Crippling back pain/SPD... feel like a wreck.

[Deemented]

Sorry, this may be a moany post.

I'm 15 weeks pregnant, and have always had back problems. Nine years ago i had a prolapsed disc removed and replaced, and was left with bad sciatica. When i was pregnant with my DT's i developed SPD, but delivered early, so it wasn't too bad. When having my DD who went to term i suffered really badly with it, but the physio referral still hadn't come through by the time she was born. This time is totally different and i'm in agony. When i was about 10 weeks i noticed my sciatica getting worse, and a few days later i bent down and something 'pinged' in my back, and i was left in total agony. My doctor got me an urgent referral to the physio dept, and they dignosed me with SPD - i have a bump belt now. I'm having physio twice a week and hydrotherapy twice a week, but god, it hurts.

My doctor won't prescribe me anything stronger then paracetamol, but my physio spoke with my Dr on Friday and said that they really need to do something for me. He thinks i should have a MRI scan and suggested the doctor think about some kind of painkiller injected directly into my spine, kinda like an epidural to ease the pain if only for a few months. Physio seems to think i may have another slipped disc or some kind of irritation where the old one was removed and replaced. I have to go see the doctor about this tomorrow afternoon.

I'm not sure what the point of this post is, but i'm just feeling really down at the moment. All i can see is month of this pain ahead of me. I feel like such a lousy mum... i can't look after my DS, 4, properly so he's had to go and stay at my dads for a while and i'm really struggling with my DD, 14 months.

[rubyslippers]

why won't your GP prescribe anything stronger - you can have co-codamol (I think)

SPD is the pits - am 30 weeks and suffering with it (not as bad as you though)

you need to keep your painkillers topped up all the time - don't wait until you "need" them

[Deemented]

I'm not sure - she just said that she couldn't prescribe anything stronger as i'm pregnant.

[Weegle]

Loads and loads of sympathy.

I have chronic problems with my pelvis and lower back (arthritis) and am currently 14.5 weeks and definitely had a worsening of symptoms, so I really can sympathise. With DS I was immobile before the end of my pregnancy - but the difference this time is I'm in the Pain Clinic system. I'm being given weekly accupuncture (had some today and wow - crutches in to hospital, walked out). The lady who did the accupuncture also went off and spoke to my consultant who said that if I reach that level of pain again (or it creeps back and the accupuncture can't keep it at bay) he can inject steroid in to the area - he doesn't want to image it, but would do some good. I am also on prescribed cocodamol, which really helps, especially at night. So there is definitely more that can be done. Can you ask for a referral to your Chronic Pain Unit - they specialise in how to manage pain, and will know exactly what is safe and not during pregnancy - and if nothing else having someone listen to you and understand your fears about months of pain stretching ahead of you, and taking them seriously will REALLY help.

Good luck, hope they get you more comfortable.

[Deemented]

Thanks weegle - it's good to know someone has an idea of where i'm coming from.

I'll certainly mention the co-codamol to her tomorrow.

[lynneevans51]

Sympathy to you all. I had SPD post birth of DC2 and now 16 weeks with DC3, dreading its return pre-birth! Sciatica started about 10 weeks and currently still in that stage, fingers crossed I don't get to your stage, but if I do, its good to know that you guys are out there for advice....

[notjustapuppymum]

Why don't you try some alternative therapies like Osteopathy or McTimoney Chiropractic? I got SPD at around 21 weeks, went straight to an osteopath and am now completely cured. Granted it may too late for that in your case but I bet it would make a huge difference.

[Deemented]

To be honest alternative therapies aren't an option for me at the moment - i simply can't afford them.

[lynneevans51]

Deemented - see that you're 15 weeks, and Im 16 - but can't find you on the following thread....

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/793464-Due-Jan-2010-watching-our-beans-grow-into-bum ps?pg=6

You joining?

[Deemented]

I'll go and have a looksee

[Deemented]

Just got back from the doctors and she's prescribed me co-codamol! Her opening line was 'Bloody hell, you look awful' Gee, thanks doc

Anyways, she's referring me for an urgent MRI scan and also to the local pain clinic. Finally, it seems that i'm being listened to.

[heylottie]

I am totally sympathethic - have had raging, crippling sciatica since day one!

Tried everything and it was only when I went to the doctor crying that I, too, got into the pain clinic system at about 15 weeks.

I now have local anasthetic injections into various trigger points along the pain route with the idea (I think) that this will encourage the sciatic nerve to reheal out of spasm, or at least encourage the body to realign itself.

Anyway, am now 29 weeks and although I still have sciatica it is much more manageable: about a 60% reduction in a pain that was making me suicidal to be honest.

Orginally the pain guru was going to give me a steroid injection once I got to 31 weeks ish - because I am improved he is now waiting until after the birth - but maybe that would work for you?

Let me know if you get your MRI scan - again I was told to wait until after the birth so am interested!!

But good luck at the pain clinic - one day at a time and take the co-codamol!!!

[Weegle]

yay, that's great - doesn't it just make you feel a million times better just to be taken seriously?!

My pain clinic are fab - truly amazing set of people who actually listen, take note, and act - really hope you get a similarly good team.

[notjustapuppymum]

There's no way your body will just 'realign itself' - it needs assistance to do that.
Surely if you're in that much pain you can't put a price on being pain-free?!

[Deemented]

notjustapuppymum When it comes to a choice of buying DS his school uniform and putting food on the table or paying an oesteopath £50 an hour, it does.

All i can do is hope that the appointments hurry up and come through.