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[Clovie]

Hello Ladies

Am feeling sorry for myself....
During my last pregnancy 14 years ago I suffered awful sacroiliac joint pain (SPD as they called it then) and is now known as Pelvic Girdle Pain apparently.
It's where the hormones in pregnancy soften the ligaments in your pelvis in particular in readiness for childbirth. Normally goes away after the birth, but mine stayed.
Got worse every month on run up to and during start of each period. Annoying pain - painful to walk, lift leg to get in and out of car, climb stairs, impossible to push supermarket trolley, feel pain and unbalanced carrying a handbag on one side, painful to hoover etc etc etc. (Doctors (GPs) have always said they don't know what my problem is, just give me painkillers  )

Anyway, on HRT which is working well (estrogel and utrogestan) but have always up to now had fairly regular periods still, and I'm 52 now  - the last 2 periods have been the absolute periods from the depths of hell    Heavy, longer lasting AND it has sent my PGP into orbit on the scale of pain! 
Am thinking obviously hormonal surges? but as a result for nearly 3 months now I've been unable to walk further than about 100ft without severe debilitating pain, I feel all out of alignment, and at times my entire hip/upper leg locks up and I'm unable to put my foot to the floor which is very scary!  and, well, I'm getting really really down about it now.

On the plus side I've recently discovered that the recognised treatment for PGP these days is manual therapy to realign joints, and not the useless sheet of painful exercises they used to give you and a useless sacroiliac belt (of course neither exercises or a belt are going to help whilst your pelvic joints are out of alignment) and I'm seeing someone this week to see if she can help in any way as I'm getting desperate, housebound, dare not drive myself anywhere or go anywhere as the pain has been so bad

Just wondered if any of you ladies suffer or suffer with this on a monthly basis?
Or anyone had manual hands-on therapy for pelvic misalignment?

Thanks for reading x

[CLKD]

 

DO NOT allow *anyone* to manipulate any part of your body.  You could be paralysed.

A X-ray of cervical, lumbar spine to include pelvis and hips should be requested before anyone makes any suggestions.

As oestrogen levels drop muscles become lax = aches and pains all over, not necessarily at the same time though 

Ask for advice from a physiotherapist or a qualified sports therapist at your local Gym regards lifting etc..  It is so easy to aggravate the various muscle groups that have become weaker.  It is so easy to forget how to lift, if I put the dogs' leads on without bending my knees my sciatica soon reminds me   

Swimming is good, non weight bearing exercise but personally, I can't be bothered to get changed and I don't think our town has a nude bathing session  .  Some ladies find that yoga or Tai'chi can be restful; pilates …….

Your GP can prescribe mediation to ease long, heavy bleeds ……..   

[Clovie]

Thanks for replying CLKD,

The person I'm seeing is a qualified physiotherapist who has special experience in dealing with this condition.

Sadly my GP won't let me have any xrays or scans, I've asked.  Just painkillers and ref to physio for exercises which don't ever help.
In fact I gave up asking years ago and was able to manage the condition to a degree myself with painkillers - but the last few months have been hell.....

I know what you mean about things like putting a dog lead on wrong etc, been there done that, but I always swivel in and out of car, bend down correctly etc to avoid as many flare ups as possible.

I'm going to chat to this physio first and get her measure of my problem.

[CLKD]

>wave<

Is your Physio. allowed to refer your for an X-ray independently from the GP?  I know that this wasn't the case 'in my day' but I also know that some things have changed 

I think if you haven't had one for 3+ years, it's time to check on the over-all alignment of your spine and neck.  If not, ask your GP for a referral to an Orthopaedic Clinic.  Patients in the UK are entitled to a 2nd opinion and a GP has to have a really good reason not to refer if symptoms become troublesome.

[Clovie]

Good point about physio requesting Xrays, thanks!
I'll ask that!
I'm seeing her on a private basis though, as the physios my GPs have always sent me to just give exercises.

I'll ask, and also when I see my GP next about HRT review (next month) I'll get on at her for 2nd opinion if she still won't refer me.

[CLKD]

I find if I go into my GP, "What you prescribed/suggested isn't maintaining improvement for very long, could you refer me  ……. " usually works.  Let me know!  Chronic pain is so tiring!

[Clovie]

I will do. Thank you 

[CLKD]

Off for my bath soon ……. all this Olympic cycling is tiring me out 

[Clovie]

  Don't blame you, sounds like a plan! 

[CLKD]

Usually in the bubbles by 9.00 p.m. but all this sport is keeping me up later and later ……. by the end I won't know what day it is