My pelvis is knackered, what to do next?

[buttercupsareyellow]

Had dd 7 months ago and my pelvis started aching when she was 3 months old. For some stupid reason I decided to go ski-ing on a dry ski slope (dont ask) and having never done this before ended up toppling over. Had a bit of joint pain but thought nothing of it. However, the pain has got steadily worse. Every movement is painful, especially walking. Walking up and down stairs is horrendous, even twisting round to open the fridge door for eg causes pain. Lying in bed seems to make it worse too,lots of shooting pains down my leg.

I can identify the muscles which hurt and if I press down hard on them on my pelvis, as if to support them, the pain goes. Almost as if the pressure is providing some support like the pelvic bones have come apart...

I saw my gp at Christmas who was uselss just suggested joining a gym . I don't think she realised how bad it was. She examine me lying down and moved my legs around but it doesn't hurt unless I'm walking, putting weight on my pelvis etc. She acted as if she'd never come across this before...

I am now at my wits end, living with this pain day in day out is ruining my life. Trying to look after a baby and being back a work while coping with pain every second is horrendous but I don't know what to do. Have made another gp appointment but what tests/exams should I ask for? I just need to get this sorted I spent a fortune on an osteopath who didn't seem to help and also acted like she'd never come across this before. Feel like a medical freak

Not sure whether the pains you describe are down the back of your legs or the front.

If you were only 3 months after birth, your ligaments were probably still loose and susceptible to damage especially if you were still BFing.

You may have pulled your SI (sacro illiac - hip joints at the back) joints. As the some of the pain you are describing sounds like the pain you can get from pelvic instability during pregnancy and after birth.

The pain you describe in terms of walking, laying and turning in bed etc, sounds exactly like the pain of pelvic instability in the SI joints which I suffered after having DD.

You need physio. It will help and you will get back to normal.

You probably need to search around and find a physio which specialises in post natal physio.

Don't expect the NHS to be helpful. I was in terrible pain for months and my GP just kept telling me it was normal after birth even though I couldn't walk up stairs - I had to crawl up on all fours (so handy with a newborn and a house on 3 levels).

When I eventually pushed and pushed them (for that read: kept weeping in their surgery). I was offered crutches and very strong pain relief and told I could apply for a Blue Parking Badge in 6 months time. No other help was offered - useless!!!

I went privately to a physio recommended to me and it worked wonders. I needed about 10 sessions on a 1:1 basis first with a Manual Physio (does massage but its more than that IYSWIM) and then with a Rehab Physio to continue to get my pelvic area to move and function normally again.

I continued after that to do Clinical Pilates session (not the sort you do in a gym but the sort offered by physios) at £25 per class for a while. Plus I have lots of sheet with exercises I can do at home if I feel any twinges or need maintenance.

Until I saw the physio I felt so down and literally thought I was going to end up in a wheelchair (thanks Mr GP!) and I struggled to enjoy the early months with my daughter. The physio changed everything. I have had no pain for many many months now and can jump about as I choose as well as now being 17 weeks pregnant again and lugging a heavy 18 months old DD around.

Honestly, you will be fine but do sort your physio out soonest. Its not worth waiting around in pain.

BTW the exam your GP did with you lying down and they move your legs around is an outdated useless way of looking to see if you have SPD. The reason its pretty poor is that it will only pick up an issue if your pelvic instability in cause by the pelvic joint at the front of your pelvis (directly above your erm flower IYSWIM). It will not pick up issues with SI joints at all. Most GPs do not have a clue how to diagnose this.

Hope you're able to find decent physio in your area soon.

Wishing you the best.

Thankyou skandi1, your message has really cheered me up. Feeling really down today, just want to do normal activities without being in pain, cant even get up off the sofa and walk to the kitchen without gritting my teeth.

I will ask gp about physio, if I have to pay privately I will.

So good to know it can getter better. Congrats on your pregnancy

I had a lot of similar problems after having my DD, my GP no help their either

I ended up with the pain kicking in so badly 1 morning on the way up a big hill to get to work, that I just couldn't walk, thankfully there was a handrail & I all but dragged myself up & realised I was outside a Chiropractor,

Nothing special, part of a big chain, I was so desperate that I dragged myself in & asked if they could help me, they pretty much carried me into the treatment room, & I walked out again 20 minutes later pain free, it however did take several more sessions for it to stay that way though, but well worth the expense

They even had a printed leaflet with a diagram, that showed the exact same pain path & description & turned out to be quite a common birthing injury

I found out years later there IS an actual medical term for it, but I can't remember what it is I'm afraid, but seems a lot of GPs either don't know, or don't recognise it :( & if they do it seems it is a Psysio referral & excersize, which from what I hear isn't that easy or successful

No problem buttercups.

I was so down with it all. The pain would keep me awake at night in between nightfeeds etc and I just used to cry then because it felt never-ending, no one would take me seriously and I was very worried about how the future would pan out. But most of all I just wanted a rest from the pain, ie a position to sit, lie or stand it to make it stop but there wasn't one.

GPs can refer you for NHS physio but you tend to only get 6 sessions and its rarely with the right sort of specialist unfortunately.

Also you could be waiting months for an appointment. Infuriating, I know because you feel like you should be entitled to better and immediate care when in serious pain.

if you go private, you'll be seen within a day or 2 of phoning and if I am correct about you having an SI joint issue due to hormonal ligament stretching, then you will feel a big improvement by the 3rd or 4th time you see them.

If I had realised more quickly after I had DD (long long epic labour which I believe cause the issues for me) that I needed physio, I would have rushed off to see one rather than crying at a hapless/hopeless GP for months. Would have saved all concerned some time.

Just want to let you know that I know how you feel and how hopeless it all feels just now. But you will soon feel much better with treatment (and you HAVE TO do the exercise they set you as "homework" - HAVE TO!!).

I couldn't believe after so many months in pain how quickly I was more or less back to my old self.

And what Rockinhippy may be referring to is where your SI joints don't move properly when you move and they put pressure on the muscle which runs inside/under your hip in your bum area. This muscle is spasms makes it impossible for the rest of the pelvis and muscles (in bum area and down the legs) to function properly.

But as Rockin said, I have no idea what the proper name for that is either.

I suppose you could also give a chiropractor a try. I never have so couldn't comment.

There you are, two options for you.

skandi1 did you find you had pain even when sat down? For some reason driving makes the pain 10 times worse to the extent that I just can't drive any more. If I'm sitting down and cross my legs pain starts up in my groin, but the worst sensation is when I walk - it seems to be everytime I lift my leg.

Sorry to go on, it's just such a relief to find someone who knows what I'm talking about. I saw an osteopath about 4 times paying over £150 in total and it didn't help at all. Just been googling physiotherapists but hoping my gp will be able to point me in the right direction. [hopeful emotion]

I had the same sort of problems. I kept on going to my doctor, being told I had bursitis, sciatica, bursitis etcetera but I knew it was pelvic instability. It was a horrible time and at my worst I could not lift my legs when lying down - I thought I was going to end up lame. It was terrifying. However, I found an amazing physio and a yoga teacher and after 30 sessions with the physio and yoga 2 times a week for the past year I am nearly back to normal. Core muscle strength is vital for me and if I skive off my yoga for a couple of weeks I notice it.

Get thee to a good physio. They can work wonders.

I would recommend that you find a physiotherapist who specialises in Women's Health.

I had similar problem and a displaced pelvis after the birth of both DD's. I saw a physio on and off for 6 months, and did (still do) the exercises he recommended every day.

I also had accupuncture and now do yoga and pilates regularly. I get the occasional relapse if I do something stupid but these are now few and far between as long as I am dilligent about doing the exercises.

My physio also does a clinical pilates class which was very helpful at the beginning.

You do need to find the right physio.

Yes I had pain sitting and as for crossing my legs - no chance! Just too painful.

I had the walking pain too when lifting my right leg. I almost seemed to sort half limp along in the end. I can only compare it to riding a bike and when something catches a particular spoke in one of your wheels every time it goes around and it jolts you.

I had terrible pain laying in bed. Couldn't lie on my back at all and trying to turn over was agony. If I did fall asleep, then I would have to wake to turn over. Just miserable.

Do try your GP again if nothing else they should have a list of private physios and their specialisms in your area (for referrals for private health ins etc).

Private physio isn't cheap but it depends where you are.

The NHS physios don't help a lot because you can only be allocated very few sessions and you do not get the benefits of a specialist either. Mostly I understand that people are sent away with a sheet of 5 exercises (you need way more than that), crutches and a belt to sort of hold you pelvis together.

In the end I also had pain radiating right into my feet even when I was sitting and laying down. Feet were agony too 24/7. I forgot to mention that before as its so long since my feet hurt that looking back I cannot believe how bad it had gotten.

pain.about.com/od/typesofchronicpain/p/pelvic_joint_instability.htm

I've just remember the name of my problem...PELVIC JOINT INSTABILITY....in the link :)

& yes mine was worse walking upstairs, crossing legs etc, anything that meant lifting my leg, but generally just hurt like hell, so I feel for you, especially with the frustration with your GP, mine was worse than useless....blamed the stress of having a new baby

good luck

Doh, thats already been said ....I'll go back to sleep now....thats what you get for trying to do 2 things at once

Thanks everyone, feel better now I have an action plan. Glad there is light at the end of a very long and depressing tunnel.

I've just seen your post about driving. I can't drive a car with a heavy clutch without pain. Not good but at least DH's car is safe from me!

HI all, glad I found this thread tonight. (sorry to hijack a bit) I've had SI joint issues and suffered pretty severe SPD during my pregnancy and I'm now 11 months pp and my NHS physio has said my pelvis is now keeping stable - trouble is I am still not able to walk very far, or if I do the pain is just there all the time. I've spent the best part of the last 11 months resting (well, as much as I can) as this seems to help me. MOst of my pain was in the front pubis symphysis joint, although the full numb legs thing has faded now. I have never been given any exercises from my physio, and reading your hopeful experiences on here, I wondered if I should now be seeking out private physio?
Can anyone describe their exercises? I really have found the thing to take away my pain is to rest rest rest. But, I used to be a keen runner and I am scared I won't even be able to go for a long walk again.

www.pelvicpartnership.org.uk/

I am a long term SPD sufferer - you have my sympthies! Pelvic instability doesn't always resolve after birth, and can even start postnatally... Check this site out for advice. HTH

indigobarbie I find resting helps too, but can only really do in the evening, have 2 children and a job to manage during the day! I find that if say I'm resting on the sofa for a couple of hours when I do walk I'm pain free for a little while but then the pain comes on as I start to do more things. Walking up and down stairs also puts me bac but because I live in a townhouse with loads of stairs very difficult to avoid...

buttercups, I know exactly what you mean. I only have 1ds and am also back at work too, so I am wondering if I am hindering my healing by trying to do too much? I have no idea how you manage with 2 and a job! It is hard to gauge it sometimes. I took a longer mat leave just to see if I would return to more normal, but feel a bit annoyed that I am struggling still, but miles better than I was.

I feel really inspired by Skandi1's (congrats Skandi1 btw) post and would love to know how to get back to nearer normal.

TBH I had such a terrible time during my pregnancy that it's totally scared me for trying for another one (just yet anyway), that and knowing just how long it has taken me to feel better, how the hell do folks cope if they already have a toddler? Looks like a private physio may be the way to go, I am already a member of the PINS and the pelvicinstability network, off to check out the private practitioners. Love to every one xx

Indigobarbie, go private. If you get the pain and mobility issues dealt with, you will find that you have lots more spare strength to deal with life in general.

I endured pain for many months (and unncessarily thanks to unknowledgable GP) and felt I couldn't get my head above water to do anything other than just about looking after DD and the house.

I had times where it was so bad that I physically couldn't get up off the floor if I sat down to play with DD so I had to take her to the bedroom and sit on the bed because I knew I could get off it again.

DD was only 3 months old at the time and obviously didn't mind but it made me feel inadequate and useless because I just couldn't plop on the floor and play away.

Anyway, it was all the small stuff that used to get me. I thankfully I refused to believe my GP when he said it was perfectly normal

I do hope you all find the solution for you.
And soon. No one should have to suffer like this. And I cannot believe that common pregnancy/birth injuries like this are left untreated and completely ignored and at worst belittled and ridiculed by GPs (probably an attempt to save money).

Rant over back to feeding the small one in my tummy some choccies

OMG Skandi1 You have been so busy tonight! I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I absolutely agree with everything you have said, and to think we are told 'it's normal' and it is truly life altering and completely mis-understood by health professionals. My NHS physio has been manipulating my hips back into place, but I was only told to do tummy exercises. I do feel better pain wise - but since the birth of DS1 I have been resting and taking it easy (as much as I can) and only felt OK to drive around maybe 3 months after he was born. I still take stairs one step at a time, and sit down to get dressed etc etc. It's a long process, but I am off to find a local physio and I intend to post up my progress to hopefully let others know that it's not forever.
x

I'd also get them to check your lumbar spine. I had your symptoms and I and my GP thought it was my hip. An MRI scan showed degenerative disc disease in my lower back. No pain there but referred pain in my hip and leg.

Indigo, x-posted with you again on your other thread

DH is working his way though lots of wine and I am sipping my water and the quality of his chat is declining in line with the wine consumption.... Hence lots of MNing for me.

Also what Anonomg said - I had an MRI before starting physio to ensure it was a pelvic problem rather than disc disease which it was.

But you want the NHS to do the MRI if you can as £1500 if you pay (inc 2 consultations with neurosurgeon - £250 for 10mins!!).

btw as a word of hope - a good physio can work wonders. I was on crutches and codeine due to pelvic instability for ages pre and post natally... I had manual manipulation before the birth and was given exercises postnatally. Its not normal but it can be fixed - although I do have some disc compression now too, that can be helped by physio as well. Try not to worry too much if poss!

Have an appointment with different gp this morning, really hoping I come out of with a plan of action. Must try and be strong and not get fobbed off like last time when I was told to join a gym.

Feel v nervous, crap at going to the doctors and never seem to get across how much pain I'm in

Will update when I get back.

Thanks for all the positive stories, this thread is really helping!

How did it go?

has a pelvic xray, have to wait 10 days for the results. Worried nothing will show up though..

GP sympathetic, such a relief! She thinks it's an orthepedic issue. I asked about physio but she said no point sorting that out til we know what the problem is.

Really glad I went.