Pregnancy Forums

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 12:14am | IP Logged

Hiya,

As most of you know, I have been suffering from DSP (the 'big daddy' of SPD) from 8wks into my second pregnancy (I had SPD with my first) and about six months after the birth I had the 'plating' operation.  The consultant did say that the procedure only carried a 50% success rate but being wheelchair bound at the time I saw it as a 50% chance of getting out of the blasted thing!!! Anyway, we had a certain degree of success in that I'm not so dependant on the w/chair (unless I'm going shopping etc) but I'm still in a tremendous amount of pain constantly and I have to rely on crutches all the time to get around (even in the house)...

Anyway, I've been passed from pillar to post so much it's unbelievable, and I've had comments ranging from "it's a swine of a condition to treat", "you really need to learn to live with it" and "maybe it's because you're depressed that your mind is playing tricks on you and you only 'think' you're in pain" - (the fact that it's actually the pain/condition that has caused the depression seems to have been overlooked). 

Finally,  I saw someone (a pelvic specialist) who actually believes me!!!!! and, more importantly, he's willing to try and work out a way to improve my quality of life!!!!!!!!!!! wehey!!!!!!!!! 

It turns out that after taking loads of x-rays (at all sorts of really obscure angles) there are two of the four screws in the plate not working (one is hanging out and he's not to sure what the other is doing: certainly not it's job!).  Therefore, the plate itselff isn't doing the job it was meant to... (the last consultant that I saw about 3mths ago said the plate was fine and it was doing it's job - I disagreed and asked for this second opinion! thank god I did!). 

Anyway, the result is that I've now to go for a bone scan to check on any inflammation and to see if there is any corrosion/infection in the bone.  Once I've had the results from that, he'll then decide which way to proceed.  He thinks at the moment, it definitely looks mechanical and I'll need another operation to 'double plate' the front, and then screws inserted into the back (at the SI joints) to stabalize it completely.  The downside is that it might make my pelvis too rigid, so we're going to sit down after the bone scan to discuss in detail the possible benefits/down sides so that I can make a fully informed choice.  Apparently this is 'major' surgery and I'm obviously not looking forward to it but the thought of maybe, just maybe getting my life back appeals so much that I'm willing to try anything!!!  What I don't want to do though, is just jump right in there again.. after all, i've had the plating already and a hysterectomy to try and sort this and I feel as if my body is just falling apart (literally).  Should I just stop here??

Has anyone else out there had to go to this extreme? IIf so, I'd really love to hear from you..  'm just worried that I might end up making matters worse (although to be honest I'm in such a state mentally & physically I don't really see how that could happen)..

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 12:25am | IP Logged

hi jen

cant say ive been through anything close...and i thought im suffering after having a baby lol. you are a tropper..and im with you every step.... hope that whatever you decide will lead to getting normal functions back and less pain.

Hugs and love

lina

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 8:57am | IP Logged

Hi Jen, Anything is worth a try to get your life back on track! Thank goodness for pelvic specialist. I didn't know you had all these problems. I have SPD and that's bad enough but I really feel for you. I'm confident that you've done all the right things to help yourself like getting second opinion. you know your body better than they ever will! Just hang in there. I hope everything goes to plan and you're up and about in no time.

luv crys xxx

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 9:18am | IP Logged

Thats FANTASTIC!

I'm off for my first round of prolotherapy today and rather nervous. I think because I really want it to work. As you know I have every sympathy for you and understand all you have been through. If this doesnt work for me then surgery is my next option, I have already been offered it once but refused it.

I think the best bit is finding someone who believes you and understands. Thats how I felt when I met my pain specialist! Its him I'm seeing today.

Good luck hun, let us know how it goes!

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 9:43am | IP Logged

aww jen, i havent experienced this kind of thing and my heart goes out to you and the rest of the ladies who have it on here, thank goodness you asked for a 2nd opinion hun, i wish you all the suscess and hopefully you will get your life back on track in know time big (((hugs))) hun luv jue xxx

p.s madz goodluck today hun - let us know how you get on xx jue xx

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 10:36am | IP Logged

  Jenny so glad you have this specialist and now have the chance of some kind of relief. I know its major surgery if you go ahead with it, but you have put up with so much already. You are a strong person and whatever decision you make in the end will be the right one for you and your family. Best of luck and I hope we can meet up soon

                                                   Nicky xxxxx

Posted: 09 February 2007 at 11:29am | IP Logged

I'm so pleased that someone is willing to help you! Its great news and they have finally found the problem and he has a pretty good idea how to help you!

I know its not an easy decision going on your history but like you said how can it be worse? Its worth a try, if you dont do it you will suffer and always think "what if"...I wish you all the best with the bone scan and hope that you can come to a decision and maybe get your life back! xxxxxxxxxx Huge hugs