support for poor mobility due to pgp

[scaredofthecity]

I am 23 weeks, second pregnancy and my pgp has just notched up a level. I was doing ok with a belt and physio/osteo but I just feel it's progressed and I'm going to be needing the crutches very soon.

I have a very active DS who is 2.10 and I'm really worried about the impact the next few months are going to have on him. He does go to preschool 2x a week and we can't really afford anymore.

Does anybody know if there are any resources to help in this situation? or have any advice on the best way to keep a toddler occupied when my mobility is very much restricted. I'd really appreciate any advice!

Not too much advice but sending support your way as I have had it badly too with a toddler. I don’t trust myself to go anywhere that is too busy or near roads when I’m on my own :( swimming has been a good activity as it’s a relief for me and my LG is really good at getting herself dressed after. Other than that stock up on play dough/arts and crafts/baking etc! I think I had to accept my LG was going to be watching a few more movies than I would normally be happy with just until this passes! Big hugs as PGP is just awful x

thank you, it does just really suck. It's just the days are so long when we can't get out anywhere easily.
I daren't take him swimming as I'm so unsteady on my feet and he has a tendency to bolt. Even the park is difficult as he's a climber and then I can't get him down! it doesn't help that he's a chunk, I haven't been able to lift him for a while. I feel he's too young for soft play unattended as our local ones are massive. I just feel like I'm massively letting him down. There's only so much crafts and baking we can do and he's looking podgy and really needs the exercise and I can't give it to him. He got a scooter for Xmas but there's no way I'm taking him out on that!
My mum has been great and is taking him out when she can, as is my DH. But there's another 4 months and I'm so worried it's going to really affect him.
I've been fantasizing about going for long walks, and just being outside. I'm such an outdoors person and I hate having my freedom taken away from me.
It sucks that you can't even get a blue badge which would just make life so much easier for the moment.
Sorry I'm offloading... I'm just massively fed up! and hurting

I don't know if you are aware, but you may be able to claim esa (employment support allowance) due to the your pgp / spd. Definitely give them a ring today, it may help with the cost of putting little one in nursery.

Had the same in my second pregnancy so here’s what helped us:

• invent games that involve him running and you sitting. We played “catch” a lot (he never caught the ball but would happily run after it!), a game where he ran in circles round me and I tried to grab him, and “animal dance” where I put on music and he danced like different animals.

• have play dates where he can run around with another toddler, they’ll usually spin and run around even in a confined indoor space.

• swap babysitting with friends, so I’d have my son and a friends son for a couple of hours in the morning for cooking/crafts, and she’d take them to the park in the afternoon.

• find tv shows that encourage dancing/movement - lots on YouTube.

• make obstacle courses in your house or garden, we’d put sofa cushions and some steps and boxes out on the floor so he could do climbing safely at home.

• drive a bit further for soft plays or playgroups that he can run around in without your help.

It’s really tough, and yes agree there should be more help available!

Also look for local charities - I think there’s a thing called Home start in some areas that have volunteers who support families?

thank you, I didn't know about esa, I'll look into that.
Thanks elana for some good ideas there, I didn't think of YouTube, he loves joining in the dancing on CBeebies.
I've seen homestart advertised at the children centre so I'll ask about it there.

I would be surprised if you can claim any sort of disability benefits - you usually need to have had the problem for at least six months, for ESA you need to have had a sick note for a certain amount of time IIRC, and expect for it to continue for an even longer period. I've had really debilitating health issues for over a decade and have been unable to work for years and I've never gotten a penny so I'd say that's very unlikely. No harm chatting to the CAB though - ESA is an income replacement benefit so unlikely to apply, possibly PIPs but the criteria are extremely difficult to meet.

I totally sympathise - I started with SPD very early in my twin pregnancy and was on crutches well before my third trimester, thank goodness I didn't have a toddler to deal with too! It's good that you have family to help, personally I'd stop beating yourself up, as a mum with health issues myself I do this all the time but I'm doing my best and I'm certain you are too. Maybe he won't be getting out as much for the next 3-4 months, it's not the end of the world! Take him out when you have help and come up with some fun activities at home.

Homestart may be able to offer you a volunteer depending on how busy they are in your area - worth a try!

Tammyswanson, I was in the op position and midwife advised me to claim. You do not need to have had the condition for a long time, that's PIP, it's totally different. Employment Support Allowance is for people who can't work because of a medical condition, it can be temporary or long term, however, it is not something that will just be paid indefinitely. I got it for 6 months as my husband is working, I got contribution based. You need to get a sicknote from your doctor which should be no problem, and then it's only a phone call.

I'm in employment so not eligible for esa but thanks for the thought. Luckily my work have been very supportive and I have good sick pay. But i only work part time and my DH doesn't earn a huge amount, hence the lack of funds. Plus the osteopath and extra petrol adds up pretty quick!

Thanks Tammy I know your right, I am trying my best and It will all be a distant memory soon. It's all worth it!