PGP/SPD in a flat

[goodbyekitty123]

I have recently been diagnosed with PGP (pelvic girdle pain) and am having to use crutches.
The problem is I live in a first floor flat so I am pretty much housebound. As long as I do very little I feel much better (I haven't even had to use my crutches today!) but as soon as I walk downstairs/stand up for any length of time/do housework such as vacuuming or changing the bed, I am aching again.

I am in council accomodation and have spoken to them to explain my issues but they're not being very helpful or understanding. I was told I can fill in a welfare assessment form but have been told they generally don't deal with pregnancy related issues and even if I get reassessed and apply for another property there is no guarantee I will be housed before the baby is born (which is May). So basically I could be looking at being housebound for another 3 months

Is/has anyone else been in this position? Have you got any advice?

Not got any experience of this myself at all. Could you ask your midwife (or surestart centre) if there is any sort of home care available maybe someone who can assist you in and/or out of the flat, or do some shopping etc. You may have to pay for this but if you have a low income it may be possible for it to be subsidised.

Might even be worthwile seeing if social services have and information on any help thats is availible.

I've tried ringing Shelter and the only option I seem to have is just to reapply and keep my fingers crossed.

I dont really have any suggestions other than trying to get a supporting letter from your physio but i doubt council will house you that quickly. They may say its not permanent and wriggle out of rehousing you. I feel for you. Having PGP is horrible. I have it too and live on 2nd floor with no lift. Good luck.

I think a flat, even a first floor one, is better than a house as you only have to climb the stairs once, rather than every time you need to go to the toilet! I spent part of my pregnancy in a house and part in a flat and I was much better in the flat. It's not nice anywhere though.

Poor you! I know how you feel I have suffered from PGP as well.
It was so painful and annoying. My GP told me to rest but in the end it got worse and worse. I eventually changed to Röst?s therapy. A special therapy for pregnant women with SPD. I found a therapist true here website (rosttherapy >and on the site> find a therapist) and thanks to this therapist I had an almost pain-free pregnancy. I don't have any advise regarding your flat but maybe they can help you or advise you? The therapist in Londen was really kind and even did a home visit for me.
I hope this helps!

Oh no, I sympathise. I had SPD from 12 weeks up until about 20 weeks -I still get the odd twinge but no where near as bad.

Can someone do the hoovering for you? And help with changing the bed? I have to say hoovering was the one task that put me in the most amount of pain of all and it's because you are leaning to one side all the time and flexing on one leg. It's the same with ironing and carrying heavy bags - if someone can help you with those things you will probably feel much better. As far as I can see it you can get help with those bits but the stairs are always going to be there.

Are you seeing a physio?

Thanks everyone for your advice. I have submitted a self-assessment welfare form to the council so hopefully I'll be rehoused soonish. I also had my first physio appointment on Friday but he was a bit useless. He didn't seem to know much about pregnancy but he gave me some exercises to try. I've got another appointment in 3 weeks with a woman this time so hopefully it'll be a bit better.

I'm no longer doing the hoovering or any other strenuous tasks. My good old mum has been coming round and doing it for me which has been great. It's just the loneliness and frustration of being stuck at home all week which is the worst at the moment. Only another 3 months! I think I may go crazy before then. Wish me luck!!

Take it from someone who works in social housing...do not get your hopes up about a move. your condition is temporary and therefore will not qualify you for a move to ground floor accommodation. Unless you live an area where there is an abundance of social housing (and I'm not aware that there are any of those), there will be a huge waiting list of people with permanent health concerns/disabilities ahead of you. And even if they are able to offer you something immediately...how are you going to manage to move house while incapacitated?

I had SPD so I do understand the pain and misery of it. I also live in a house where the only toilet/bathroom is upstairs so I couldn't avoid stairs at all. I just had to find ways to minimise the agony. The good news is that it starts to get better as soon as you give birth.

Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy.

I know. I learnt a long time ago not to get my hopes up if it's council related! I really do hope it gets better soon after I have the baby. I have a renewed sympathy for people who are disabled and on crutches/in a wheelchair all the time.