lot of pain. I am fairly certain what I have now is DSP (where the gap between the symphysis pubis has never closed) and am currently having prolotherapy treatment by a pain specialist. I was also induced early and treated badly by many of the consultants and midwives who dealt with me.

I can recommend a few things that might help. First make sure your midwife and GP are fully aware of the extent of your problem. Look into acupuncture (avaliable on the NHS in some areas) and see if there is a chiropractor local to you who is used to dealing with pregnancy related problems. There is an article on this site (Look in main menu>articles>pregnancy for the article on SPD) and also contact the pelvic partnership for help. Some councils will issue a temporary disabled badge for pregnant women with SPD so look into that.

If you want one on one support, to talk to someone who understands what you are going through, we offer a buddy system on this site. Click the link below.

Good luck, I hope some of the points I made will help a little.

Posted: 22 November 2007 at 8:33am | IP Logged

Hi hun

I too have this annoying condition.... i am seeing a pain specialist for help later on today and i just wanted to let you know you are not alone (which you prob know by now!)

My little one is now 19mths and i'm bad enough to need a mobility scooter as i've given up on crutches as i can't manage my 6yr old who needs constant eyes on him and my 19mth old walks quicker than i do!

If you don't get much support ( i got here's a belt and crutches come back if your still struggling after birth but you can re-refered.....

I would definatly suggest looking into the bits and bobs madz has posted as a suggestion to keeping some sort of sanity. I'm glad your mum is supportive and is able to be there for you.

Otherwise it's rest, which i know is vertually impossible. Otherwise have a rucksack that you can carry things round with you and load it with bits from upstairs that you need in the day and vie versa for night time.......

Big gentle hugs hun......  i hope you can get some help soon that will be of benefit.

Posted: 22 November 2007 at 7:40pm | IP Logged

I really feel for you......it's an awful situation to be in. Hopefully your treatment during this pregnancy will be better.

After I had Finn, my mother in law bought me an apron with a big pocket on the front (very sexy lol) I found it invaluable for all the things I needed to carry around but couldn't because of the crutches!

I hope the physio managed to help you today