Slipped Disk at 14 weeks

[InRainbows]

I thought I had PGP, was waiting for first MW appointment to confirm but the pain got so bad that I caved and went to the GP. Was diagnosed with a slipped disk. Has anyone had this in pregnancy? I need tips for a speedy recovery!

I had this with DS1 at about 30 weeks - it was a lower disc and was excruciating. I had to totally alter the way I lived. I went to see an osteopath, an acupuncturist and a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist couldn't do much expect confirm that it probably was a slipped disc and that he generally felt happy that no nerves were being put in jeopardy but because he couldn't X-ray or MRI me etc there wasn't much he felt he could do until after the baby had arrived. He prescribed me codeine, which I was hesitant to take as the idea of taking an opiate while heavily pregnant scared me. A few times the pain got so bad I took them but they had little impact, which he suggested was possible so I stopped taking them. I then went to see an osteopath and an acupuncturist 2-3 times a week (it cost me a small fortune and I spent a lot of time at appointments!) because I was beside myself with the pain. I had to chat with the midwives as to how I would give birth as having such limited movement was going to be an issue, I also had to see the anaesthetists as they wanted to check my back to see if they would be comfortable giving me an epidural or any kind of pain medication via my back. Eventually at about week 34 something changed - I felt much better and movement became easier - I won't ever know but the theory was the disc had to some degree rectified itself. My back was not great for the rest of the pregnancy but wasn't as painful as when the disc was at its worst. My baby came at 36 weeks and all was fine. The relief on my back was amazing and I was immensely happy post birth as I finally felt the pain lift.

I had another pregnancy shortly after and my back was fine for the pregnancy but my weak back struggled with the demands of a 12 month old and new born and I ended up in a very bad way with back pain - no disc slip but just very sore. In hindsight I should have set myself up better with back supporting things - proper feeding chair, breast feeding cushions etc.
I'm due baby 3 in a weeks time and this time I have purchased every available back supporting item on the market.

I hope your back gets better - I think resting my back (combined with the osteopath and acupuncturist maybe?!) was what made it get better....

Thank you so much for telling me your story LondonSouth28! Thank goodness your back pain reduced just before your labour! Rest does seem to be the best remedy atm. I have a desk job and at work my back is at its best I think as you have pointed out the real challenge is at home, all the daily chores are the things that really seem to do my back in so great advise on the post birth back support aids!

I have been referred to NHS physio, will do my first session and then decide if need to go private, it is just so hard spending money on anything other than essentials (/Christmas!) in the run up to baby arriving!

I wish you all the best this time around! I'm so grateful again to have heard that this can improve as I was worried that healing just wouldn't happen during pregnancy.

I hope it might help you! I recall how awful t was, not just physically but also mentally it really took a toll. Is your disc lower or upper?

Its my lower disk, I'm seeing the midwife in a couple of weeks so will be good to see what her thoughts are. I'm taking it super easy and lifting nothing!! My dog now squishes into the passenger footwell of my car for walkies and my OH has agreed to collect me from Sainsburys after the weekend shop, I'm not lifting a thing as I know that won't be an option when baby arrives!

Sorry I didn't come back sooner. I have Baby 3 2 weeks ago and got a little distracted. Has your back got any better?