Slipped disc flare-up at 6 months preganant. Help!

[KitKat1985]

Hi all.

I've had a long history of lower back problems after badly damaging a disc in my back some years ago. I'm at a stage where I'll often be okay for months and then will intermittently have a 'flare up' and end up on strong pain killers for a while until it settles back down again. Pre-pregnancy I religiously did some physio exercises which were good for building up back muscles and they definitely did help, but I'm not able to do them when pregnant.

Me and DH always knew pregnancy was going to be a bit of a challenge with my back being temperamental but have been pleased with how well things had been going, until yesterday. I'm now 6 months pregnant and back just gave out yesterday (didn't even really do anything, I think I just leaned over a bit awkwardly). Right side of my back has gone into spasm and I'm completely off balance and getting sciatica pains in my right leg. I've phoned GP but can't get an appointment until Wednesday, not that I'm sure they will be able to do much, given that most pain killers are not suitable for pregnancy. However was hoping they maybe could make a referral to a physio or something who could show me some pregnancy-suitable exercises or help me get a back support belt (although those could potentially take weeks ). Until then I've just had some paracetamol and am sulking pottering around the house frustrated by not being able to do much (thankfully I'm off work today). For various reasons I'm also not able to start my maternity leave until 37 weeks, so potentially facing a very long 10 or so weeks at work if this keeps up (I work as a nurse and work can be physically challenging at the best of times).

Has anyone been in a similar situation and got any tips? Or just wants to mope with me in a state of misery? x

[KitKat1985]

Anyone?

P.S. Apologies for the typo-error of pregnant in the title!

[jaykay987]

So sorry to hear this. I feel your pain!

Although my slipped disc has (touch wood) been fairly well controlled through chiropractor appointments every 10days throughout pregnancy....he has kept me mobile, but my sciatica pain down my left leg has remained.

It is so painful and prevents me from sleeping as much as walking. GO hasn't been able to do anything for me. I did get physio referral at about 25w but they issued me with crutches and a handful (of useless) exercises.

So you're not alone.

One thing though... as baby has dropped in the last couple of weeks my pain has got considerably better. So baby location is definitely affecting the pain level. It sstarted to ramp up again the past few days, but I'm almost 38w now and hoping I won't go to the full 42!

Im also suffering from spd, which everyone keeps assuring me will disappear as soon as baby arrives! Fx the same will be true of the sciatica - but I'm less hopeful!

[jaykay987]

GO =GP

[KitKat1985]

Hey jaykay. Sorry to hear you're in the same boat although it's nice to have some company. xxx Horrible to hear you've had a real double whammy with the sciatica and the SPD. Have you been able to take any painkillers or anything? xxx