so lame about SPD... am I being a wimp or just crap at being pregnant?

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Feeling so lame with SPD. Im only 23wks and yet im struggling to walk today due to SPD agony.

I feel like I?ve had broke crockery inserted into front pubis region bit and then been kicked by elephant in said region then in my sacrum.

Im not in a good way. I feel so fucking lame ? I?m just rubbish at being pregnant. And now rubbish at being at work as a result.

Don?t want to tell people that I cannot do x,y,z due to the pain it will cause. If I do tell anyone about it, I feel lame and ashamed - that I should be keeping quiet and or be better at being pregnant. I feel that no one really gets it or believes me.

I am feeling sorry for myself today- feel free to ignore.

[ValiumQueen]

Do not be so down on yourself. SPD is miserable. I had it badly with DD2 from early on, so finished early with this one. Thankfully no SPD so far. Could you get a sick line, or finish early? I am also 23 weeks, and am using annual leave and starting mat leave at 29 weeks.

You have my sympathies.

[ValiumQueen]

Your description is pretty accurate. Tell that to anyone who does not take you seriously!

[blondiep14]

Poor you.
I know how it feels and you're not being lame , it bloody hurts!

No real constructive help that is it?!

Have you been to GP or MW and asked for a physio referral?

[kerala]

I found crutches really helped with walking. I also got signed off work at 32 weeks as I wasn't mobile at all.

And stop being so hard on yourself! Bet you don't look at others with health conditions and think they are lame so don't do it to yourself!

[Gingerbreadlatte]

thank you helps to know that Im not being lame. I just want to stand on my desk and shout "it fucking hurts!" today!

I am underpressure to finish a bit of work that takes me to 37wks... not sure how i handle that if I cannot sit at my desk...

Have been seeing an osteo since 12wks and am doing yoga, sitting on a ball when I can etc. this is my second time round, with DC 1 it wasnt so bad....

[ValiumQueen]

Take a ball to work? Might help, plus will highlight there is an issue. Is it your first pregnancy?

[Notgrownupinmyhead]

Your not being a wimp. I had to finish early with ds1 as it was really fucking bad. Had it a bit with DS2 and am starting a bit withDS3 and am starting walk like i've got a swede up my Gary Glitter.

I found sitting on the exercise ball helped.

[ValiumQueen]

Ah, so you have DC1 as well. Poor thing x hopefully they are big enough to help you.

[kerala]

Can you not work from home? I found the commute the worst thing and moving about the office going to the loo (which I needed to do every 30 mins). I was asked to leave in the end - the senior partner couldn't bear to see me hobbling about he didn't think it was right I was still there .

[ItsMyLastOne]

SPD is horrendous and I have no idea what we have all done to deserve it! I have explained to a few people that I'd my pregnancy continues as it did last time then I will not be able to do x, y, z. And given them very detailed explanations of what it is and how it feels.

I don't think many people understand but don't let that mean you do things you can't manage.

[lindsell]

From a practical point of view i persuaded work to buy me this chair and it was brilliant - it's more comfortable than just an exercise ball for long periods as it's more stable. I was far more comfortable at work than I was at home after I got this.

I must admit I'm so relieved that I'm not pregnant any more and can walk easily, carry ds1 & new ds2 and just move/sit/sleep without pain so I have lots of sympathy for you. Physio and regular Pilates helped me as well.

[McBaby]

It is a horrible pain. Was signed off from 26 weeks and not sitting all day made the pain much more manageable. The vest advice is if it hurts don't do it. Which means explaining the problem to people and not sitting all day.

[cmm]

Really feel for you all with spd. I had with both my pregs. Ended up on crutches and just over a year after the delivery of my little boy it is starting to feel better. My first didn't take as long to go right, only about 6-8 weeks after I think. It's always better after the birth though so fingers crossed. It will improve and your baby will be worth it but it does make pregnancy long and painful and so frustrating. Keep thinking of holding your little ones though, I'm sat here bf ing mine now!! Xx

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Thanks everyone.

I do work at home 2 days in 5 so I can sit on a ball today. Commute isn't too bad by car but that seemed to set me off today.

I'm talking to them about the chairs and had wondered about that ball chair. Thanks for the tip that it's a good option. Good to know its comfy.

I'm apparently not allowed a normal ball in the office due to H&S reasons

I thought my boss would be good given that shes got 2 kids but it seems she was the lucky type who sailed thru relatively easily and worked to the end. Don't think the sympathy will be flowing !

So great to hear I'm not going mad with this

[BarmeeMarmee]

Gingerbreadlatte you have my sympathy-im currently just over 22 weeks with DC2 and now on crutches with SPD. Your description is soooooo accurate! Not much to add to the suggestions already made but you are definitely not rubbish at being pregnant, or pathetic, or anything else, and neither are you alone. It is a horrible thing though and I too have felt like that at times. We will get through it though!

[zoeymlucas]

Don't ever think that, anyone who has had SPD will totally understand how bad it can be and how it effects every part of your life! I had it with my DS2 from 16 weeks and ended up on crutches with a support belt holding my bump off my pelvis from 22 weeks, from about 25 weeks I was near enough bed bound only getting out for about 10 baths a day (I have other hip problems though, had both leg bones cut in half and re built with metal plate and pins) I ended up having a c section at 33 weeks as my surgeon said he couldn't watch me in that pain anymore!
You come on here Hun and there will always be someone that understands x x

[YankNCock]

SPD is fucking awful. I got it at 18 weeks in my first pregnancy, got progressively worse until I was on crutches. Now pregnant for the 2nd time and am managing a bit better because I knew this was coming--but it still hurts so much and I feel so useless.

One thing I didn't do was carry on being treated after I had DS, and now I think all the continued pain might have been avoided if I'd kept seeing a physio or osteopath. One of my hips is a whole inch higher than the other and pelvis tipped way forward--and it's possibly been like that since last time! (DS nearly 3) Have my physio appointment booked for 4 weeks after my due date now.

As for explanations, I normally say 'I feel like I've been kicked in the crotch by a Clydesdale'.

[RandomMess]

The pain is horrendous, I was lucky I recovered very quickly post birth.

My top tip is never kick a football - OMG the agony!!!

The real treatment is rest rest rest - perhaps you need to be signed off to give yourself a complete break for a while and really do NOTHING that aggrevates it?

[Gingerbreadlatte]

thanks you all so much for posts reassuring how awful it is. I know no one (in RL) with it and so its hard when nobody can understand.

Those of you on crutches from early 20wks time - did you reach the point where you couldnt walk or do it before that? I really could have done wiht that support yesterday.

Also, do you lot find it makes pelvic floor issues worse or vice versa? my bladder etc isnt great after DC1 so if it is full or (i think it is) it makes pain worse when walking and I think Im going to wet myself.

I will press issues of chairs, and more assessments today - I am not going ignore this as I cannot see it getting better before my DC is due.

[Gingerbreadlatte]

thanks for footie tip Random

I tried releasing the close button on a pushchair the other day with one foot. OUCH!

[Gingerbreadlatte]

another question, how do you get crutches?

Do you have to be under a hospital physio? I am seeing a osteo privately but suspect its too holistic for that kind of thing?

[BarmeeMarmee]

My crutches are from a hospital physio but I know organisations such as the red cross/st john ambulance often have equipment stores where you can hire them privately for a small fee. May be worth getting an NHS referral or even ringing your local NHS physio dept and explaining the situation-you may find they can supply crutches with a doctors letter or something. And oh yes do I feel your pain with the pelvic floor-or in my Casw what seems to be lack of! I spend half my time praying I get to a toilet before I wet myself!! Let us know how you get on re crutches? Also sorry if you said and I've forgotten, do you have a support band for the bump? Mine is just a huge tubigrip but I wear it in bed and it makes turning so much easier so sleep a bit better, meaning I tackle the day a bit more refreshed. Sounds silly I know.

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Hi Barmee

Sorry to hear that your pelvic floor is a bad too. Its no fun thinking you will wee yourself. I had that issue after birth for ages and ages last time. I hope it will be better this time!

re crutches, I do actually have some crutches at home - were DHs from a long time ago. I guess i need to know how to use them properly for SPD... I might talk to MW.

I have an Emma jane belt that is massively uncomfy. Your support sounds like a good option - is it for SPD or just a big tubigrib?
I was trying to find out which belt is best, many are ok when standing but when you sit it digs into bladder, bump and made me feel a bit sick.

[McKayz]

Oh Ginger, I am really sorry. I had SPD with DS2 and DD. It wasn't so bad with DS2 until about 34 weeks and then I had to get a sick note to start my mat leave early.

As you probably remember from all my moaning in the wagon I had it really bad with DD. Some days I could hardly walk. I was seeing the physio for exercises. I didn't get crutches though because I had to take the boys to school. She did suggest buying a support band. Like this one I didn't as when she suggested getting on I was 37 weeks so wouldn't have made any difference,

Is there any chance of you doing more days at home?

[CatSocks]

SPD is evil. I didn't know what had hit me....

The only advice I can come up with is - is seriously think about your own (and of course your baby's) wellbeing.

I ended up being signed off work, I soldiered on as long as I could, putting pressure on myself, I ended up crashing my car on the way back from work, the Doctor took one look at me and signed me off. I was in a high pressure job and I am not saying you are in the same boat at all. But just remember that your baby comes first, I think sometimes we feel the need to prove that we CAN do it all, I did and once I was signed off thing got alot better.

The SPD didn't disappear! But I had more time to take care of myself.

I hope this came across the way I intended, be kind to yourself xx