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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Can't sleep-SPD misery.

21 replies

Inapickle123 · 25/11/2013 05:41

Just a moan but it's 530am. I got to sleep at 2 after hours of pain, reshuffling (more pain) and dead leg cramp. I'm now up and have to go and be normal at work, where I'll be on my feet all day and up and down stairs (my nemesis).

I'm only 32 weeks- how can it be this bad? I can't move without my entire left side seizing up. Every step I take sends a spasm from the bottom of my calf right up my leg, through my bum and up my back.

I've been to the physio, done the exercises, got the belt, live in the bath (getting out independently is now impossible-bye dignity), sit in the ball, have burnt my back because I live in heat patches and munch paracetamol like haribo.

I can't sleep on my left because the pressure on my hip is excruciating. Can't sleep on my back because I sound like a pug trying to breathe. Can't sleep on my right as the pressure is starting to make that side hurt and cramp up. I have persistently dead legs and attempting to turn over in bed to find the elusive comfy position sends shockwaves all through my body.

I can't believe I have 8 more weeks of this, 4 of which will be spent at work.

Moan over. I just needed to vent-poor DH has been living with this too and I can't keep crying in front of him.

OP posts:

schmalex · 25/11/2013 06:12

Have you tried an osteopath? I found that much more effective than physio.

Mogz · 25/11/2013 07:14

Any way you can get signed off from work or have reduced duties? You're not going to be doing yourself any favours if you keep struggling on.

heather1 · 25/11/2013 07:19

Hi I you can go to a good Osteopath. It really does help.

Cataline · 25/11/2013 07:19

Have you got one of those massive full length pillows? Using one as support was the only way I could get any sleep at that stage. It seemed to keep my knees and hips in a reasonable position.
I was signed off around 33wks due to SPD and confined to sofa or bed rest- it made a huge difference!

hottymama1976 · 25/11/2013 09:16

Sounds really bad :( Do you have a maternity slide sheet (Snoozle)? Helps with the movement of switching sides. Magnesium supplements before bed are great for the cramps.

Felix90 · 25/11/2013 09:21

I'm in exactly the same position as you. Although I've managed to be signed off work by my GP because of it now! Last night I cried like an idiot because the pain is just getting too much for me now. Physio I was referred to in my area is rubbish and midwife even said there's no point in going back now as I am almost 34 weeks so don't have long left. Managed to finally get to sleep last night then woke up 2 hours later and couldn't get back to sleep due to the pain. Mine is the same as worse down the left hand side and has now spread down my thighs and access my low back/bum. Not sure how much more I can take! Is it only going to get worse?

quackojuliet · 25/11/2013 10:04

I am in a similar state, weeping like a baby because I can't get comfy in any position during day or night!
But I had this earlier in my pregnancy,went to osteopath and they clicked my back and pain was gone! So going to the osteo again today and prayong for another quick recovery.
Definitely gets worse if you push it - over the past week I thought I was just stiff so did loads of walking stretching etc which duh has really aggravated it to the point of not being able to walk.
Like you my work is v physical so I will not hesistate to be signed off if this isn't sorted. I don't want to be exhausted miserable and in constant pain at this stage (34 wks). My friend has just had her son at 37 wks so its feeling v real!!

Felix90 · 25/11/2013 10:15

quackojuliet was this a private osteopath you saw? Does it have to be someone specialised in pregnancy related problems? I am considering looking in to this to get me through the last few weeks but think it may be a bit pricey for me. Guess it would be worth it though!

quackojuliet · 25/11/2013 10:27

I'm in london and go to the british school of osteopaths in london bridge, its a training school so you are treated by students oveeseen by an experienced osteopath.
Its 23 quid and their clinic is monday mornings only.
Pelvic partnership have a list of recommended osteos elsewhere

quackojuliet · 25/11/2013 10:28

Ps the monday clinic is for pg women only so they are specialists in spd

Felix90 · 25/11/2013 11:13

Ah that's a good point actually, I live in Leeds and there's a massive amount of medical students here so could be worth looking in to. Thank you

quackojuliet · 25/11/2013 13:53

The relief is immense! Seriously you've got to try it, today I nearly kissed the professor that treated me! I was clearly in too much pain for the students to help so the professor stepped in straight away. Worth any amount of money!!

Original poster

Inapickle123 · 25/11/2013 13:54

Thanks for all the replies and advice; fortunately, I have a midwife appt this afternoon so only had to suffer through the morning.

I've booked an osteopath appointment for after work tomorrow. Here's hoping. At this point, I would quite happily play any price to feel "normal" again.

My job isn't overly physical but it is super high pressured and, in order to do it well, you have to be "on" all the time. If I didn't have so Many people relying on me and so much to do, I would be asking to get signed off as literally ANY movement has be wincing in pain. I'm normally a trooper but this is a whole new level of discomfort. I'm in my 30s and all I want is a cuddle from my mum :(

I can't help but panic over the labour. The only place I feel remotely comfortable in is the bath so a water birth seemed like the logical choice. However, the hospital only has 2 and it's first come, first served. I already feel like a wishbone, how is it going to be when I have a fully-formed human being trying to escape from me?

Please, please, PLEASE Mr Osteopath, fix me. I can't do eight more weeks of this. I just can't.

I want my mummy :(

OP posts:

Undertheboredwalk · 25/11/2013 13:57

Also worth considering acupuncture. I am in similar boat, only 29 weeks and in agony my midwife suggested acupuncture which I had done on Friday and the instant relief is immense. It hasn't cured it but it is a million times better than it was. Am going back again this week to see if we can make it better again. I could have kissed the lady that did it it was such a relief!

Felix90 · 25/11/2013 14:02

Inapickle my only sensible option seems to be a water birth too, and my hospital has 3 pools but it's such a busy unit that I'm shitting myself that one won't be available, then I won't know what to do. Midwife has said epidural is a big no-no when suffering badly from SPD as you can do a lot of damage if you can't feel anything from the waist down. I am guessing it may be a case of the pain of childbirth will probably overrule the SPD pain so I may not notice it at the time, but I'm not too sure.

Original poster

Inapickle123 · 26/11/2013 21:55

Tried the osteopath this afternoon and, while not an entirely successful first trip (can't manipulate my hip/back/legs until the muscles have relaxed so my appointment was spent on deep tissue massage and me holding back the tears) the chap seems fairly confident he can make things a little more bearable. Cynical me wonders how much this is going to cost, but miserable pregnant me is telling that side of my brain to shut it.

Given that there's been a little relief this evening- I'm not currently in tears, nor did I need DH's help to get out of the bath, I'm hoping that more progress will
Be made at appointments next week.

Thanks for the tip!!!

OP posts:

quackojuliet · 26/11/2013 22:08

Glad you got some relief, pickle. My initial elation has faded as I'm still in a lot of pain I think by this stage we're just trying to prevent things getting worse. I've started taking paracetamol every 4 hs which I thought wouldn't touch it but its actually prevented the worst of the pain getting through.

Original poster

Inapickle123 · 26/11/2013 22:28

Quakojuliet that's really shit for you. I'm hopeful that this is a step in the right direction but I'm not holding out hope.

I'm on paracetamol in the mornings on the walk to work (bloody stairs and hills) and cocodamol to help
Me settle at night. I absolutely loathe taking it and am so worried that it'll harm baby pickle (got a growth scan in a few days because he/she is measuring 4-5cm behind-talk about guilt) but I can't keep going on like this. Needs must.

7 weeks and 3 days to go.

OP posts:

quackojuliet · 27/11/2013 07:27

Pickle, can't you get signed off work to allow it to improve? Mine has definitely got better after a few days off. It takes so much longer to heal than to aggravate it.

McBaby · 27/11/2013 09:21

I would see GP and get signed off for a week or so to see if it settles down. Resting and avoiding stairs dor a week might help. Pregnancy/long pillow to support you in bed and duvet under the sheet really help with sleep. I also foud acupuncture v helpful but again only helps for a few days at a time so the cost mounts up but the relief was amazing.

If you are signed off after 36 weeks work have to start your mat leave.

I was signed off from 26 weeks with SPD in last pregnancy currently 18 weeks and its really starting I kick off again but I am already at home with a 15 month old so no relief in sight till birth I fear!

Brittapie · 27/11/2013 09:28

Get yourself some proper coedine. It was the only thing that touched it for me. I spent the last couple of weeks essentially stoned and struggling to even walk with crutches.

DO NOT PUSH YOURSELF. I got told to by an idiot midwife, and four years after the baby was born, my physio is annoyed at that advice that has me still in pain.

REST.

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