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Original poster

Desperately seeking advice on PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain)

19 replies

Wills · 06/06/2009 22:23

I've just been diagnosed with PGP. I had it during my last pregnancy but it was misdiagnosed as Sciatica. This time its far far worse and also feels like its making my bump incredibly painfull too. I'm 16 weeks and really struggling with sleep. My GP is referring me to a physio but doesn't think i'll be seen for 1 to 2 months. In the meantime can anyone offer any practical advice. Pleeeease .

OP posts:
CarGirl · 06/06/2009 22:30

I think it's more commonly called SPD - I saw an ossteopath, the treatment helped loads I was able to chuck my crutches away.

Rest is the cure, an ice pack (frozen peas) really helps too.

foxytocin · 06/06/2009 22:34

ask about hydrotherapy. it is a dream. relaxes the mind too.

try kneeling over a birthing ball and moving side to side and back and forth on it for 15 mins or so.

Original poster
Wills · 06/06/2009 22:34

Nope. SPD is at the front and this is all round the back. It can be one side hence why it was misdiagnosed last time as Sciatica. I never thought it fitted the descriptions of Sciatica and so have been enormously relieved to find that there's a more valid explanation. Nevertheless.... I'm still in pain.

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Original poster
Wills · 06/06/2009 22:35

Never heard of hydrotherapy - but will ask. Its not presumably. Will also try the birthing ball as we have something similar to that - thxs

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Original poster
Wills · 06/06/2009 22:36

Meant to say its presumably not HOT. What I'd give to put a heatpad on the aches

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CarGirl · 06/06/2009 22:36

My SPD hurt all over!

I would still recommend an osteopath but you need to check they have the extra training to treat pregnant women (it's an add on after they've qualified).

The physio at the hospital gave me crutches and told me to take one step at a time on the stairs - even after I told them I had to go up backwards on my bum because I couldn't even walk it was so excrutiating

herbaceous · 06/06/2009 23:02

There's such confusion over pelvic pain terms. I think there's recently been reclassification of what used to get blanket-termed SPD as PGP. SPD is specifically symphasis pubis dysfunction, which is right at the front (though can affect the rest of the pelvis by destabilising it), and PGP is general pelvic girdle pain, which includes pain in the hips and sacro-iliac joint.

Some people, doctors and osteopaths, still use SPD as the generic term for pelvic pain, and some don't. It's all got very confusing!

I've got actual front fanny SPD, and can think of nothing worse than hydro-therapy - anything that requires pushing forwards, one leg at a time, would blasted well kill me. Still, only three weeks to go and I shall be magically cured, by giving birth.

CarGirl · 06/06/2009 23:05

I def had SPD, even now if I do something stupid at the wrong time of the month I get those shooting pains at the front! Just to warn you herbaceous mine didn't really get cured until about a month after I stopped breast feeding (that keeps the relaxin hormone loitering).

Also don't kick a football for your friends dog........

The thought of swimming, I'm with you on that one!

foxytocin · 06/06/2009 23:10

all the other women in the pool except me had pain at the front and all kept showing up for the session and no complaints so i am surprised to hear you disliked it, herbaceous.

after the first session i felt like i was hit by a truck but it got better and it became the hilight of my week

herbaceous · 06/06/2009 23:18

I have to admit I've never actually tried it. Just imagined that it would hurt like buggery. Bit late now... though I think I might try an osteopath to sort me out a bit before I go into labour.

mears · 06/06/2009 23:20

Information here

foxytocin · 06/06/2009 23:45

it isn't swimming. it is gentle exercises in water that is waist deep and near blood temp. the warmth, near weightlessness and support of the water makes it v pleasant.

Original poster
Wills · 07/06/2009 09:31

Mears - you STAR! Thanks. I didn't know you were still around. With 3 little ones I don't get on half as much as I used to. Bet you never thought I'd have a 4th, but then nor did we . I'm still just as neurotic and paranoid as usual and despite being 16 weeks am still frozen slightly. Anyway I do hope all is well with you and thanks everso for the PGP leaflet.

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Original poster
Wills · 07/06/2009 09:33

Oh God - it explains why I'm waddling already . I just thought it was habit!

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mears · 07/06/2009 13:51

Hiya Wills - I haven't been around for a while but have been hooked in the past week or so. I'll need to watch........

Lovely to hear you are pregnanct again. How is your DH? Wasn't he unwell?

Original poster
Wills · 07/06/2009 19:54

He's in remission and long may he stay there. I know what you mean about being hooked back in but the kids always manage to drag me back out at some point.

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YanknCock · 07/06/2009 20:15

Osteopath has been hugely helpful for me! She also recommended alternating heat and ice treatment, ending on the ice.

Also doing the 'flopped over the birthing ball' exercise where you slowly wiggle your bum side to side---it does help.

mears · 07/06/2009 23:52

That's good to hear Wills.

MiaMamma · 08/06/2009 09:36

Osteopath helped me too. Went to see her and whole week after I felt so much better. Also have a read here: pelvicpartnership, lots of little tips there how to make your life bit easier.

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