Dr reluctant to refer me for physio (quick reply needed!)

[BouncingBelly]

I've been suffering with SPD/pgp for about 10 weeks now. My midwife recommended a referral from my GP for physio which I have been waiting for. Only today did I get a phone call from my GP who says he is reluctant to put me forward as he doesn't think it'll be beneficial (I'm 34 was now) I suffered with SPD/PGP towards the end of my 1st pregnancy and paid for a private physio. I am doing all of the exercises and preventative measures I was advised then but they don't seem to be helping now.
What are my options if he doesn't refer me? Is it worth asking to be referred to an osteopath instead? Surely him not referring me to a 'specialist' could result in further issues down the line?
My GP wants to see me in a couple of hours to make sure that he's right in not referring me to the physio, so I need a quick response if anyone can help?
He pretty much said on the phone I'll just have to persevere for the remainder of my pregnancy......
Anyone know where I stand?

Xxxx

That's absolutely ridiculous! !

I would very firmly repeat your request for a referral. I've been waiting 5 weeks so you might run out of time but still ask!

Ask him what alternative treatment he will be recommending...

Good luck- let us know how you get on.

It sounds to me that you should be referred. During my last pregnancy my gp said that a midwife can refer you and that they might be quicker as pregnancy related physio is usually fast tracked so you are not waiting long.

Maybe call your midwife to ask why it has to be gp who refers you, or see what they can suggest you say to gp later to ensure you get help. Good luck.

He pretty much said that everything I'm doing is right and he doesn't know what else a physio could offer me. (He said he was going to give me a sheet of exercises to do instead of seeing a human!)
I'm concerned that I'm doing damage to my pelvis/back by not having the correct advice which will result in a longer recovery post birth

Grrrrr! X

Ask your midwife to refer you.

My midwife said she can't refer me and that's why I've been waiting so long for the GP to get a wiggle on
X

To be honest I was referred for physio and don't think it helped at all. They gave me exercises and advice of what not to do but was already doing / not doing all that anyway. I then waited 6 weeks for second appointment and have been told I won't see them again before baby comes as no appointments (I'm 33 weeks).
So I don't think pushing for the referral will do anything for u if u already have the exercises etc. only thing they may do is give u bands and/or crutches. But that's only if u see them in time.
Xx

That's terrible! See an osteopath - this can only be done privately but is so worth it - and you really don't need to just suffer on as the gp suggests! Contact the pelvic partnership, google them, for advice/recommended osteopaths.

Is self referral an option? Ring the physio dept booking line directly. I did this at my local hospital. Even if you don't get an appt before your baby is born, you can at least get yourself in the system for an appointment post- delivery, should you feel you still need it.

Well he did exactly as I thought and pretty much said get on with it for the next 6 weeks

Oh and take 2 paracetamol with breakfast!
Think I might look into osteopaths - thanks quackojuliet

X

My dh is a private physio, I would look into that rather than an osteopath. They have more time than NHS ones who, as is often the case on the NHS, tend to be forced to use a conveyor belt type of mentality, a private physio can assess you properly and will make sure you get as many appointments as you need.

Depends how much use a physio will be. I've just had a letter through inviting me to an advisory group. No examination or personalised advice or tips for labour. I'm 37+1 and really don't know whether to bother.

That was NHS referal through GP btw. Wish I could afford private.

If you're anywhere near London, the British School of Osteopathy near London Bridge station has a specialist in SPD. There are pregnant women clinics that run, and final year students work on the patients under very close supervision from the highly experienced teacher. It's extremely cheap compared to a regular osteopath AND you get the expertise of the teacher who is apparently an expert in SPD/PGP.

I've not seen them for pregnancy but they've been excellent for some whiplash issues I've had.

I saw a private osteopath last time (I get it bad from around 15-20 weeks onwards) and I think she definitely slowed the deterioration. I saw a NHS physio with my second pregnancy and it was useless.

I should add the reason I never saw them with pregnancy was that it was too awkward for me to travel there due to logistics/childcare etc - it was a lot easier when I worked as I had childcare and it was just nearby!

OP I hope you are going to be putting in a complaint about your doctor's treatment - or lack of. Not sure who to- if you google it I am sure you will get the appropriate body. If you are in pain and there is help available for you then the doctor has a duty of care to ensure you receive that help. I have had a referral from my mw for physio for my bad back and so many other people on here have had support it's seems crazy your doctor and mw will/can not help you.

My GP and MW were reluctant to refer me when I began complaining at 16 weeks about the pelvic pain. After breaking down at 28 weeks I was refferred and seen within about 10 days.
The physio basically could do bugger all and asked why on earth I wasn't referred sooner. I got aq belt and some exercises and a list of what to do etc and sent on my way. Was back 3 weeks later and of course it is worse, given crutches and sent away.
Found a chiropractor myself, have had one session and is is bloody amazing!!! Have another session on Thursday and am actually looking forward to it and honestly believe I will have my mobility back for the remainder of the pregnancy now (34/5weeks).
The GP did grudgingly give me a prescription for co-codamol and that has been a huge relief as well.
It impacts in no way on the GP if he refers you, so please keep fighting, just so you see someone and have some form of paper trail, it iwll also mean after the little one is born you can access physio a lot quicker (if needs be).

What crispy said. I've been treated at the BSO in all 3 pregnancies and it's marvellous. SPD from about 14 weeks this time and it's still under control at 34 wks. Now with a local osteo (on mat leave and BSO was near work) which is more expensive (£40 a session, every couple of weeks) but if you can stretch to that definitely worth it.

Thanks everyone, think I'll look into BSO and see what they can offer me. Anything has got to be better than nothing right?!
Xenadog, I agree about lack of duty of care but I really don't have the energy to go down that route. I think I might just change Drs instead and go to another surgery.
I spoke to my friend last night who has had dealings with this particular doctor before through her job. She found him to be completely unhelpful with her client when a physio referral was requested (he denied that referral too) she knew which doctor I was talking about without me mentioning his name!
My concern is not so much the pain or discomfort (I'd rather do without it don't get me wrong!) but I want to make sure I'm not doing any damage to my pelvis while I'm trying to get comfortable, ie sitting on my back, using the birth ball when maybe I shouldn't be, the way I'm walking/sitting/lying, overcompensating on a part of my body which shouldn't be etc etc although I'm sure all of this will disappear post birth, I cant be sure that I'm creating more problems now resulting in a longer recovery process once the baby is here.

Will let you know how I get on, thanks for all of your replies.

Xx