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PGP/crutches/carrying on working?

5 replies

BeginnerSAHM · 07/11/2014 16:53

Hi all - this post is partly to moan and partly to find out what other people with severe PGP/SPD have done. I'm 32 weeks and developed PGP 5 weeks ago. I've finally been seen by the NHS physio I was referred to 'urgently' and she's given me crutches, which seem to help reduce the pain a bit when walking. However, I can't commute anymore as I can't walk to the station (and it's very hard to get a seat despite bump and badge) so have been getting taxis to and from work... It's very expensive. I also do a job where I am stuck at my desk all day. Should I just admit defeat and ask the doctor to sign me off sick for a couple of weeks before going on maternity leave earlier than planned? I'd be interested to hear from anybody else who's had this and felt they had to stop work. We could do with the money (and me working for as long as possible) but I'm in a lot of pain most of the day... It only really eases off if I can lie down frequently throughout the day. I have two children who are, luckily, at school (5 and 6) so don't need to push pushchairs or pick them up a lot but I feel really bad I can't look after them properly either...

I've started seeing an osteopath privately which seemed to help a bit. The physio I saw said there wasn't much they can do and it will probably be better once the baby comes as it's hormonal - which is little consolation at the moment. Besides, everything I've read on the 'Pelvic Partnership' website says that's not current thinking anyway.

Anyway, has anybody else had to stop work early because of PGP/SPD?? Thank you!

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dragonflyinthelillies · 07/11/2014 16:59

I have to commute in to work and found it pretty much impossible on crutches. I have been signed off for a month but my physio seems pretty confident that if I do the exercises and rest then I should be able to return.

I'm 27 weeks so a bit behind you but I am so much better now than I was 2 weeks ago when I was first signed off and I do see myself returning to work.

So basically what I'm saying is a period of rest might just do you the world of good

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foxyfemke · 07/11/2014 17:09

Would working from home be an option for you?

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BeginnerSAHM · 07/11/2014 17:34

Thanks dragonfly - that gives me a bit more hope...! Yes, worth a try.

Foxy - yes, I can occasionally but I really need to be available in the office to talk things through face to face with people (juniors etc) and my firm is very anti working from home generally. I could offer them the option of me working from home. At least that way I can still do my job to pretty good effect - presumably they'd prefer that to me being off sick!

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WhyOWhyWouldYou · 07/11/2014 17:55

Just bear in mind that if you go off sick with pregnancy related illness from week36 they can automatically start your mat leave.

I think in your shoes I'd be aiming for a fit note from the Dr saying you need to work from home.

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BeginnerSAHM · 07/11/2014 18:14

Yup - thanks. Am a lawyer actually! I think that sounds like a sensible suggestion. I can take a break every 40 mins a lie down/stretch for 10 minutes so that might work. Harder to do in the office...!