Back pain and getting signed off

[44PumpLane]

Right- I don't want to come across as a total wimp but this is a genuine question that I don't feel I can ask anyone in real life as I hate the thought I might sound like a malingerer!

I'm 22+5 with twins, over the past 5 or 6 days I've really started suffering with pain in my back and around the sides of my rib cage- it's particularly pronounced when I'm sitting.

I'm in pain driving and in pain sat at my desk for work.

I've been referred for physio but it could take a couple weeks- has anyone been signed off for back pain?

My job is wholly desk based and I'm in agony. I'm not the type of person to just call in sick- I always work from home as a first step of I'm not feeling ill. But I just don't know how I can carry on feeling like this.

I can't really take anything for the pain and it's so awful- it's making me so tired and my job is very full on. I'm feeling really conflicted about what to do!

I haven't been signed off work (yet) but I feel your pain. I'm 24+3 weeks and currently can't move with back pain. I'm a teacher and have been on summer hols, I go back next week and worried that I won't be able to cope and will get signed off...

Hope your back is feeling better soon, as if being pregnant isn't hard enough!

Hiya, I was signed off work at 32 weeks with my 2nd pregnancy as I had terrible back pain. I'm the opposite of you though, I had a job where I'm standing all day, also a teacher, same as pp, and got to the point where I was crying in pain at work. I went to the GP and explained I was struggling (I'd been having physio for a while) and he did a few checks on my back and legs then had no hesitation signing me off. I ended up being off until I automatically went into maternity leave at 36 weeks.
You could also ask about reducing your hours if you'd prefer, I think GPs can also help you with that. You have to do what's best for you op.

Thanks for the replies ladies- as awful as it sounds it's good to hear I'm not alone!

My pain is when sitting upright, I'm getting a workplace assessment tomorrow to see if there is anything they can do but really I'm only comfortable when I'm walking about (but then the bump gets heavy after a while) or when I'm lying back a bit.

My twin bump is probably similar to a full term single (according to the 7 or 8 helpful people who have already told me how huge I am ) so I just see this getting worse and I guess I'm just worried.

I've been offered the opportunity to be signed off work previously (something unrelated) but really didn't want to as I hate the thought of letting work down or people thinking I'm skiving, but this time it's not just me I have to think about is it, it's the two babies I'm growing!

I'll see how the assessment goes tomorrow but thank you for your replies xx