Fractured Pelvis: Would a hospital listen to me if I request a C-section?

[VixenAndCub]

To start, I'm not even sure if I do have a fracture. 2 different GPs have given me 2 different diagnoses. 1 said it was a stress fracture, but can't have an x-ray to confirm. Another said it was something called PGP.

I listened to advice from both. Tried a pregnancy band thing - didn't help. Been off work to rest - didn't help. Only take painkillers when the pain is unbearable - didn't help. It has crippled me, I struggle to walk for more than 10 mins and I've collapsed in the street 6 times because of this pain in my pubic bone (moreso on my left side).

My partner literally carried me on his back to the doctors and we begged for help, or at least some walking aid until it goes away after birth, but they refused because they want me to walk on it. Despite the risk. We cant really afford to buy crutches or whatever for the next couple of months.

So I'm writing this, immobile, terrified that in April I will have to push out a baby; going through this agony, the serious pains of birth AND risk the baby damaging me more. I will then be stuck in bed, unable to do my job as a new Mum.

Has anyone had health professionals ACTUALLY consider their opinion? Because so far in this experience, all health pros have told me basically to 'shut up and deal with it' (some may have seen my previous posts about how my GP made me go cold turkey off my medication). No-ones listening to me.

At least if I had a C-section, which is not an easy choice to make, I wont risk breaking my pelvis completely and will be able to make small movements until it heals. At least I'd be able to walk around my flat better than I am now.

I just want someone int he NHS to listen to me and understand this is EXCRUCIATING living. I can't get out of bed, can't work, have to rely on my partner to help me even go to the toilet and get dressed. I just want an idea of what to expect if I beg and plead. I know they're experts, but I cant take much more.

That sounds painful, have your midwife or obstetrician been able to help you.

Tell them what you've told us.

Go back to GP and push for an MRI. Despite whatever you believe MRI can be used to diagnose fracture or bone issue and is perfect for pregnant woman . www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4472299/
If he won’t prescribe it and you can’t afford a private one, go to a&Zealand . Not being able to walk or use toilet needs intervention

If you want to try some crutches Argos sell them for £24.99 so not expensive. We got some for my DC earlier this year.

I would expect the hospital to listen to you about a C section.

Best wishes x

The Pelvic Partnership and also the n.c.t have info on pgp on their websites and how to get help

Is it a fracture or SPD? If it’s SPD then Osteopathy is definitely worth a try. I hope you get some relief soon OP

I had severe PGP and arthritis and was referred to physio during pregnancy who provided me with crutches. I was not offered a c section but was offered an induction on my due date to make sure I didn't go over. In the end I had an emergency c section.
Ask for a physio referral from your midwife and go from there x

Agree with asking for a physio referral. You only need one person to be actually bloody listening. For getting around the house I'd recommend a walking frame. It makes you feel much more stable than crutches and you'd probably move about more that way. New ones aren't that expensive but you could probably find someone getting rid of one on Gumtree or similar if money's very tight. Don't get a rollator, though.

You poor thing. Definitely talk to your midwife about your options I’m fairly certain everyone has the right to a c-section.

Depending on what it is a chiropractor might help. I had pgp and when it started I couldn’t get up the stairs or walk more than a few steps as it was just too painful. I saw a chiropractor and it got much better whether it was due to the chiropractor I don’t know. They told me to get an ice pack and ice the area as much as possible so might be worth giving that a go in the first instance as chiropractors obviously cost.

I had severe SPD or PGP in all 3 pregnancies. I used crutches and a belly belt. Nothing helps except Co-codamol and then if you take them you will never shit again except in labour I managed to birth all 3 naturally and the pain goes away almost immediately after birth !

I had a c section in my first pregnancy due to severe spd, no doubt it was the right choice for me. Did same second time round too.

Can I suggest asking on freecycle or similar for crutches, loads of people will have some lying around.

Try your local online forums to see if you can get crutches for minimal cost of free.

Go back to Gp with your partner or a friend with you. Tell them what you have told us. Escalate and push for an MRI. They need to rule out a fracture. If it is pgp then you can take it from there but if there is reason to believe it is a fracture then this needs to be ruled out ASAP.

To those suggesting to say to the GP what I have here; trust me I have. I asked (begged really) for some kind of investigation into it, to go to hospital and have tests like MRI done. Each GP I saw (I saw 3 on 3 separate appointments, 1 of which with my partner) refused. Said there was no point because nothing could be done. This is why I'm here, helpless because they're not listening.

And to those suggesting getting crutches cheap; I can't even afford £20 these days. I took your advices and went to forums or places like gumtree and all I can find in my area is collection only - no delivery. I can't drive so it'll cause me agony just to get them. I'll keep looking though for anyone who may deliver!

Thanks to everyone supporting this so far; you'd think me begging and driven to tears would do something 😒

What about talking to your midwife?

Like pp has said, how about your midwife, have you got antenatal clinic due or can you ring them.

What you're describing sounds like it could be either a stress fracture or spd/pgp

Your doctor or midwife should be able to refer you for physio during pregnancy who may be able to issue you with crutches or a wheelchair and help with mobility.

The reason they won't be pushing for scans is likely because it's not worth putting the unborn baby through the radiation no matter how small, they will be fairly sure it will be one of the two but for now it will present in a similar way and possibly the way it would be managed would be the same anyway, so you might not gain anything from a scan that couldn't wait until after baby is born for a diagnosis.
That said they should be offering you physio & mobility aids in the meantime and listening to you.

If you can't manage the pain at all one option is for them to admit you to hospital for pain relief.

A c section would be a perfectly reasonable request.

Try and get some rest x

My midwife has offered me to join her hydro physio so I'll give that a go if I can push myself to walk to the pool. (Only reason I haven't gone before is because I'm so scared of falling again but can't take much more).

Luckily I got a proper clinic appointment this week with midwife and my partner has that day off work so we'll hopefully get somewhere then.

If I still get no where I'll just have to spend money I don't have on buying my own mobility aids and paying to go to hydro physio, not much choice.

Again, thank you all! I'm glad there are others who have had similar situations

OP I had SPD in first pregnant and was crying in the street from the pain. People thought I was hormonal. 😡 So while it wasn't as bad as yours, I understand some of it.

I remember you from before too. I'm flabbergasted you've not been helped.

I cannot understand the logic in not giving you an MRI - something definitely can be done if it's SPD, but more damage could be done if it's not that! FFS!

So do try midwife for a physio referral. You can't carry on like this until April!

And if you were a man, there is NO WAY would you be left in this pain after begging three times. I am wondering if your GPs are in the same practice and there's something to do with budgets going on? Or something else? I know MRIs are expensive. It seems more than bad luck to get three who have lost their humanity, or who see pregnant women as exaggerating.

I really hope your midwife listens to you.

@SoaringSwallow

I hope she does too, she's very kind compared to the GPs so fingers crossed.

Ironically, my boyfriend said the same thing. "If that was me I'd be in hospital right now getting tests, but because it's a pregnant woman it MUST be the hormones and over reacting!"

Even my family thought I was being dramatic until they saw me dragging myself across the floor because I couldn't move my legs without screaming. Why must people have this view of us? My cousin told me to 'man up' because she never had this with her kids... Like somehow she didn't know every pregnancy is different despite being pregnant twice. Sigh ah well...

I'll update when I hear from my midwife, see if she'll help. If only you guys could prescribe, you lot get it after one message; didn't need 3 appointments and a demonstration! 😆

Talk seriously about your fears to your midwife. If you don’t feel heard make an appointment to see the senior head midwife at the hospital to discuss your options.